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Use of fluoropolymer permanent release coatings for molded polyurethane foam production

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Abstract

The problem of adhesion of polyurethane foams to fluoropolymer permanent release mold coatings was studied. Two coatings, based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA) aqueous dispersions, respectively, were applied on aluminum plates, and the foam release performance evaluated. The PTFE coating displayed gradual loss of antiadhesion properties with consecutive exposure to the reactive mixture, which was associated with isocyanate surface penetration. Penetrant mass uptake experiments, performed on free films, indicated that PTFE retains about 10 times more isocyanate than PFA, probably because of its porous surface morphology. A synergistic effect was found by applying a very small quantity of a waterborne release agent on the PTFE coating, before every foam molding cycle. The release agent formed a protective barrier that minimized contact of the coating with the reactive mixture, allowing for stable and robust foam release performance. The problem of polyurea build-up, associated with the use of aqueous release agents, was not observed because of the small amounts of compound used.

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Acknowledgments

This study was partly funded by the Agência de Inovação (project Vale Inovação ref. 3762). The authors are thankful to Grupo Copo for supplying raw materials for PUR foam production and a production mold, as well as facilitating the necessary industrial validation tests. An expression of our gratitude is due especially to Arturo González and Alejandro Plaza, from Grupo Copo, for their useful insights and discussions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. LEPAE—Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal

    Leandro Figueiredo, Adélio Mendes, Margarida M. S. M. Bastos & Fernão D. Magalhães

  2. Flupol, Rua da Central, 401, 4440-043, Campo, Portugal

    Pedro Bandeira

Authors
  1. Leandro Figueiredo
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  2. Pedro Bandeira
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  3. Adélio Mendes
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  4. Margarida M. S. M. Bastos
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  5. Fernão D. Magalhães
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Correspondence to Fernão D. Magalhães.

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Figueiredo, L., Bandeira, P., Mendes, A. et al. Use of fluoropolymer permanent release coatings for molded polyurethane foam production. J Coat Technol Res 9, 757–764 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-012-9413-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-012-9413-y

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