Polyurethane is a plastic material composed of interlinked polymer chains, resulting in materials that can range from very soft to completely rigid.
Polyurethane is made up of a very versatile family of polymers, since it is a material that has a wide range of applications, including paints, fibers, adhesives, foams, textiles, and aqueous dispersions.
When selecting the optimal release agent for each polyurethane system, it is important to consider the chemical requirements and the specific process. This includes the type of polyol, isocyanate, and blowing agent used.
Concentrol has developed release agents after years of intense research from the additives division. Molded polyurethane parts are used in various sectors and applications, and can be classified according to the type of foam and the type of process. One of these groups is the integral leather flexible foams, which will be discussed in detail in this article.
Integral leather is a material used in multiple sectors, including automotive, furniture, construction, toys, sports equipment, and footwear. It is used to manufacture specific parts such as armrests, steering wheels, trims, gear shift knobs, chairs, legs, armrests, seats, and more.
In these formulations, the finishes are crucial, as achieving a noble leather-like appearance is a key requirement. Satin or matte finishes are commonly used to create the desired look, opening up new possibilities for parts made of this material.
Type of release agents for flexible polyurethane
Within the sector of flexible foams for integral leather, we can find different types of release agents according to their formulation:
- Solvent-based mold release agent for flexible integral leather polyurethane
- Water-based release agent for flexible integral leather polyurethane
- Water-based release agent for flexible integral leather polyurethane, concentrated to dilute
- Solvent-based release agents for flexible integral leather polyurethane, concentrated to dilute
- Hybrid mold release agent for flexible integral leather polyurethane
- Release agent for internal flexible integral leather polyurethane
- Release agent for flexible integral leather polyurethane in solvent-based paste
- Internal release agent for thermoplastic polyurethane
Characteristics and properties of molded parts
The molded parts made of flexible integral leather must have a flawless surface, as manufacturers aim for perfect demolding.
The use of integral leather is increasing due to its similarity to leather-lined garments. For example, in the automotive sector, many steering wheels are now covered with leather. Therefore, it is essential for the material to be easy to treat and ensure a perfect bond of the leather on the steering wheel. Cleaning agents with low toxicity and aggressiveness are sought for preparing the areas where the leather will be applied.
Achieving the desired gloss level is another important aspect for the finished piece. Molds play a critical role in the final finish, and the choice of release agent can result in different levels of shine. The surface texture of the mold, such as smooth or engraved, also affects the final appearance. Rough engravings tend to produce a more matte finish.
Concentrol references
Concentrol offers various references for different applications, such as air filters, carpets, car steering wheels, footwear, and integral parts. Each reference has its own characteristics, such as glossy or natural appearance, low dirt accumulation on the mold, dilution capability, and high-temperature compatibility.
Professionals working with these formulations should consider whether they prefer glossy, matte, or satin finishes, as each produces a distinct look.
Professionals in the polyurethane molding industry trust Concentrol’s references, as they guarantee quality and meet requirements for product reliability, efficiency, supply security thanks to its large stock, specialized technical and commercial support, and quality and environmental certification., such as ISO 9001: 2008 and ISO 14001.
Concentrol is an innovative company that uses chemistry to add value and ensure the well-being of society. Their professionals continuously improve existing products and develop new ones based on the real needs of the industry. They offer flexibility and agility in adapting chemical products to specific production processes, which is highly valued by professionals in the sector.
