The release agent is a central element in production processes with polyurethane. It is essential in the production of polyurethane and an element that interacts with its surface in the mold. Its formulation has been adapted to comply with the regulatory requirements that determine the toxicity that its handling may have for operators who work with this product. For this reason, Concentrol not only develops different mold release solutions with very specific characteristics for each sector and use, but also researches to offer safe products for the people who handle them in the production chain.
In the development and subsequent use of release agents for polyurethane, there are several important factors to take into account, which ensure both the good behavior and quality of the final product, as well as avoiding any incident with the health of workers during its use. in production.
The references CONCENTROL LP ZMC-17 TBM, concentrated release agent for flexible and semi-rigid full-skin polyurethane, and CONCENTROL LP FC-67-3 FTH, concentrated release agent for cold-curing flexible polyurethane foam, offer an important advantage regarding their composition. , since both have high finishing performance of the piece and a release effect, and, very relevant, they also lack tin products.
The presence of tin
Organometallic tin compounds are used in release agent formulations for polyurethane with the aim of improving the surface appearance of the pieces and facilitating their extraction. His presence was essential to this day. However, the toxicity of tin compounds has a negative and significant impact on the variables DNEL (derived no-effect level) and TLV (threshold limit value), requiring the investigation of viable alternatives that allow the development of release agents that do not require of these components achieving the same results.
Tin compounds, especially DBTDL (dibutyltin dilated) and DOTDL (dioctyltin dilated), are usually used in release agents to facilitate the isocyanate-polyol reaction on the surface, providing the improvements mentioned above. In any case, due to the high toxicity of some of these organic tin components, their use in the market is being limited. Concentrol has focused on the study of alternatives in the formulation that replace these traditional compounds with undeniable risks to health and the environment.
Tin-free mold release agents
Concentrol has the references LP ZMC-17 TBM and LP FC-67-3 FTH, both free of tin compounds, ready-to-use concentrates and, therefore, low consumption and with the possibility of having versions for electrostatic application. Furthermore, although they are products with a flash point of >24 °C and >55 °C respectively, they can be available at any of the usual flash points.
The studies developed by Concentrol represent a definitive step in the research and development of alternative products, which replace traditional components with limited or prohibited use. The excellent results of these alternative products has caused many customers to migrate to tin-free solutions.
Concentrol remains faithful to its commitment to providing more sustainable chemical solutions for the environment and people’s health.
