RU2636015C2 - Improved window insulation - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: chemistry.

SUBSTANCE: composition forming the PU foam, dispensed from one pressurized container and containing, at least, 5.0 weight percent of propellant, can be used to fill the gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass unit of the window assembly. The PU foam is preferably an OCF PU foam and can give significant advantages to the window assembly, particularly in combination with multiple glazing and/or HR glazing, such as improved thermal and acoustic performance, improved airtightness, increased fire resistance, stiffness and resistance to burglary.

EFFECT: foam forming composition provides friendliness to the user during its application and when the glass unit needs to be replaced, a corresponding window assembly, in which the application of the foam filling can provide a smaller window frame for the same glass surface, is described.

28 cl, 2 dwg, 2 tbl

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to thermal insulation of windows. In particular, the invention relates to improving the thermal insulation of windows in buildings.

State of the art

Conventional energy sources are becoming increasingly scarce and difficult to obtain. Nuclear energy falls out of the picture. For renewable energy sources, the challenge remains of ensuring sufficient scale, sustainable savings and maintaining customer acceptability.

In this ongoing struggle, meeting the growing energy needs of customers at affordable cost has become even more important to use energy responsibly. Energy conservation has become a major factor in society as a whole and in industry in particular.

Heating and / or cooling buildings is an important part of global energy use. And as living standards improve, the client expresses an increased desire to manage their immediate environment, at home as well as at work. But where real estate investors built a building for sale or rent to another person as a tenant, any additional investment in energy conservation is carefully considered and often eliminated in order to save on the cost of the investment. The authorities, which are concerned and generally responsible for supplying energy to society, as a result, began to create more stringent standards related to the energy performance of buildings, both new and existing. The European Union, for example, has recently re-issued in this regard its directive on the energy performance of buildings 2010/31 / EC, the revision of the original directive 2002/91 / EC. Flanders in Belgium in 2006 adopted a directive on the energy performance of buildings for new and renovated buildings with minimal levels of thermal insulation, energy performance and ventilation. These requirements were further tightened in January 2010.

The homebuilding industry has thus faced an increased need for thermal insulation. Opaque parts of the building box, i.e. walls, floors and ceilings can most easily be provided with additional layers of thermal insulation, even during modernization. However, windows and other transparent glazing panels traditionally make the most important contribution to the heat exchange of a building with its environment, and they are also the most difficult to improve.

Insulated glazing, i.e. double or even triple glazing, separated by spaces filled with air or other gas, has now become the standard for several decades in many regions. Due to its increased weight, triple glazing may be too heavy in specific circumstances, especially with moving frames. Compared to air, filling gases are selected because of their lower thermal conductivity and / or their higher viscosity, which reduces convection. Additional gain can be achieved by applying a thin metal layer to the glass, usually silver, which is transparent to most of the visible light, but is effective in reflecting mainly infrared (IR) thermal radiation with a longer wavelength from the inside of the building to the outside. Modern HR ++ glazing, containing two glazing panels, separated by 15 mm of space filled with argon, and including such a barely noticeable metal layer, can provide U _g value (= heat transfer of glass) in accordance with EN 1279 1.1 W m ^-2 K ^{- 1} . Triple glazing with a coating and gas filling can provide a low U _g value of 0.5 or even 0.4 W m ^-2 K ^-1 . The thermal performance of glass sections or frame materials is sometimes expressed in terms of their resistance to heat transfer, which translates into the R-value, usually expressed in (K m ² / W) or (h ft ² ° F / British thermal unit).

As the double-glazing gaskets, hollow metal parts, usually made of aluminum, optionally provided with a thermal barrier, were initially used. Recently, other gasket materials have also been used, such as silicone foam. Seals with strong adhesion are used to seal the joints between the gaskets and glass panels to prevent the migration of water and at the same time avoid thermal bridges between the glass panels and the gasket. Polyisobutylene (PIB) is often used as the primary adhesion sealant or “primary sealant” because of its excellent properties as an air barrier and also because of its high UV resistance. In places that are protected from sunlight, such as a window frame, polysulfide or polyurethane sealant can also be used, in which case it is called a “secondary sealant”.

EP 1744002 A2 relates to the simplification of a two-stage assembly method with the initial production of a double glazing unit filled with an inert gas and closed with a gasket and primary and secondary sealants, followed by transportation of the glass block and fixing it using another adhesive material in the window frame. EP 1744002 A2 proposes to apply a secondary sealant selected from standard adhesive materials known in the art for this application, after the glass block is located in the window frame, as a result of which a single adhesive layer forms a strong bond between at least laying between the double glazing plates and the window frame profile. Polyurethane is provided as a suitable adhesive for use as a secondary sealant material, generally and without any further details.

The thermal characteristics of window frames also attract attention. However, progress in this area does not match the situation with glass, and the current values of U _f (= heat transfer of the frame) in accordance with EN 12412 (as tested) or EN ISO 10077-2 (as numerically calculated) is usually a maximum of 0.8-0 , 9 W m ^-2 K ^-1 . Thus, there is interest in reducing the width of the window frame in order to improve thermal performance, which is accompanied by a recent desire to reduce the width of the frame for aesthetic reasons. The width of the window frame, however, depends heavily on its structural strength, especially in the case of movable frames, which requires support for glass blocks that are heavier, as well as on the way the glass blocks are mounted inside the frames, many of which may require significant overlap of the frame with the glass section.

Improvements in the thermal characteristics of glass and / or frames play a large role, but what is really important is the general characteristic of the entire window, i.e. when all components are assembled and after the window is installed. This is usually expressed by the value of U _w (= window heat transfer) in accordance with EN ISO 10077-1. Already a common goal for the overall thermal performance of windows in an ideal "passive house" is to achieve a value of U _w maximum 0.8 W m ^-2 K ^-1 , which is significantly lower than the current statutory maximum level of 2.2 for U _w and 1.3 for U _g .

As the thermal characteristics of the main individual window components improve, minor elements in the window assembly become important.

One such element is the gap around the glass section, i.e. between glass and frame. This gap is ensured in order to avoid excessive stress in the glass, which can be caused by the temperature difference between different elements, for example, different thermal expansion of the glass and the frame material, but also the pressure difference between the external and internal space of the building. This pressure difference can be intentional, for example, in the case of safe places in an industrial environment, or it can occur suddenly and unexpectedly, for example, in the case of sound waves or under the pressure of strong winds.

Double glazed glass surfaces are usually numbered from the outside to the inside. The window is usually assembled by positioning the surface # 1, which is facing outward, against the edge provided as part of the window frame. To seal the surface # 1 of the glass, a window sealant is usually provided with silicone sealant.

When the glass panel is installed, it is usually located on small parts made of positioning plastic or wood, also known as “support blocks” or “driver blocks”, which are located inside the frame and which guarantee clearance below the glass block. Additional positioning accessories can be added on the side of the glass block. When the glass section is properly positioned, a glazing layout is then attached to the frame, securing the glass section in place. To seal the surface # 4, which is facing inward, silicone sealant can again be provided. The gap around the outer perimeter of the glass block or glass section, as a rule, remains empty, i.e. filled with air. Holes can be drilled or made in the frame or through the rim, especially in the lower part, to allow any water that can condense in the gap to be drained, thereby reducing the risk of fungal growth in the gap. The openings allow air exchange between the gap inside the window and the external environment of the window.

WO 98/19036 A1 describes a sealing profile for double or triple glazing made as a single part by extrusion of a crosslinked polymeric material that acts as a gasket for window panels but is additionally provided with gripping rims extending along the edges and capturing the edges of the glass panels. The profile forms a peripheral gasket that also holds the glass panels. The part of the profile that serves as a gasket is glued to the inside of the glass panels with butyl rubber and duct tape. The profile at its edge is additionally equipped with elastic rims, which, when the glass block is installed in the window frame, form an elastic seal between the outer surfaces of the glass block and the window frame. This part of the profile can eliminate the need for silicone sealant between the outer surfaces of the glass panels and the window frame and the glass layout, which saves labor at the construction site where the glass block is inserted into the window frame. It is claimed that the profile improves thermal insulation, since glass panels enter a gas and air tight way into the peripheral gasket. As can be seen in FIG. 3 of WO 98/19036 A1, an air gap remains between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the polymer profile.

DE 3514540 A1 describes a window assembly using a frame profile comprising heat-insulating connecting parts of the profile. The gap between the window layout and the profile can be partially filled with filler (54, 68), as a result of which a free gap (56, 70) of approximately 20 mm depth remains open for convection inside the window frame.

This air gap between the glass section and the surrounding frame leaves much to be desired, mainly due to the fact that the air can move inside the gap, therefore, its thermal characteristic is low compared to other elements of the window unit and from the point of view of it more and more an important contribution to the overall thermal performance of the window.

GB 2470580 describes a window assembly in which a glazing cavity between a glazing unit and a window frame is divided into two or more separate compartments by means of separation means extending substantially along the periphery of the glazing unit, thereby creating a barrier to prevent airflow in direction through the glazing cavity from the outer region to the inner region. The release means may be a flexible rubber tow of a suitable height such that when the glazing unit is put in place, the tow is deformed and adjacent to the end of the glazing unit, thereby providing contact between the end surface of the glazing unit and the opposite opposite bottom of the glazing cavity. Alternative release agents may be a sealant strip in the form of acrylic impregnated flexible open-cell polyurethane foam similar to that used in civil engineering to fill joints between bricks. The strip must be applied in a compressed state, and the glazing unit must be assembled in the frame before the expanding element expands completely. Such a strip of foam sealant has a predetermined shape and should be cut to a suitable size at the assembly site with the result that usually between the consecutive pieces of the strip usually there is some space through which air can move. In this way, the thermal insulation properties of the window assembly according to GB 2470580 can be further improved.

Document DE 19546847 A1 relates to the fastening of a glass block in a window frame. In the lower part of the window frame, rigid inserts 14 are placed in the frame groove, providing a flat horizontal surface for receiving the underside of the glass block. The insert has channels for the passage of fluid through it, as a result of which the liquid can be drained through the drainage holes. At the top or side of the window, cylindrical inserts are inserted that have a piston that seals the internal volume, which can be filled through the access channel. Before assembly, the insert leaves sufficient space around the perimeter of the glass block, as a result of which the glass block can be replaced without any resistance. After that, the glass block is locked in place by injection through the channel and into the internal volume of the curable fluid insert under pressure, as a result of which the piston is pressed against the perimeter of the glass block. The curable fluid may be an additionally undefined reaction mixture, giving a rigid foam, as a result of which the access channel is also blocked at the same time during curing of the fluid. No additional support blocks for the glass block are required in this assembly. DE 19546847 A1 does not apply to insulation performance.

No. 4,193,973 relates to fixing a glass sheet in a window binding with reduced distortion, providing a solution to the problem of distorting images reflected from the glass sheet. The document proposes to install prefabricated elastic gaskets at intervals in the space between the glass sheet and the side walls of the window binding channel. Alternatively, the insertion of the elastic gaskets can be accomplished by filling with a suitable amount of softened or liquid elastic material, such as a room temperature curable polyurethane sealant, silicone sealant or a quick cure polysulfide type sealant, of this space in predetermined positions, followed by solidification of the elastic material. In a second step, silicone sealant fills the space between the glass sheet and the side walls of the channel. According to US Pat. No. 4,193,973, it is important that the binding channel is not substantially completely filled with sealing material, but there should be an empty space at the bottom of the channel having a predetermined volume. This empty space provides a gap for the discharge of water and for the elastic displacement of the glass sheet, which reduces the stress that may occur in the glass sheet. Preferably, an auxiliary element for sealing material is provided between the elastic gaskets to block the flow of this material to the bottom of the channel. Deformations can be further reduced by attaching frame elements having greater rigidity than the glass sheet to the peripheral edge of the glass sheet with adhesive, before installing the bound glass sheet using the method already described.

US Patent No. 6,546,692 B1 relates to providing high impact resistance in a window system in order to comply with the latest building laws, such as the South Florida Building Act, generally relating to resistance to hurricanes and other voltages under wind loads. The described method provides a 3-layer safety film applied to both double glazed surfaces # 2 and 3, filling the area from the bottom or the outer part of the gasket to the edge of the glass with silicone sealant or biteel, another filler, and providing a tape of silicone foam around the glazing channel in the window frame, between the window frame and surface # 1 of the composite structure of the double glazing. The document also proposes to fill in any gap around the composite structure of the window panel with structural silicone or byteel, i.e. again with adhesive sealant, as a result of which silicone also fills the frame, and complete the assembly by installing a glazing layout. The filling material proposed in US Pat. No. 6,546,692 B1 can further increase the resistance of the window assembly to impact loads, but leaves much to be desired in terms of thermal performance. In addition to this, silicones emit a strong odor of acetic acid during solidification, which is more likely to be perceived by users as unpleasant and disgusting. An additional disadvantage associated with silicone is that if the window panel is broken and the glass section needs to be replaced, it is difficult to cut through the silicone filler and also or even more difficult to remove from the gap that it fills.

It may be necessary that the windows take into account other aspects and satisfy other requirements besides thermal characteristics. Acoustic insulating properties as well as breaking prevention can also be important.

EP 1293639 A2 describes an easy-to-mount, burglar-resistant window assembly in which the double glazing unit is pressed sideways to the frame due to the interaction of two clamping profiles along the perimeter of the double glazing unit, the second profile being inserted at the installation site and pressing the head surfaces around the double glazing unit glazing. It may not be necessary for the profiles to cover the entire perimeter of the double glazing unit in order to achieve their effectiveness. Profiles can constructively improve the window assembly and improve its resistance to cracking, but they do not apply and do not significantly improve the thermal characteristics of the entire window assembly. The profiles of document EP 1293639 A2, in particular, the profile in contact with the window frame, must be very specially selected and adapted to the detailed shape and design of the window frame. Another profile also needs to be adapted to the thickness of the glazing unit. Thus, the solution proposed in document EP 1293639 A2 is very specific for each design of the window frame and the thickness of the glass block, and therefore far from comprehensive.

DE 29 707 708 U1 describes a window assembly in which support blocks are eliminated by filling the grooves in the window frame at least partially and preferably completely with foam. Particularly suitable foams are polystyrene, polyisocyanurate (PIR) and polyurethane (PUR) foam. The foam material must be rapidly curable and form a closed-cell foam, which should provide a strong bond between the glass block and the window frame due to the absence of support blocks. To achieve these properties, PIR and PUR materials must inevitably be selected from their 2-component variants. However, this leads to the disadvantage that they are more difficult to apply, due to more sophisticated application equipment, including several pressure containers with different contents, which usually requires more well-trained and more experienced professionals. To obtain the required structural characteristics, the foam must be relatively high density, which leads to the consumption of a large amount of material to provide only a limited volume.

Thus, there remains a need to improve the thermal performance of the window assembly. There is another need to improve the design characteristics in a way that is user friendly, economical and easy to apply at the construction site and suitable for all window frame designs and glass block thicknesses, and can also be used by less trained specialists. At the same time, the work of replacing broken glass should remain reasonably small and fast, simple and straightforward.

The present invention is aimed at eliminating or at least mitigating the problems described above and / or providing general improvements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, it is proposed the use, window frame and method, which are defined in any of the paragraphs of the attached claims.

The present invention proposes the use of a composition forming a polyurethane foam to fill a gap in the window assembly between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block of the window, in which the composition forming the foam is protruded from the pressurized container and in which the composition forming the foam contains at least one propellant or displacing agent in a total propellant concentration of at least 5 weight percent.

The present invention also provides a method of attaching a glass block to a window frame to create a window assembly that comprises the step of filling a gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block of the window with a composition forming polyurethane foam, wherein the foam forming composition is dispensed from the pressurized container and in which the foam-forming composition comprises at least one propellant or displacing agent in a total propellant concentration of at least 5 weight percent.

The present invention further provides a window assembly in which the gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block of the window is filled with a composition forming a polyurethane foam as defined in the “use” section of the present invention.

Applicants have found that filling the gap with the foam according to the present invention provides much better thermal insulation compared to the same gap filled with air, or compared to most conventional materials in the art for filling the gap. Applicants believe that this is due to better filling of the gap due to expansion of the foam, as well as to small gas bubbles in the foam, which are much better thermal insulators compared to any solid material or compared to the gap filled with air. Polyurethane foam, as a rule, has a specific thermal conductivity (λ) of approximately 0.035 W m ^-1 K ^-1 , while the specific thermal conductivity of silicone is in the range 0.15-0.35 W m ^-1 K ^-1 , the specific thermal conductivity of silicone the foam is in the range 0.12-0.17 W m ^-1 K ^-1 and the specific thermal conductivity of polyisobutylene is approximately 0.20 W m ^-1 K ^-1 , i.e. values that are always significantly higher.

In addition to this, the usual gap filled with air is also subject to heat transfer due to convection and radiation, a lack of thermal characteristic that is absent in the case of filling with foam.

Foam provides an additional advantage in that it provides an airtight seal, which significantly reduces the risk of air leaks through the gap between the glass block and the window frame.

Thus, windows having a foam-filled gap according to the present invention are able to provide a low U _w value for the overall thermal performance of the window, and are able to meet building standards that most of the windows of the prior art are unable to meet or difficult to match.

The foam according to the present invention provides an additional advantage in that it is also a very good acoustic insulator. Thus, filling the gap with foam also contributes to improved acoustic insulation of the window system.

Filling the gap around the glass block with the composition forming the PU foam according to the present invention provides an additional advantage over the gap filled with air and many filling materials known in the art, in that the foam has a strong adhesive ability and, therefore, thus provides additional structural strength and rigidity between the glass block and the window frame. Foam filling thus contributes to the mechanical strength of the window assembly, in particular if the better gap filling is also taken into account compared to non-expandable filling materials known in the art.

Another advantage of the foam-forming composition according to the present invention is that the cured foam also provides a small elasticity sufficient to avoid cracking when the glass or frame moves slightly relative to each other, for example, during an attempt to break in, but low enough. so as not to damage the improvement in mechanical strength that filling with foam gives the window assembly.

This increased mechanical strength improves burglary resistance or stress resistance due to wind load and / or pressure drops for the window assembly according to the present invention, compared to most of those known in the art, especially compared to windows, whose gap is filled with air.

Increased mechanical strength gives increased stiffness of the window assembly. This allows you to reduce the size of the window frame with the same weight of the window, therefore, for the same size of the window. Since the heat transfer of glass (U _g ), as a rule, is significantly lower than the heat transfer of the frame (U _f ), reducing the width of the frame for the same overall window size can reduce the overall window size with the same light capture and / or further improve the thermal characteristics and light capture for the same overall window size. A smaller frame size for the same window size is also appreciated by the consumer due to weight reduction, in particular, is appreciated in the case of sliding windows and from the point of view of the latest aesthetic trends, as discussed above.

Filling the gap with the foam-forming composition of the present invention is also more friendly to construction site workers compared to other polymer aggregates known in the art. The foam-forming composition can be made available in containers under pressure, which is created, for example, using propellant gases, and thus can be easily squeezed out of the container and put into the gap using a manual applicator on the container or using an issuing gun to to which the container is attached. The application of the foam-forming composition does not require any pressure from the user. A typical foam-forming composition also hardens relatively quickly, without emitting any unpleasant odors, and any excess foam can be easily cut off when it has hardened. Silicone sealants and most other polymer alternatives, by contrast, are materials with a relatively high viscosity at the time of application. At the construction site, the operator needs to squeeze out these viscous materials through, as a rule, a conical nozzle screwed onto the container, which requires a large and carefully controlled force to control the speed at which the material flows out of the mouthpiece. Properly filling the gap requires skill. Removing excess material is also difficult due to the fact that the material remains sticky for a relatively long period, and when it has hardened, it is difficult to cut it and therefore to cut it precisely. Some silicone sealants, in addition, can give off a strong odor during their hardening, for example, acetic acid, which can be perceived as unpleasant and even disgusting.

Applicants further found that using the foam-forming composition of the present invention also provides several advantages over using prefabricated and cured PU foam profiles designed to fill the same gap.

Firstly, the foam-forming composition of the present invention is able to fill the existing gap much better, while the prefabricated foam profile is less adaptable to any imperfections in the gap and generally adjoins the window frame and / or less well. glass block. Thus, there remains the risk of leaving channels through which air can flow and sound can pass, reducing the thermal and acoustic insulation of the window.

Secondly, the foam-forming composition of the present invention can simply be squeezed out of the container under pressure, which is much more ergonomic and easy to perform compared to cutting and filling the same gap with a pre-fabricated cured PU foam profile.

Thirdly, the foam-forming composition according to the present invention provides additional adhesion between the glass block and the window frame and, therefore, additional mechanical strength, which is not provided by a prefabricated and cured PU foam profile in the same gap, if only this profile not glued to both the glass block and the window frame.

In the present invention, the foam-forming composition is provided in the form of a pressurized aerosol in a can, canister or container, which makes it possible to extrude the foam-forming composition contained in the can, whereby the foam-forming composition can be dispensed from the pressurized container . This gives the advantage that the composition is easy to use, for which very little or no additional tools or equipment are needed. The pressure in the jar is provided by propellants as part of the contents of the jar.

In the use of the present invention, the composition forming the PU foam is dispensed from the pressurized container. The composition, in fact, is issued from a pressurized container, which differs from the application of 2K PU foam, which is described elsewhere in this document. The PU foam forming composition in use according to the present invention is thus dispensed from a single pressurized container, which means that the PU foam forming composition can be a 1K composition or a 1.5K composition as discussed elsewhere either in this document. Dispensing from a single pressurized container gives the advantage that the application is very user friendly, quite intuitive and can be performed by less trained and / or less experienced operators.

PU compositions selected from 1K and 1.5K compositions give a less dense PU foam compared to 2K compositions. In addition, the minimal presence of a propellant or displacing agent, as described in accordance with the present invention, contributes to a less dense PU foam compared to 2K compositions. 2K compositions are cured mainly by the chemical effect of the hardener component, usually combined with at least a small amount of water to promote foam formation, while a 1K composition is almost exclusively, and 1.5K compositions are mainly designed for hardening by moisture from ambient air and / or substrates. Moisture curing creates CO ₂ , which further contributes to the expansion of the foam and thus also the lower density obtained at the end of the PU foam. This gives the advantage that less source material is used to fill the volume of a particular gap compared to the 2K PU composition. The applicants also found that these PU foam compositions from one container can significantly increase the mechanical properties of the entire window assembly. However, applicants prefer to continue to use support blocks or driver blocks in order to properly position the glass block in the window frame before applying the composition forming the PU foam according to the present invention. Applicants have found that these effects of user friendliness and lower use of the material, in combination with a contribution to the mechanical properties, should be preferred over the alternative use of a composition of 2K PU foam and left support blocks because the effects outweigh the benefits that can be achieved 2K alternative.

An additional element of user friendliness given by foam filling according to the present invention is the fact that fully hardened foam can be easily cut using a knife. This provides another advantage over filling with silicone or other polymer sealant. When the window needs to be replaced, for example, when breaking, the foam filling can be easily cut to break the adhesion of the glass along its perimeter with the frame, as a result of which the glass, glass block or pieces of glass can be easily removed from the window frame. Most of the remaining foam can be easily cut off, the last traces do not even need to be removed, as a result of which the window frame can be quickly prepared again to receive a new glass panel or glass block. Silicone sealants and other polymer sealants are much more difficult to cut, if not impossible at all. Thus, replacing broken glass in a window with a gap filled with a polymer sealant such as silicone is significantly more difficult and burdensome.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In FIG. 1 shows a section by the plane AA ′ indicated in FIG. 2, the connection between the double glazing unit and the wooden window frame.

In FIG. 2 is a front view of a window frame in which a double glazing unit is already installed and before installing the glazing layout.

Detailed description

The present invention will be described below with reference to specific embodiments and certain drawings, but the invention is not limited to them and is limited only by the claims. The described drawings are given only as schematic and not limiting. In the drawings, the size of some elements may be increased and not scaled for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to the real ones for implementing the invention.

In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in the description and claims, the claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order. The terms are used interchangeably in suitable circumstances, and embodiments of the present invention may work in different sequences than those described and depicted.

In addition, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “above”, “under”, etc. in the description and claims, the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for the description of relative provisions. The terms used in this way are used interchangeably in suitable circumstances, and embodiments of the present invention may work in different orientations than are described and depicted here.

The term “comprising”, as used in the claims, should not be construed as limiting the funds listed after it; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It should be interpreted as indicating the presence of the indicated features, integers, steps or components to which it refers, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or their groups. Thus, the scope of the expression “device containing means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. With respect to the present invention, this means that the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

In the context of the present invention, the terms “glass block” and “glazing block” have the same meaning and are used interchangeably.

In the context of the present invention, the gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block or glazing unit is the gap that usually remains between the outer perimeter of the glass block or glazing unit, outside the glass block and between planes defined by the direct actual continuation of the outward and inward facing surfaces, at least one, usually flat, glass plate that forms the window itself. This space may also be known as the “head space” or “head space clearance” of the glass block in the window frame. Usually this gap remains essentially open, apart from a few supporting blocks, meaning that this gap is filled with air, in particular with the intention of leaving a channel for moving the fluid, to drain the water and the gap for any differences in thermal expansion between the glass and the material windows and / or for moving glass relative to the window frame under the influence of pressure waves striking the window, or pressure differences between the internal and external pressure of the structure containing the window.

In the context of the present invention, the prefix "poly" is used to mean "more than one", which when limited to integers is the same as "2 or more" or "at least 2". Thus, the term "polyol" refers to a compound having at least 2 alcohol or hydroxyl (—OH) functional groups. The term "polyisocyanate" thus means a compound having at least 2 isocyanate (NCO or more correctly —N = C = O) functional groups.

In the context of this invention, the prefix "three or more" means "3 or more" or "at least 3".

In the context of the present invention, the foam-forming composition may comprise NCO-terminated molecular chains, as well as any of the derivatives, for example, silane-terminated molecular chains, referred to below.

In the present invention, the foam-forming composition is provided in the form of pressurized aerosols in a jar, canister or container that are capable of extruding the foam-forming composition contained in the can, whereby the foam-forming composition can be dispensed from the pressurized container (paragraph 2 of the claims). This gives the advantage that the composition is easy to use, with very little or no additional tools or equipment needed. The pressure in the can is preferably provided by propellants as part of the contents of the can.

In one embodiment, the PU foam forming composition of the present invention is provided in a container with a maximum volume of 20 liters. This has the advantage that the mixture inside the container is more easily mixed by shaking the container, which can be more conveniently done manually when the container has a smaller volume. This feature is even more important in the case of 1.5K compositions compared to 1K compositions, since 1.5K compositions require a mixing step by the end user, shortly before application of the composition. The consumer usually does not have access to shaking machines and, therefore, is limited to the manual stage. Thus, smaller volumes have a particular advantage for this consumer. To this end, applicants preferred that the composition in the “use” section of the present invention be contained in a pressurized container having a volume of maximum 5 liters, preferably maximum 4 liters, more preferably maximum 3 liters, even more preferably maximum 2.5 liters, preferably a maximum of 2.0 liters, more preferably a maximum of 1.5 liters, even more preferably a maximum of 1.0 liters, even more preferably a maximum of 0.75 liters, preferably a maximum of 0.60 liters by volume.

Applicants have preferred, in particular for industrial purposes, to propose a composition in a pressurized container or containers containing at least 10 liters, preferably at least 15 liters, more preferably even at least 20 liters, and provided with a delivery hose for the composition made of a material that is chemically compatible with the composition forming the PU foam, in particular a material that is not susceptible to embrittlement over time and / or in contact with the composition and / or which is not prone to clogging composition of PU foam. Applicants preferred to provide an extension gun equipped with a nozzle, which is particularly suitable for filling a relatively narrow gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block. Applicants additionally preferred to use propellants, which are non-combustible, which avoids the risks of explosion or ignition when applying the composition to a workshop in which electric motors other than explosion-proof can operate. This option according to the applicants is more suitable for industrial use. Applicants further preferred to use a composition having a particularly low expansion, more preferably expanding by no more than 100% in volume when comparing the volume of the final PU foam with the volume of the introduced composition forming the foam, even more preferably a maximum of 80% in volume, preferably a maximum of 70%, more preferably a maximum of 60%, even more preferably a maximum of 50%, even more preferably a maximum of 40%, preferably a maximum of 30%, more preferably a maximum of 20% in volume, when comparing the volume of the final P U foam with the volume of the introduced composition forming the foam.

The foam-forming composition of the present invention is preferably applied using a gun, also known as a dispensing gun. Such a gun is characterized by having its own valve for controlling the flow of the composition. This gives the advantage that the dosage of the composition can be performed with much higher accuracy compared to application using a manual applicator. This advantage is particularly appropriate since the gap that is being filled is relatively narrow. The accuracy possible with a gun gives the advantage that less excess composition needs to be applied in order to get a good gap filling. Another advantage is that the foam-forming composition prepared for application using a spray gun is generally formulated for low expansion and thus forms a denser foam, which gives better thermal and acoustic insulation, but also mechanical properties, all of which are sought in the context of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a foam forming composition, in particular a single component foam forming composition (OCF). Applicants therefore preferred to use the OCF definition, which is agreed with the Association of European Adhesive and Sealant Industry, better known as the Fédération Européen des Industries de Colles et Adhésifs (FEICA), and which defines OCF as the standard term used for moisture-curable One-component foams, dispensed from pressurized containers (also known as aerosol cans), as well as self-curing two-component foams dispensed from pressurized containers (also known as 1.5 component dark foams). Such foam-forming compositions are preferably used in so-called aerosol applications, i.e. using an "aerosol can" which is adapted to contain and dispense viscous and reactive contents.

The foam forming composition of the present invention is preferably cured by moisture. This means that the foam-forming composition, when extruded, is capable of solidifying upon contact with moisture, preferably by contact with air humidity and / or moisture, obtained from the substrate onto which the composition is applied. The composition, as a rule, expands upon extrusion and forms a foam. Preferably, curing occurs after at least some foam is formed, and more preferably, curing is also quick enough to limit any subsequent compression of the foam.

Preferably, the foam-forming composition of the present invention comprises a prepolymer composition. The prepolymer composition may be introduced into a jar or container, the container then being sealed and pressurized when at least a portion of the pressurized propellant is introduced into the closed container, after which the contents of the container are typically moved to cause the contents to mix container. The propellant may be added at a time, or in two or more parts. A mixture of propellants may be used. Various additives and / or fillers may also be added to the contents of the container, preferably together with a prepolymer.

Preferably, the foam-forming composition of the present invention exhibits good fire and fire resistance properties.

Fire-retardant properties can be achieved by the presence of various ingredients, such as halogens, in particular bromine and chlorine-containing polyols and plasticizers, ingredients containing liquid phosphorus, for example, phosphates, phosphonates, polyols, including halogenated types; aromatic isocyanates such as MDI and TDI and polyester polyols that exhibit better fire resistance properties than polyether polyols. In this last group, aromatic polyester polyols have better characteristics than aliphatic types. In addition, in foams with a higher number of closed pores, the use of fluorinated hydrocarbons as a propellant gives better fire resistance compared to propane / butane / DME formulations. Applicants have chosen to use fluorinated hydrocarbons that exhibit good global warming potential (GWP), such as products known as HFO 1234ze or FEA 1100.

These properties of fire resistance or fire resistance can be obtained by adding expandable graphite to the foam-forming composition, preferably using the compositions described in EP 2350178. Refractory properties are especially important in the case of organic prepolymers terminating in NCO or silane, which can be prepared in this way that the fire-resistant properties of the foam meet the criteria of the norms of class B2 and B1 according to DIN4102 or class D and E, as well as class B and C according to EN 13501-1. Conventional prepolymers may contain up to 10 or even 20 weight percent of unreacted monomeric isocyanate, which improves refractory properties due to the higher aromatic content.

The prepolymer in the context of the present invention is preferably an NCO or silane-terminated organic prepolymer. The foam-forming composition of this invention may contain a mixture of several prepolymers, but will usually contain one single type of prepolymer.

In one embodiment, the foam forming composition of the present invention comprises an NCO terminating prepolymer.

A NCO-terminating prepolymer can be formed through the chemical reaction of a poly- or mono- (Note 1) NCO reactive compound of any type, preferably poly- or monohydroxyl compounds, or a mixture of two or more of them with any type of isocyanate compound in a suitable mixing ratio. For the purpose of producing one-component foam aerosol formulations, these poly- and monohydroxyl compounds are preferably polyester alcohols or polyether alcohols, which can have a molecular weight and functionality that varies over a wide range. The isocyanates may be aliphatic or aromatic, or a mixture of two or more different isocyanates.

Isocyanates suitable for use in the present invention include polyisocyanates, in particular aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, arylaliphatic, aromatic polyisocyanates. Particularly preferred are commercially available di- and / or polyisocyanates, which may contain urethane groups. Examples of commercially available isocyanates are those manufactured, for example, by BAYER, BASF / ELASTOGRAN, HUNTSMAN, DOW, ONGRO, YANTAI WANHUA, etc., offered under the trademarks Desmodur, Lupranate, Suprasec, Voranate, Ongronate and Wannate respectively. The chemically most suitable isocyanate compounds are selected from the group consisting of isophorondiisocyanate (IPDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI), 1,5-diisocinatonaphthalene (NDI), triisocyanatotrimethylmethane, 1,6-diisocyanatohexane (HDI) and 2,4- or 4,4 ' -diisocyanatodiphenylmethane (MDI) and mixtures thereof. Isocyanates, their isomers or derivatives thereof (for example, adducts of beuret and allophanate) can be used as such or as a mixture of two or more compounds. Particularly preferred are aromatic diisocyanates 4,4 ′, 2,4 ′ and 2,2′-diphenylmethanediisocyanates, polymethylene polyphenylisocyanates, mixtures of 4,4 ′, 2,4 ′ and 2,2′-diphenylmethanediisocyanates and polymethylene polyphenylisocyanates and mixtures thereof, in particular mixtures that are commonly called Crude MDI and which typically contain an amount of Polymeric MDI (pMDI). Isocyanates can be modified, as can be readily understood by those skilled in the art of polyurethane foam chemistry, as long as the selected isocyanates are reacted with hydroxyl compounds to create a final foam product that has the desired properties achievable using the present invention.

Hydroxyl compounds suitable for use in the present invention are polyether or polyester alcohols, or a mixture of two or more of them containing hydroxyl functional groups known in the manufacture of polyurethane elastomeric adhesives and sealants, rigid, semi-rigid, flexible and foamy Pen. Complex / simple polyether polyols may also contain amine groups. Polyols suitable for use with the present invention typically have an average molecular weight of from 100 to 4500 and functionality from 2 to 4, preferably from 2 to 3. Within the scope of the present invention, one single type of hydroxyl compound or a mixture of two or more can be used various hydroxyl compounds.

In another embodiment, the foam-forming composition of the present invention comprises a silane-terminating prepolymer.

The silane terminating polymer can be formed using a two-step or one-step reaction process. In a two-step process, an isocyanate-terminating polymer is first formed by reacting the above-described poly- or monohydroxyl compound with any type of isocyanate compound in a suitable mixing ratio, after which the NCO groups of the polymer thus obtained are made to react with aminosilane compounds. Especially suitable for this reaction are the so-called alpha-alkoxyaminosilanes, where the alkoxy group is in the alpha position relative to the organo-functional group and they are very reactive with respect to water. In a one-step process, a hydroxyl compound or a mixture of two or more different hydroxyl compounds is made to react with isocyanatoalkoxysilane. Especially suitable for this reaction are the so-called alpha-isocyanatosilanes, such as those described below.

The OH reactive organofunctional group is preferably an —NCO group.

NCO-reactive silane components usually correspond to the general formula X- (CH ₂ ) _n- Si-R ³ _z (OR ⁴ ) _3-z , in which R ³ represents an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl or aryl group containing 1- 10 carbon atoms, R ⁴ represents an alkyl group containing 1-2 carbon atoms or an ω-oxaalkyl alkyl group containing a total of 2-10 carbon atoms and z = 0 or 1, n = 1, 2 or 3, and X represents OH or NCO reactive group. Most preferred are those compounds in which R ⁴ is a methyl group and z = 0 or 1, thus silane compounds ending in dimethoxy and trimethoxy. An NCO reactive group X contains an active hydrogen atom, for example, an —NH ₂ , —NH, SH, epoxy or —OH group. Most preferred alkoxy in alpha position relative to the organo-functional group, suggesting that n = 1. A particularly suitable NCO reactive alpha silane is (N-phenylaminomethyl) dimethoxysilane.

OH-reactive silane components have the general formula X- (CH ₂ ) _n -Si-R ³ _z (OR ⁴ ) _3-z , where the silane termination is as described in the previous paragraph. The OH reactive organofunctional group may be an —NCO group. Most preferred is the alpha arrangement of the organo-functional group relative to the alkoxy group, suggesting that n = 1.

Preferred one-component foam-forming compositions are based on organic prepolymers, typically those formed by the reaction of a polyol with a polyisocyanate. The reaction products of polyols and polyisocyanates are part of the polyurethane family.

Polyurethane (PUR or PU) is a polymer consisting of a chain of organic blocks connected by a carbamate or urethane bond. PU polymers are formed through stepwise polymerization by the reaction of one or more monomers having at least two reactive isocyanate groups, i.e. functional groups that are reactive in the direction of isocyanate function. The isocyanate (-N = C = O or NCO) functional group is highly reactive and capable of reacting with many other chemical functional groups. In order for the functional group to be reactive with an isocyanate functional group, the group typically has at least one hydrogen atom that is reactive with an isocyanate functional group. Most often, compounds are used that have at least two hydroxyl or alcohol groups. Where diisocyanate molecules react with other difunctional molecules, linear polymers are formed. Where at least one of the isocyanates or one of the other molecules has three or more functional groups, the polymer structure is capable of crosslinking and forms three-dimensional structures. Structures with a low degree of crosslinking lead to more elastic products. On the other hand, polymer structures with ultimately a high degree of crosslinking are preferred for adhesives.

The reaction of the isocyanate monomer with the second reagent may be favored by the presence of one or more catalysts. Suitable catalysts are amine compounds, typically tertiary amines, and organo-metallic compounds.

Water is also reactive in the direction of isocyanate function and, as a rule, plays a role in the final curing of the polymer in the direction of the formation of ultimately a rigid structure. The final "curing" of the polyurethane polymer, which may include additional bonding as well as crosslinking, is often achieved, at least in part, by reaction with water, for example, atmospheric moisture or moisture present in the substrate onto which the PU composition is applied. The isocyanate functional group can react with water, followed by the release of gaseous CO ₂ to form a primary amine, a functional group that is capable of reacting at least once with still isocyanate functional groups. Thus, this mechanism can also lead to crosslinking in the polymer. Due to this mechanism, a polyurethane polymer structure with residual isocyanate functionality is capable of curing or hardening under the influence of atmospheric moisture and, depending on the viscosity of the mixture, can even foam to some extent, although to a limited extent.

In a one-component system, a pressurized container with polyurethane foam can, for example, be prepared by introducing a mixture of isocyanate polyfunctional reactive compounds, typically polyols with a higher molecular weight and more typically complex polyester polyols, together with a stoichiometric excess of polyfunctional isocyanates in a jar, providing give them sufficient time and shaking to mix the contents of the jar and its reaction until all isocyanate reactive functions Substantially not react and substantially remain available only isocyanate functions. The viscous liquid mixture thus formed in a jar is usually called a “prepolymer”. Propellant gases may be added, optionally together with the reagents listed above, to provide pressure in the can, if required. When using liquefied gases as propellants, such as components such as LPG or dimethyl ether (DME), these gases can also act as a solvent for other components in the mixture.

The application of polyurethane then, as a rule, consists in releasing the viscous prepolymer mixture from the pressurized can and curing it, in the composition of a one-component foam (OCF) by reaction with atmospheric moisture and optionally also with water from a wet or wet substrate. Propellant gases, together with the release of CO _2, can provide a foaming effect when the prepolymer liquid expands to atmospheric pressure. Adding a stabilizer to the mixture can help, since such a component can act as a seed to start the formation of gas bubbles, into which propellants and CO ₂ can then migrate. As the number of nucleation points increases during the formation of the foam upon the addition of the seed, an additional effect may be that more gas bubbles and a smaller size are formed, which can improve the properties of the foam. Curing reactions further increase the viscosity of the reaction mixture, which ultimately hardens as solid polyurethane. The cure rate can be much faster than the rate at which gases are able to escape from the cured mixture, resulting in a solid foam structure. Alternatively, the composition can be made to compress faster than the composition is capable of curing, in which case a dense foam may form, or even some foam structure may hardly remain. In the context of the present invention, it is preferred that the foam-forming composition forms an expanding foam when released to atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the expansion is not too fast and / or strong and remains limited. It is also preferred that the foam is not compressed and thus well fills the cavity into which it is introduced.

In contrast, in a two-component system, the prepolymer with its remaining isocyanate functionality was mixed at the time of application with the second component containing a hardener, i.e. an isocyanate reactive polyfunctional compound, typically a low molecular weight polyol, preferably having a primary alcohol function, which is introduced from a second and separate container and fed under flow or ratio control to the place where this second component is mixed with the prepolymer on the way to the site application. The result is usually a very quickly curable mixture, forming a high density product with high mechanical properties. A limited amount of water may optionally be added to the polyol, which causes the formation of CO ₂ , in which case even less propellants may be needed to obtain the desired foam structure.

The MDI abbreviation used in the PU industry for diphenylmethanediisocyanate, also called methyldiphenyl diisocyanate or methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, may include methyl or methylenediphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, also known as methanediphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, 1-isocyanato-4 [(4 -isocyanatophenyl) methyl] benzene, 4,4'-diphenylmethanediisocyanate and 4,4'-methylenediphenyldiisocyanate, together with its isomers 2,4 'and 2,2', or can also be used for the 4,4'-MDI monomer as one isomer or for a mixture of two or three isomers, such as a mixture of the isomers of 4.4 'and 2, four'. In the context of the present invention, the terms "mMDI", "monomeric MDI" and "MDI monomer" are used in a broad sense, covering all of these possible compositions of methane diphenyl diisocyanate monomers.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the polyurethane foam forming composition comprises less than 1 weight percent of the free methyl diphenyl diisocyanate monomer (MDI), where the concentration is expressed relative to the total weight of the foam forming composition. This gives the advantage that the composition forming the PU foam creates fewer problems related to the irritating, allergic and / or toxic effects of the free MDI monomer. This also gives the advantage that under specific legislation, for example, under the latest legislation of the European Union, the use of the phrase “risk R40” on packages containing a composition of PU foam can be excluded. The same advantage is provided when only prepolymers are used that are completely terminated by silane, i.e. without any remaining free NCO groups.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a low content of free MDI monomer is achieved by applying a composition forming a PU foam at least partially on a polyisocyanate or on a prepolymer that has a low content of MDI monomer. Various methods are known to those skilled in the art to obtain low residual levels of free MDI in the formulation, thereby reducing the problems associated with the use of polyurethane formulations and, where possible, at least avoiding the phrase “risk R40”. Suitable descriptions can, for example, be found in document WO 03/006521, which describes the use of asymmetric polyisocyanates, document WO 2007/115971, which describes the removal of most of the diisocyanate molecules from the pMDI mixture before the formation of the prepolymer, or in documents WO 00/04069, WO 2011/036018 and WO 01/014443, which describe the removal of diisocyanate monomers from a prepolymer by distillation.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a low content of free MDI monomer is achieved by introducing an isocyanate monofunctional reactive compound in the preparation of the PU foam composition, in particular in the preparation of the PU prepolymer composition contained in the composition forming the PU foam. A suitable description can be found in document WO 2013/072380 A2. An isocyanate monofunctional reactive compound reacts with an MDI monomer and forms MDI monomers in which at least one of the two isocyanate functional groups has reacted with an isocyanate monofunctional reactive compound. In one embodiment of the present invention, the polyurethane foam-forming composition comprises at least 0.4 weight percent in the sum of the methyl diphenyl diisocyanate monomers in which at least one of the two isocyanate functional groups has reacted with an isocyanate monofunctional reactive compound, wherein the concentration is also expressed relative to the total weight of the foam-forming composition.

Preferably, the composition contains at least 0.5 weight percent in the total of methyldiphenyl diisocyanate monomers in which at least one of the two isocyanate functional groups has reacted with an isocyanate monofunctional reactive compound, preferably at least 1.0 weight percent, more preferably at least 2.0 weight percent, even more preferably at least 5.0 weight percent, even more preferably at least 7.0 weight percent, preferably m at least 8.0 weight percent, more preferably at least 9.0 weight percent, even more preferably at least 10.0 weight percent, even more preferably at least 12.0 weight percent preferably at least 15.0 weight percent, more preferably at least 20.0 weight percent, and optionally a maximum of 62 weight percent, preferably a maximum of 60 weight percent, more preferably a maximum of 55 weight percent, even more preferably a maximum 50 weight percent com, even more preferably a maximum of 45 weight percent, preferably a maximum of 40 weight percent, more preferably a maximum of 35 weight percent, even more preferably a maximum of 30 weight percent, even more preferably a maximum of 25 weight percent, and this is on the same basis.

In another embodiment, the isocyanate monofunctional reactive compound is a halogenated compound, such as a halogenated monofunctional alcohol. More preferably, the halogenated compound is a brominated compound.

In one embodiment, the isocyanate monofunctional reactive compound used in preparing the composition is represented by a halogenated compound of more than 0% by weight, based on the total amount of isocyanate monofunctional reactive compounds used, preferably at least 10 weight percent, more preferably at least 25 weight percent, even more preferably at least 50 weight percent, even more preferably at least 75 percent weight percent, and a maximum of 100 weight percent. Halogenated compounds can be used as a single component or in a mixture of various halogenated compounds. Preferably, these halogenated isocyanate monofunctional reactive compounds are used in combination with other flame retardant materials, such as those mentioned elsewhere in this document.

Applicants have found that the use of a halogenated isocyanate monofunctional reactive compound offers the advantage that the fire resistance properties of the foam-forming composition of the present invention can be significantly further enhanced and the fire-retardant properties of the foam obtained from this composition according to the present invention. Applicants have found that this effect is not limited to the composition of the present invention, but is also applicable to the compositions described in WO 2013/072380 A2.

Applicants have preferred using a brominated compound as a halogenated isocyanate monofunctional reactive compound. Applicants preferred the use of brominated monofunctional alcohol. Suitable components, for example, are 2,4 dibromophenol (CAS 615-58-7), pentabromophenol (CAS 608-71-9), 2,4,6-tribromphenol (CAS 118-79-6), the latter also known as 1 , 3,5-tribromo-2-hydroxybenzene and is commercially available under such trademarks as Bromkal Pur 3, Bromol, Flammex 3BP, NSC 2136, FR-613 (ICL) or Unibrom PH 73, the latter available from Great Lakes, and tribromneopentyl alcohol (TBNPA, CAS No. 36483-57-5 or 1522-92-5), the latter also known as 2,2,2-tris (bromomethyl) ethanol or 3-bromo-2,2-bis (bromomethyl) propanol for example, available as Ecoflame B-513 from Unibrom or FR-513 from ICL.

The compositions preferred by the applicants are listed below in Table 1, expressed in weight percent, together with their results in fire test B3 / 2 in accordance with the test standard DIN 4102-1 and test EN 13501-1.

Table 1 Type of Title Project 1 Project 2 Project 3 Isocyanate (pMDI) Suprasec 5025 31.39 24.98 24.49 Monofunctional Polyol 2-ethyl-hexanol 8.99 4.13 2.68 Monofunctional Brominated Polyol (73% Br) FR-513 0 4,54 7.86 Functional Polyol Voranol P1010 16.71 14.78 14.49 Functional Polyol Voranol P400 7.66 6.59 6.45 Flame retardant material (42% Cl) Cereclor s42 8.7 0 0 Flame retardant material (32.5% Cl and 9.5% P) TSRP 0 twenty 19.61 Surface-active substance Struksilon 8002 1.39 1.35 1.32 Catalyst DMDEE 0.35 0.3 0.29 Displacing Agents Propane 6.47 6.08 5.94

Isobutane 9.02 8.49 8.3 Dimethylether 9.32 8.76 8.57 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00

Fire test results: i.e. test B2 according to DIN 4102-1 and test according to EN-13501-1

Project 1 Project 2 Project 3 Flame height, cm > 15 > 15 12 Additional time, seconds 5 12 - Fire class according to DIN-4102-1 IN 3 IN 3 IN 2 Fire class according to EN-13501-1 F F E

According to DIN-4102-1, the foam is B2 foam when the flame height does not exceed 15 cm mark within 15 seconds. For EN-13501-1, the flame height must not exceed the same 15 cm mark within 20 seconds to reach the E class. When the 15 cm mark is exceeded, the default foam is B3 or F foam, respectively, and it does not matter what the highest measured flame height was.

In order to enhance the adhesion forces of the final PU composition with surrounding materials, i.e. the surfaces along the perimeter of the glass block and the inner surfaces of the window frame, the applicants preferred to use three or more functional compounds in the prepolymer of the PU foam forming composition of the present invention. This increases crosslinking in the final polyurethane layer and increases the adhesive bond with various surrounding substrates. In an embodiment of the present invention, applicants preferred that the polyurethane prepolymer composition of the present invention be at least in part based on an isocyanate functional reactive compound.

The container according to the present invention may contain either a single component (1K), or also the so-called 1.5 component (1.5K) system.

In the case of compositions 1K, the water-reactive groups of the produced prepolymer cure almost exclusively by reaction with atmospheric moisture and / or water coming from the substrate. This reaction is usually accompanied by crosslinking and possibly an additional increase in volume.

In the case of the so-called 1.5-component (1.5K) systems, chemical curing is at least partially achieved by reacting reactive groups of a reactive compound having free NCO functionality, usually but not necessarily a prepolymer, with a second reaction a capable component, usually one or more amines, added by water, hydroxy-functional molecules, mainly polyols or mixtures thereof. This curing reaction is usually faster, making these systems more suitable for producing foam with a slightly higher density.

In the case of the so-called 1.5 component (1.5K) foam systems, a second reaction component, preferably a hydroxy or amine component or a mixture thereof, is added to the foam-forming composition shortly before or immediately before the composition is dispensed from the container, and preferably in such quantity to ensure at least partial conversion of all NCO groups. Preferably, the applicants provide a pressure container containing a second reactive component inside a larger pressure container containing an NCO or silane terminated reactive compound or foam-forming composition and add a second reactive component while opening the internal pressure container and releasing the second reactive component into a larger container under pressure, preferably shortly before the foam-forming composition should be issued and applied. After dispensing, further curing by moisture can then be provided. This 1.5 component system provides the advantage that the curing of the applied foam is much faster, as a result of which the foam can be cut or trimmed faster after application, which is convenient for the user, especially for the professional user. An additional advantage of the 1.5 component foam system is that the foam reaches a higher final density, which provides better mechanical properties, which contributes to achieving the required increased resistance to cracking, as a result of which this foam is especially suitable for construction purposes and, for example, It can be used to install window frames and doors even without nails, screws or bolts. Another advantage is that 1.5K foam exhibits much less expansion when applied. Therefore, it is easier to dose more accurately than a 1K system, which leads to less waste and less subsequent care.

In one embodiment, the foam-forming composition of the present invention when tested according to the testing method of FEICA ™ 1010: 2011, which is still in draft form, produces foam with subsequent expansion of a maximum of 50%, preferably a maximum of 40%, more preferably a maximum 30%, even more preferably a maximum of 20%, even more preferably a maximum of 10% and most preferably a maximum of 5%. Applicants have preferred to keep this subsequent expansion limited in order to obtain denser foam with better thermal and insulation properties and higher mechanical strength. Applicants, however, also preferred a minimal subsequent expansion, for example at least 1%, preferably at least 2% and more preferably at least 3%, as this improves the penetration of the foam-forming composition into cracks and cracks. and micropores of the window frame and the glazing unit, as a result of which the gap filling is more complete and the adhesion of the foam to the surroundings is higher.

In yet another embodiment, the foam-forming composition of the present invention further comprises, expressed on the same basis, of a general composition, at least one and possibly all of the following:

- a propellant or displacing agent in a total concentration of the propellant of at least 10 weight percent, more preferably at least 15 weight percent, even more preferably at least 20 weight percent, even more preferably 23 weight percent and optionally possibly alternatively a maximum of 40 weight percent, preferably a maximum of 35 weight percent, more preferably a maximum of 30 weight percent, even more preferably a maximum of 28 weight percent,

at least one plasticizer and / or flame retardant material, preferably in a total concentration of plasticizer and flame retardant material, of at least 0.5 weight percent, preferably at least 2.0 weight percent, more preferably at least 5.0 weight percent, preferably at least 10.0 weight percent, more preferably at least 12.0 weight percent, even more preferably at least 14.0 weight percent, even more preferably at least 15.0 weight percent and optionally and possibly alternatively, a maximum of 30.0 weight percent, preferably a maximum of 25.0 weight percent, more preferably a maximum of 22.0 weight percent, even more preferably a maximum of 20.0 weight percent,

at least one foam stabilizer and / or surfactant, preferably in a total concentration of a foam stabilizer and surfactant of at least 0.2 weight percent, preferably at least 0.5 weight percent, more preferably at least 0.7 weight percent, even more preferably at least 0.9 weight percent, even more preferably at least 1.0 weight percent, and optionally and possibly as an alternative maximum 5.0 weight percent, pre respectfully a maximum of 3.0 weight percent, more preferably a maximum of 2.0 weight percent, even more preferably a maximum of 1.5 weight percent.

Propellant gives the advantage of quickly creating foam when applied, which places the composition in all cracks, crevices and openings of the surrounding substrates and, therefore, improves the penetration of the composition into these substrates, which allows to increase the adhesive bond between all elements.

The propellants or displacing agents of the present invention are preferably selected from the group consisting of C ₁ -C ₄ saturated hydrocarbons, preferably propane and / or n-butane and / or isobutane, dimethylether (DME), fluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon, preferably R152a or R134a or trans -1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (also known as HFO-1234ze) or z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (also known as FEA 1100) and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the propellants or displacing agents are non-combustible at any concentration in admixture with air. More preferably, the propellants are selected from fluorocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, and mixtures thereof. Non-combustible propellants give the advantage that the risk of ignition during use according to the present invention is reduced, as well as later during the life of the product resulting from use.

Propellants are suitably available from a large number of suppliers. HFO-1234ze is a displacement agent available from Honeywell; FEA 1100 is available from Dupont.

The foam forming composition may also contain at least one surfactant. Surfactants can provide stability to the porous structure of the foam during the processes of delivery, curing and subsequent expansion, which occurs as a result of the formation CO₂ in the reaction of free isocyanate with water. Thus, a surfactant can also be called and considered as a foam stabilizer. Surfactants can further contribute to controlling the ratio of open pore to closed pore ratio, which in turn can provide dimensional stability and can affect the foaming pressure of the final cured foam. Examples of commercially available polysiloxane polyoxyalkylene surfactants that are particularly suitable for use in the present invention include, without limitation, those that are typically used in the application of (rigid, flexible, semi-rigid) polyurethane foam, such as those supplied by AIR PRODUCTS, EVONIK, SCHILL & SELACHER, BYK CHEMIE, MOMENTIVE and others. The foam stabilizer may be selected from the group consisting of surface-active dimethicone (i.e. silicone polymer) copolyols, which may be dimethicone polyols ending in hydroxyl and / or methoxy. Surfactants may be present in the composition of the present invention in an amount of from 0.5 to 4.0 parts by weight, preferably from 1.0 to 3.0, and more preferably from about 1.0 to 1.5 parts by weight.

The plasticizers are preferably selected from the group consisting of phosphates or chloroparaffins, which often also exhibit flame retardant properties at the same time, but the plasticizers can also be esters, preferably diesters, such as adipates, phthalates, cyclohexanoates, preferably those alcohols which have a carbon number of at least 4 and preferably at least 7, for example isononyl alcohol. Suitable examples of phosphates and phosphonates are triethyl phosphate (TEP), trichloropropyl phosphate (TSSR), tripotassium phosphate (TCR), dimethylpropyl phosphonate, dimethylcresyl phosphate, as well as chlorinated phosphates, in particular tris- (2-chloroethyl) phosphate, trisopropyl (2) (TCRP), tris- (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate, tris- (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate and tetrakis- (2-chloroethyl) ethylene diphosphate and mixtures thereof. Suitable chlorinated paraffins can be easily obtained, for example, Cereclor ™ S42 and others from INEOS. Mixtures of these compounds may also be used. Plasticizers, such as the diesters mentioned, for example, diisononyl adipate, can be obtained from suppliers including BASF, Evonik or ExxonMobil Chemical. Triethyl phosphate (TEP) can be obtained from Lanxess. Higher molecular weight monoesters, such as isononyl benzoate (INB), which can be obtained from Evonik, can also be used. Another suitable compound may be 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobiturate (TXIB), which can be obtained from Eastman.

Other suitable flame retardant materials can be selected from the group of halogenated, in particular brominated, ixol ethers from Solvay, 3,4,5,6-tetrabromo, 2- (2-hydroxyethoxy) ethyl-2-hydroxypropyl complex tetrabromophthalate ester and ester (available under the name DP45 from Great Lakes). Preferred are those that do not have free hydroxyl groups so as not to affect the amount of available NCO functions.

The foam forming composition of the present invention may also contain one or more non-liquid flame retardant materials, i.e. flame retardant materials that do not have a plasticizing effect. Useful non-liquid flame retardant materials include, without limitation, any compound with flame retardant properties that can dissolve or disperse in polyurethane foam. They include compounds such as inorganic oxides and chlorides, red phosphorus, expandable graphite, and the like.

The foam-forming composition of the present invention preferably further comprises a catalyst, such as an amine catalyst, in order to accelerate the reaction of compounds in a mixture containing reactive hydrogen atoms and isocyanate groups in the prepolymer formation phase and to accelerate the moisture curing reaction after extrusion or dispensing the reaction mixture from the container into the gap. The amine catalyst may contain a primary, secondary or tertiary amine, with tertiary amine catalysts being particularly preferred. Examples of suitable catalysts are dimethylethanolamine (DMEA), tetramethyliminobispropylamine (available as Polycat® 15 from Air Products), N, N-dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMCHA), tetraethylenediamine (Dabco / TEDA), guanidine, diphenylguanidine. 2,4,6-tris (dimethylaminomethyl) phenol, morpholine, N-methylmorpholine, 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, N, N-dimethylpiperazine, 1.8 diazabicyclo [5.4.0] andec-7-ene. Most preferably, the amine catalyst is a dimorpholine compound such as dimorpholine polyethylene glycol (PC Cat® 1 KSC available from Nitroil), 2,2'-dimorpholine diethyl ether (DMDEE), which is particularly preferred.

In another embodiment, the foam-forming composition of the present invention contains from 0.1 to 5.0 weight percent, more preferably from 0.5 to 2.0 weight percent of one or more catalysts.

Other suitable catalysts contain all known compounds that can catalyze isocyanate reactions. Examples are titanates, such as tetrabutyl titanate or tetrapropyl titanate tetraisopropyl titanate and mixtures thereof. Other examples are tin carboxylates, such as dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL), dibutyltin diacetate, tin octoate, tin oxides such as dibutyltin oxide and dioctyltin oxide, organoaluminium compounds such as aluminum trisacetylacetanoacetate, tetoethane ethyl acetate, and triacetate. Mixtures of these compounds may also be used, which may be preferred. Their total concentration can be in the range from 0.01 to 5 weight percent of the total composition.

In another embodiment, the foam-forming composition of the present invention may further comprise a solvent, a viscosity suppressor or viscosity reducer, a UV stabilizer, and mixtures thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the foam-forming composition of the present invention is chemically compatible with the secondary sealant of the glass block, if present, and preferably also with the primary sealant of the glass block. Preferably, the main components of the foam-forming composition are chemically compatible, and more preferably, most of the minor components are also chemically compatible. This has the advantage that the risk of deterioration of the material sealing the glass block that is in contact with the foam forming composition is reduced, which could otherwise lead to the release of gas from the inside of the glass block or to the loss of any vacuum existing inside.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a pressure container containing a foam forming composition according to the present invention. Such a container under pressure easily ensures that the foam-forming composition does not come into contact with moisture prematurely and does not begin to cure prematurely. The pressure container is also very suitable for applying a foam-forming composition. This may be using a manual method, for example, the method described in document WO 2012/052449 A2. Alternatively, the foam-forming composition may be applied using a method using a dispensing gun, such as the method described in WO 2011/151295 A1, preferably the method described in WO 2011/151296 A1. Preferably, any applicator or gun, for example, an applicator for manual application, is supplied with the container.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the polyurethane foam forming composition is further based on at least one polyisocyanate monomer selected from the group consisting of phenyl isocyanate monomers with 3 cores (Note 2, 4 cores, 5 cores and mixtures thereof, preferably a polyurethane prepolymer composition is based on crude methyldiphenyldiisocyanate (MDI cheese), which contains some amounts of polymer (pMDI) together with the MDI monomer.

The choice of raw MDI gives the advantage that this source material is more easily available at a more affordable price, which gives an economic advantage. It is also the starting material, which is the most widespread in the PU industry, as a result of which the implementation of the present invention makes the least changes to an existing and conventional production plant. Another advantage over the pure MDI monomer as starting material is that the pure monomeric MDI is already diluted in the starting material, which makes it easier to achieve the desired low concentration of residual free methyl diphenyl diisocyanate monomer.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the isocyanate reactive polyfunctional compound used in preparing the prepolymer is selected from a polyol and a mixture of polyols. The inventors preferred to use polyether polyols, usually obtained by the reaction of epoxides (oxiranes) with an initial compound having an active hydrogen atom. Suitable examples thereof are, for example, P400 diol, available under the trademark Voranol P400, or other diols such as Voranol P1010 or Voranol P2000, all available from Dow Company. Also suitable are polyesters of polyols, usually obtained by polycondensation (i.e., ester preparation) of multifunctional carboxylic acids with multifunctional hydroxyl compounds. Suitable examples are Isoexter® products available from COIM, Polios® products available from Purinova, Stepanpol® products available from Stepan Company and Hoopol® products available from Synthesia.

Suitable polyols for use in the present invention are polyols or polyesters known in the manufacture of polyurethane elastomeric adhesives and sealants, rigid, semi-rigid, flexible and foamy foams. Polyether polyols can also contain amine groups. The polyol preferably has an average molecular weight of from 400 to 4500 and a functionality that means average functionality in the case of mixtures, most conveniently weighted average, but alternatively average molar, from 2 to 4, preferably from 2 to 3. Preferably, the foam and / or prepolymer composition of this the invention contains a single polyol, although a mixture of two or more different polyols can also be used.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure container is supplied with at least one and preferably a pair of gloves suitable for protecting the user's hands from direct contact with the foam-forming composition before it is fully cured.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the glass block comprises at least two glass panels, optionally three glass panels, the glass panels being separated by a spacer. The gasket keeps the panels at a distance and sets the gap between the panels of the glass block. Suitable gaskets are known in the art and can be made of metal, preferably aluminum because of its lighter weight, but also of structural foam, such as silicone foam. The gasket can be provided as a hollow profile, in particular when made of metal or aluminum. The hollow gasket may contain a moisture absorber, in which case perforation is preferably provided in the direction of the gap between the glass panels in order to keep the gas or air inside the gap sufficiently dry and to prevent moisture condensation on the inside of the glass panels. Suitable moisture absorbers are molecular filters or silica gel and are well known in the art. In the case of glass with vacuum insulation, the gasket is preferably sealed with glass solder, i.e. glassy frit having a lower melting point. The space between the two glass panels of the glass block is preferably at least 6 mm and optionally a maximum of 20 mm. More preferably, the space is at least 9 mm, even more preferably at least 12 mm or even 15 mm. In these ranges, wider spaces tend to provide better thermal insulation. The glass panels of the glass block may have the same thickness, but preferably the outer glass panel is thicker than the inner glass panel. This gives the advantage of better sound insulation due to less resonance. It also reduces the weight and thickness of the glass block compared to a block having the same higher glass thickness for all panels. More preferably, the thickness difference between the panels of the same glass block is a maximum of 1 mm. This reduces the risk of glass breaking due to shear effects.

In another embodiment according to the present invention, a seal is provided between the gasket and the glass panels. Polyisobutyl (PIB) rubber is used as the sealing material because of its excellent air impermeability and its good resistance to UV. PIB rubber seals are readily available on the market, for example, a product available from Tremco-Illbruck under the name Tremco JS680. PIB rubber is a very good sealant, but works less as an adhesive. To provide better structural strength, applicants, therefore, chose to use PIB rubber as a primary sealant together with a secondary sealant. Where the seal is less exposed to UV radiation, polysulfide, silicone or polyurethane sealants can be used as secondary sealants. Applicants have chosen to use polysulfide since it provides better migration resistance compared to other compounds on the list. A suitable commercial polysulfide compound is, for example, Thiover, available from Fenzi SpA in Tribiano, Italy. Preferably, the foam-forming composition of the present invention is compatible with sealing materials that are used between the gasket and glass panels, in particular with a secondary sealant.

In another embodiment, according to the present invention, the gas space between the glass panels is filled with a gas selected from the group consisting of air, argon, krypton, xenon, sulfur hexafluoride, and mixtures thereof. The use of sulfur hexafluoride, even in a mixture, provides improved acoustic insulation compared to the listed alternatives. More preferably, argon is selected as the filling gas due to its wider availability compared to other gases listed except for air. The gas space may also contain an almost complete vacuum, preferably a vacuum of a maximum of 50 kPa, preferably a maximum of 10 kPa, more preferably a maximum of 3 kPa, even more preferably a maximum of 100 Pa, even more preferably a maximum of 10 Pa, preferably a maximum of 1 Pa, more preferably a maximum of 100 MPa The advantage of vacuum is that the total weight of the glass block can be reduced. The vacuum space also allows for a narrower space between the glass panels of the glass block, which can be as little as 0.2-0.5 mm. This makes the window unit with a vacuum space more suitable for the modernization of existing buildings that were not originally designed for insulating glass blocks, in particular for older buildings that were originally built with windows with one glass panel. In order to withstand pressure differences with the environment, the glass panels of the vacuum glass block can be spaced apart with usually a large number of additional small gaskets at regular intervals distributed over the glass surface. These extra small gaskets are preferably made of a transparent material, as a result of which they are usually invisible unless viewed from a very short distance.

In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the glass panels in the glass block is provided with a metal layer, preferably a metal layer containing silver (Ag), optionally also zinc (Zn). The metal layer is preferably thin enough to allow the transmission of visible light of at least 70%, preferably at least 75%. Such metal layers can reflect infrared (IR) radiation, which can further improve the thermal characteristics of the glass block. The metal layer can be applied to the glass panel by vacuum deposition.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the window frame comprises aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), steel and / or wood. Window frames are made primarily of metals, such as aluminum or steel, and are preferably provided with at least one thermal conductivity gap, usually made of polyamide, often reinforced with fibers, preferably glass fibers.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the internal surfaces of the gap are at least partially wetted or wetted, preferably using a water spray device, before applying a foam-forming composition to the gap. This provides an advantage in better and faster curing of the foam composition by moisture and provides a more uniform foam having better pore structure and adhesion. As a result, this improves the thermal characteristics of the window unit, as well as its mechanical properties. A suitable way of wetting or wetting the internal surfaces of the gap is to spray water using a simple spray device for plants, simple and light versions of which are known in the art and are found in most households.

In an embodiment of the window assembly according to the present invention, the window assembly preferably further comprises at least one, possibly several, and where possible, as many structural elements as are described in this document and / or defined in the claims.

Of particular interest is that the inner surfaces of the gap according to the present invention are at least partially wetted or moistened, preferably using a water spray device, before applying a foam-forming composition to the gap. This gives the advantage of better and faster curing of the foam composition under the influence of moisture, and provides a more uniform foam having a better pore structure, better filling of the pores of the substrate and therefore also improved adhesion. As a result, this improves the thermal characteristics of the window unit as well as its mechanical properties. Applicants have discovered that this feature related to the assembly process thus affects the window assembly itself and therefore relates to the product feature that is best described using the process feature.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for assembling a window frame according to the present invention, and this method comprises the following steps:

- bring the glass block into position inside the window frame, and

- before the first or after the first stage, a composition is formed that forms a polyurethane foam, as defined as part of the “use” section of the present invention to fill the gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block and allow the foam-forming composition to expand and substantially harden resulting in a foam

- optionally cutting off any excess foam that may exit the gap, for example, foam extending beyond the thickness of the glass block, and

- set the layout of the glazing of the window unit.

The method for assembling a window frame according to the present invention preferably further comprises at least one of the following steps:

- before the first step, at least one, preferably at least two or more, preferably four support blocks are placed inside the window frame,

- before the first step and preferably also before the second step, if the second step precedes the first step, a retaining rod is placed close to the window frame for engagement with the glass block,

- before the second step, the inner surfaces of the window frame, which should surround the glass block, or the gap formed between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block, are at least partially wetted,

- before the fourth stage, a retaining rod is placed close to the glass block for coupling with the glazing layout, and

- seal the seals between the glass block and, accordingly, the window frame and the glazing layout using a set of sealants or a sealing profile.

Applicants have discovered that a glass block can be inserted into a window frame after applying a foam-forming composition to the window frame, i.e. while the foam-forming composition is still expanding and curing. This method may be called the "wet" method, since the glass block is introduced into the still wet foam. However, the applicants preferred that this method be applied with the frame in a horizontal position, which is better suited to be performed in an assembly shop compared to field conditions or a construction site. In this “wet” method, less or no support blocks are possible, but applicants preferred to use support blocks. In this “wet” method, retaining rods on one side can be used as the boundary from which the foam-forming composition is applied, before the glass block is introduced. This makes it possible to make better use of the material and can be more easily accomplished by using an outstanding gun, which offers higher accuracy when applying the composition. The “wet” method gives the advantage that the composition forming the foam is pressed against the window frame by the glass block, which gives the advantage that the composition is pressed into any pores in the frame and in the glass block, which increases mainly the structural properties of the assembly, but also further enhances the insulating properties of the assembly.

An alternative “dry” method where the glass block is inserted into the window frame before applying the foam-forming composition is most suitable when the window frame is already upright, for example when the window frame is already installed in the building. In this “dry” method, applicants preferred to use support blocks.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for replacing a glass block or a glazing unit in a window assembly according to the present invention, which comprises the following steps:

- remove the layout of the glazing of the window node,

- cut off the foam filling the gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block of the window,

- replace the glass block with a new glass block, while, if necessary, the parts of the foam filling remaining after the second stage can be further cut off and / or removed before entering the new glass block into the window frame,

- optionally filling the gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the new glass block with the foam-forming composition of the present invention, and allowing the foam-forming composition to expand and essentially harden, resulting in foam,

- optionally cutting off any excess foam that may leave the gap beyond the thickness of the glass block, and

- reinstall the glazing layout of the window assembly or replace the glazing layout with a new one.

Applicants have found that the cured foam filling the gap of the present invention can be easily cut with a suitable knife, much easier than if the same gap were filled with any of the filling materials known in the art. Thus, the replacement of the glass block becomes less tedious and / or burdensome and, therefore, can be performed in less time and requiring less effort.

Applicants have further discovered that the foam forming composition of the present invention can also be used when supporting blocks are first placed before bringing the glazing unit into position. Applicants have found that support blocks that are placed along the vertical and to the upper side of the window frame can be held in place for a sufficiently long time to position the glazing unit when these support blocks are attached by a drop of the foam-forming composition of the present invention. This eliminates the need for other fixation means and can also eliminate the compatibility problems of fixation means, for example, with secondary glazing unit sealant.

In methods for assembling a window assembly according to the present invention or replacing a glass or glazing unit in a window assembly according to the present invention, applicants have also preferred to include at least one and more preferably all of the following steps:

- before installing a glass block or a new glass block, retaining rods are placed between the window frame and the outward facing surface of the glass block as a gasket for the external sealant, the retaining rods preferably being preformed profiles having a round, rectangular or square cross section and made of polyester or polyurethane-based material, preferably provided with an adhesive strip for gluing the retaining rod to the eye the frame

- after installing the glass block or a new glass block, fill the seal between the outward facing surface of the glass block and the window frame with an external sealant or sealing profile,

- before installing or reinstalling the glazing layout, retaining rods are placed between the inwardly facing surface of the glass block as a gasket for the internal sealant, and the retaining rods are preferably preformed profiles having a round, rectangular or square cross section and are made of a material based on a complex polyester or polyurethane, preferably provided with an adhesive strip for gluing the retaining rod to the outward facing pb glass surface of the block, and

- after installing or reinstalling the glazing layout, fill the seal between the inwardly facing surface of the glass block and the glazing layout with an internal sealant or sealing profile.

Applicants preferred to use the same material for a set of internal and external sealant or sealing profile. A very suitable material for the sealing profile is EPDM rubber. Suitable sealants may be silicone based and preferably correspond to class G 20 LM or class G 25 LM EN ISO 11600, where G = glass and LM = low modulus, and the number refers to maximum deformation. Sealants ending in silane can also be used, which gives the advantage of applying as a paint. At the same time, their lower UV resistance compared to silicone convincingly suggests actually painting the kit immediately after its application, in order to avoid unnecessary exposure to UV light.

The present invention will now be further illustrated with reference to the drawings.

The cross section in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a joint between a double glazing unit and a wooden window frame by plane AA ′ in FIG. 2. In FIG. The Roman numeral I indicates the outer side, and the Roman numeral II indicates the inner side of the window. Centrally located in FIG. 1, the two glass panels of the double glazing unit are held at a distance from each other by a gasket 8. The layers 9 of the primary sealant seal the two sides of the gasket in contact with the glass panels. Secondary sealant 10 provides additional structural strength to the double glazing unit. The double glazing unit is sealed on both sides, where it meets a wooden window frame, external sealants 1, supplemented by supporting rods and resting on them. The wooden window frame 12 is provided with a drainage groove 6 and a channel 7 for water drainage. In FIG. 1 further shows how the double glazing unit lies on the support block 4, and the frame is finished, after installing the glass block, by installing the glazing layout 11.

In FIG. 2 is a front view of a window frame 21 into which a double glazing unit 20 has already been placed and before installing the glazing layout 11. The glazing unit is correctly positioned with the support blocks 4, usually four, as shown in FIG. 2, placed in the prescribed places in the gap 22 between the glass block 20 and the window frame 21. The support blocks 4 leave a gap 22 between the window frame 21 and the outer perimeter of the glass block 20. The present invention proposes to fill this gap with the foam-forming composition of the present invention.

Now, after a full description of this invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention can be carried out within the wide range of parameters that are given in the claims, without going beyond the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims (71)

1. The use of a composition forming a polyurethane foam, to fill in the window node of the gap around the glass section, preventing excessive stress of the glass, ie the gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block of the window assembly, wherein the foam-forming composition is supplied from a pressurized container, the foam-forming composition containing at least one propellant or a displacing agent in a total propellant concentration of at least at least 5.0 weight percent, wherein the foam-forming composition is a 1K composition or a 1.5K composition. 2. The use according to claim 1, in which the composition forming the foam is served using an issuing gun. 3. The use of claim 1, wherein the foam-forming composition is a single component foam (OCF) composition. 4. The use of claim 1, wherein the foam-forming composition is a moisture-curable foam-forming composition. 5. The use according to claim 1, in which the composition forming the polyurethane foam contains a prepolymer ending in NCO. 6. The use according to claim 5, in which the composition forming the polyurethane foam contains less than 1.0 weight percent of the free monomer of methyl diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) relative to the total weight of the composition forming the foam. 7. The use according to claim 1, in which the composition forming the polyurethane foam contains a prepolymer ending in silane. 8. The use according to claim 6, in which the chemical curing of the foam-forming composition is at least partially provided by reacting the reactive groups of the first reactive component containing NCO or silane functionality with the second reactive component. 9. The use of claim 8, wherein the second reactive component is added to the foam-forming composition, shortly or immediately before the composition is dispensed from its container. 10. The use of claim 9, wherein the second reactive component is added from a pressurized container in a container that contains a foam-forming composition. 11. The use according to claim 1, in which the composition forming the foam, according to the test method FEICA TM 1010: 2011, which is currently in draft form, creates a foam with subsequent expansion of a maximum of 50%. 12. The application of claim 1, wherein the glass block comprises at least two glass panels, the glass panels being separated by a spacer. 13. The use of claim 12, wherein a seal is provided between the gasket and the glass panels. 14. The use of claim 1, wherein at least one of the glass panels in the glass block is provided with a metal layer. 15. The use according to claim 1, in which the window frame contains a material selected from aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), steel and / or wood. 16. The use according to claim 1, wherein the inner surfaces of the gap are at least partially moistened or wetted before applying the foam-forming composition to the gap. 17. The use according to claim 1, in which the composition forming the foam contains at least one and possibly all of the following: - said at least one propellant or displacing agent in a total propellant concentration of at least 10.0 weight percent, - said at least one propellant or displacing agent in a total propellant concentration of a maximum of 40.0 weight percent, - at least one agent selected from plasticizer, flame retardant material, and combinations thereof, - the total concentration of plasticizer and flame retardant material, at least 0.5 weight percent, - the total concentration of plasticizer and flame retardant material is a maximum of 30.0 weight percent, - at least one agent selected from a foam stabilizer, surfactant, and combinations thereof, - the total concentration of the foam stabilizer and surfactant is at least 0.2 weight percent, - the total concentration of the foam stabilizer and surfactant is a maximum of 5.0 weight percent, wherein the concentrations are expressed relative to the total weight of the foam-forming composition. 18. The use according to claim 1, in which the propellant or displacing agent contains at least one fluorinated hydrocarbon. 19. The use of claim 18, wherein the foam-forming composition comprises expandable graphite. 20. The use of claim 1, wherein the pressurized container has a maximum volume of 20 liters. 21. A window assembly in which there is a gap around the glass section to prevent excessive stress on the glass, i.e. the gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block of the window is filled with polyurethane foam obtained from a composition forming a polyurethane foam, which is supplied from a pressurized container and which contains at least one propellant or displacing agent in a total concentration of propellant of at least at least 5.0 weight percent, the foam forming composition being a 1K composition or a 1.5K composition. 22. The window node according to claim 21, in which the window node further comprises at least one of the following structural features: - the composition forming the foam is a composition of a one-component foam, - the foam-forming composition is a moisture-curable foam-forming composition, - the composition forming the foam contains a prepolymer ending in NCO, - the foam-forming composition contains less than 1.0 weight percent free methyldiphenyl diisocyanate free monomer relative to the total weight of the foam-forming composition, - the composition forming the foam contains a prepolymer ending in silane, - the composition forming the foam, according to the test method FEICA TM 1010: 2011 creates a foam with subsequent expansion of a maximum of 50%, - the glass block contains at least two glass panels, the glass panels being separated by a gasket, - at least one of the glass panels in the glass block is provided with a metal layer, - the window frame contains a material selected from aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), steel and wood, - the composition forming the foam contains at least one agent selected from plasticizer, flame retardant material, and combinations thereof, - the total concentration of plasticizer and flame retardant material, at least 0.5 weight percent, - the total concentration of plasticizer and flame retardant material is a maximum of 30.0 weight percent, - the foam-forming composition contains at least one agent selected from a foam stabilizer, a surfactant, and combinations thereof, - the total concentration of the foam stabilizer and surfactant is at least 0.2 weight percent, - the total concentration of the foam stabilizer and surfactant is a maximum of 5.0 weight percent, wherein the concentrations are expressed relative to the total weight of the foam-forming composition. 23. The window assembly of claim 22, wherein the inner surfaces of the gap were at least partially wetted or moistened before applying the foam-forming composition to the gap. 24. A method of assembling a window assembly according to claim 21, comprising the following steps, in which: - bring the glass block into position inside the window frame, and - before the first or after the first stage, a composition is formed, forming a polyurethane foam, which contains at least one propellant or displacing agent in the total concentration of the propellant, at least 5.0 weight percent, and the composition forming the foam, issue from the under pressure of the container to fill the gap around the glass section, to prevent excessive stress on the glass, i.e. the gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block, and provide expansion of the composition forming the foam, and essentially hardening, resulting in the formation of foam, - optionally cutting off any excess foam that may exit the gap, for example, foam extending beyond the thickness of the glass block, and - set the layout of the glazing of the window unit. 25. The method according to p. 24, additionally containing at least one of the following stages, in which: - before the first stage, at least one support block is placed inside the window frame, - before the first stage, a retaining rod is placed close to the window frame for coupling with the glass block, - before the second stage, the internal surfaces of the window frame, which should surround the glass block, are wetted at least partially - before the second stage, at least partially wetted the inner surface of the gap created between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block, - before the fourth stage, a retaining rod is placed close to the glass block for coupling with the glazing layout, and - seal the seals between the glass block and, accordingly, the window frame and the glazing layout using a set of sealants or a sealing profile. 26. A method of replacing a glass block in a window assembly according to claim 21, comprising the following steps, in which: - remove the layout of the glazing of the window node, - cut off the foam filling the gap around the glass section, created to avoid unnecessary stress of the glass, i.e. the gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the glass block of the window, - replace the glass block with a new glass block, while, if necessary, the parts of the foam filling remaining after the second stage can be removed before entering the new glass block into the window frame, - reinstall the glazing layout of the window assembly or replace the glazing layout with a new one. 27. The method according to p. 26, further comprising the following step, in which: - as part of the third step, fill the gap around the glass section, created to avoid unnecessary stress of the glass, i.e. the gap between the window frame and the outer perimeter of the new glass block, a composition forming a polyurethane foam, which contains at least one propellant or displacing agent in the total concentration of the propellant, at least 5.0 weight percent, and the foam-forming composition, dispensed from the pressurized container and allowed the foam forming composition to expand and substantially harden, resulting in the formation of foam. 28. The method according to p. 26, further comprising the following step, in which: - as part of the third stage, any excess foam that can go out of the gap beyond the thickness of the glass block is cut off.

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