Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene is a liquid at room temperature (b.p. 48°C). It does not deplete the ozone layer*, and has a very low global warming potential (GWP) due to having a very short atmospheric lifetime.

Our studies show that trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, when used in urethane foams with hydrocarbons, improves the fire performance of the foams. This has also been demonstrated with small-scale fire tests (Mobil 45) and the E-84 tunnel test.

When using trans-1,2-dichloroethylene with hydrocarbons and HFC-365mfc which are flammable products, there is no additional requirement for safety related equipment as far as flammability is concerned.

Furthermore, we have demonstrated that trans-1,2-dichloroethylene is very effective in improving the flammability of HFC-245fa foams with significant reduction in initial mass loss rate and total smoke production and that while the flammability of HFC-365mfc blown foams are better than those produced with HFC-245fa, the addition of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene can be used to reduce the smoke generation in these systems. For additional information, refer to our technical paper titled trans-1,2-dichloroethylene for Improving Fire Performance of Urethane Foam which was presented at the API conference in October 2003.

* Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene should not be considered as playing a role in ozone depletion and is an illustration of the general conclusion of the WMO 2002 assessment stating the very short-lived (VSL) chlorinated substances are not likely to have an impact on the ozone layer.

Physical Property table (69K PDF)

Plastic and Elastomer Compatibility at Room Temperature table (94K PDF)

trans-1,2-dichloroethylene for Improving Fire Performance of Urethane Foam (263K PDF)