The release agent is a central element in the production processes with polyurethane. It is essential in the production of polyurethane and an element that interacts with its surface in the mould. Its formulation has been adapted to meet the regulatory requirements that determine the toxicity that its handling can have for the operators who work with this product. For this reason, Concentrol not only develops different mould release solutions with very specific characteristics for each sector and use, but also conducts research to offer safe products for the people who handle them in the production chain.

In the development and subsequent use of mould release agents for polyurethane, there are several important factors to take into account, which ensure both the good behaviour and quality of the final product, as well as avoiding any impact on the health of workers during its use in production.

The lines CONCENTROL LP ZMC-17 TBM, a mould release concentrate for full skin flexible and semi-rigid polyurethane, and CONCENTROL LP FC-67-3 FTH, mould release concentrate for cold curing flexible polyurethane foam, offer a significant advantage over its composition, since both have high performance of the piece’s finish and release effect, and, very importantly, they also do not contain tin products.

 

The presence of tin

Organometallic compounds of tin are used in the formulations of mould release agents for polyurethane with the aim of improving the surface appearance of the parts and facilitating their extraction. Its presence was essential to this day. However, the toxicity of tin compounds has a negative and significant impact on the DNEL (derived no-effect level) and TLV (threshold limit value) variables, requiring the research of viable alternatives that allow the development of release agents that dispense with these components achieving the same results.

Tin compounds, especially DBTDL (dibutyltin dilaurate) and DOTDL (dioctyltin dilaurate), are commonly used in release agents to facilitate the isocyanate-polyol reaction on the surface, providing the improvements discussed above. However, due to the high toxicity of some of these organic tin compounds, 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 for health and the environment.

 

Tin-free release agents

Concentrol has the product lines LP ZMC-17 TBM and LP FC-67-3 FTH, both free of tin compounds, concentrates ready for use and, therefore, low consumption and with the possibility of having versions of electrostatic application. In addition, 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 the traditional components of limited or prohibited use. The excellent results of these alternative products have caused many customers to migrate to tin-free solutions.

Concentrol remains faithful to its commitment to provide chemical solutions that are more sustainable for the environment and people’s health.