ABSTRACT
Franklynn Industries introduces a new water-based mold release agent for MDI molded foam articles as well as a water-based tool conditioner to work in conjunction with our mold release agent. Franklynn Industries, a privately held company established in 1991, is a leader in developing customized formulations in water-based mold release agent technologies for industries involving rubber, composite and urethane molding. Our company’s World Headquarters is located in Cincinnati, Ohio with various sales offices and facilities located strategically throughout the world, including Canada and Mexico. We select only those raw materials that meet the global community’s increasing concern for environmentally responsible products and systems. Franklynn Industries is QS-9000/ISO 9001 certified
Franklynn Industries has developed a 100% water-based release agent for Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI) molded foam parts under our Aqualift product line. Notable benefits were zero voc’s, less buildup of polyurea and release agent on the tool surface and excellent part removal. Testing was completed on epoxy and aluminum tools in the temperature range of 105–115°F. The polyurethane system was based upon MDI chemistry at 3.5–5.5 psf densities. In addition, a new water-based tool conditioner has been developed for use in combination with our current water-based topcoat system. This water-based conditioner is applied to cracked, patched or other damaged areas on the tool by brushing or wiping. Testing with this conditioner as a pre-coat to our water-based mold release agent has noticeably reduced sticking in damaged areas of the tool, therefore reducing scrap rates. Results from field tests have shown scrap rates to be reduced by 26% when using our tool conditioner in combination with our water-based mold release agent. Using the tool conditioner also drastically reduced polyurea build-up on the tool, a characteristic that occurs when isocyanate reacts with residual water left over by the mold release. The molded foam surface also showed no signs of cell collapse or increase in cell size.
The polyurethane mold release industry has endured many significant changes since the early eighties. Initially, release agents consisted of naphtha and other flammable and combustible solvents but due to the increasing awareness of environmental and safety concerns these solvent-based products continue to be eliminated Today’s market consists of both water and solvent-based release agents and hybrids of water and solvent.
Franklynn Industries continues to develop new technologies based on MDI foam chemistry and is also working towards expanding their capabilities of producing a water-based mold release agent for Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) polyurethane chemistry. We are committed to providing value added products to our customers and will work with our customers to develop custom formulation to meet their needs.
