ISRO’s VSSC and CSIR-IICT Sign MoU to Develop Indigenous Eco-Friendly Blowing Agent Technology

Key facts

• CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an MoU to jointly develop indigenous next-generation environmentally sustainable blowing agent technology.
• The technology focuses on hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), which have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and ultra-low global warming potential (GWP), as a replacement for conventional high-GWP blowing agents.
• The collaboration aims to reduce India's dependence on imported specialty fluorochemicals used in lightweight polymer foams for strategic applications.
• CSIR-IICT's Fluoroorganics Laboratory possesses specialized infrastructure for safe handling of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, a key component in synthesizing environmentally compliant blowing agents.