Reaction injection molding polyurethane processes

NIR transmittance spectroscopy was used to monitor polyurethane reaction extent in situ during a reaction injection molding (RIM) process. Good agreement was observed between multivariate (PGA) analysis, univariate (Beer-Lambert) analysis, and kinetic predictions. It was demonstrated that PGA methods with carefully chosen spectral ranges could provide estimation of the reaction extent without time-consuming calibration [83]. 

The sandwich-type stmcture of polyurethanes with a smooth integral skin produced by the reaction injection molding process provides a high degree of stiffness as weU as exceUent thermal and acoustical properties necessary for its use in housing and load-bearing stmctural components for the automotive, business machine, electrical, furniture, and materials-handling industry. 

Siloxane containing polyester, poly(alkylene oxide) and polystyrene type copolymers have been used to improve the heat resistance, lubricity and flow properties of epoxy resin powder coatings 43). Thermally stable polyester-polysiloxane segmented copolymers have been shown to improve the flow, antifriction properties and scratch resistance of acrylic based auto repair lacquers 408). Organohydroxy-terminated siloxanes are also effective internal mold release agents in polyurethane reaction injection molding processes 409). 

Write out the complete reactions for polyurethane production starting with toluene, natural gas, air, water, and salt, as sketched in Figure 11-8. Use 1,4-butane diol for the glycol starting from butane. Why is this process preferable for reaction injection molding of automobile parts compared to Nylon or PET ... 

The liquid monomers are suitable for bulk polymerization processes. The reaction can he conducted in a mold (casting, reaction injection molding), continuously on a conveyor (block and panel foam production), or in an extruder (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers and engineering thermoplastics). Also, spraying of the monomers onto the surface of suitable substrates provides insulation barriers or cross-linked coatings. 

There are no generalized models that include all these variables for thermosetting polymers. However, extensive work has been done on the viscosity of polyurethanes [9, 10] used in the reaction injection molding process. An empirical relation which models the viscosity of these mixing-activated polymers, given as a function of temperature and degree of cure, is written as... 

RIM Abbreviation for reaction injection molding. The RIM process involves the rapid metering and mixing of polyurethane reaction ingredients, followed by their injection into a mold. It allows the rapid production of molded polyurethane components. 

The late 1950s saw the emergence of cast elastomers, which led to the development of reaction injection molding (RIM) at Bayer AG in Leverkusen, Germany, in 1964 (see Plastics processing). Also, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs) and Spandex fibers (see Fibers, elastomeric) were introduced during this time. In addition, urethane-based synthetic leather (see LEATHER-LIKE MATERIALS) was introduced by Du Pont under the trade name Corfam in 1963. 

Thermoset polyurethanes are cross-linked polymers, which are produced by casting or reaction injection molding (RIM). For cast elastomers, TDI in combination with 3,3,-dichloro-4,4,-diphen5lmethanediamine (MOCA) are often used. In the RIM technology, aromatic diamine chain extenders, such as diethyltoluenediamine (DETDA), are used to produce poly(urethane ureas) (47), and replacement of the polyether polyols with amine-terminated polyols produces polyureas (48). The aromatic diamines are soluble in the polyol and provide fast reaction rates. In 1985, internal mold release agents based on zinc stearate compatibilized with primary amines were introduced to the RIM process to minimize mold preparation and scrap from parts tom at demold. Some physical properties of RIM systems are listed in Table 7. 

Reaction injection molding (RIM) is a fast, low-pressure, low-temperature, low-cost process for one-step conversion of reactive liquids into large finished solid plastic products. Liquid polyol and liquid diisocyanate are mixed by impingement, pumped instantly to fill a large mold cavity, and polymerize/ cure rapidly to form a thermoset polyurethane product. The cured polymer may be a stiffly flexible product such as automotive bumper covers, front ends, and trim or a rigid foamed product such as furniture and housings (cabinets) for computers, business machines, TY and radio. 

Reaction injection molding (RIM) is a process where a controlled chemical reaction occurs in a mold after injection of the material components. Commercially, the process is used almost exclusively for production of polyurethane parts by injecting a two-component system of isocyanate and alcohol (Figure 14-54). Polyurethanes can be produced with a wide range of properties, from very low density foams to reinforced, structural components. RIM is widely used... 

This book describes the chemistry, manufacture and use of the wide range of flexible polyurethane foams, from low-density open-cell upholstery foams to microcellular and reaction- injection-molded and reinforeed-reaction-injection-molded materials. The related effects of varying the raw-material chemistry and the production process and machinery on the properties and service performance of the final product are indicated. 

Extensive use of flexible polyurethane fascia on automobiles has established RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) as a viable plastic molding process. 

The successful utilization of Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) to fabricate complex polyurethane shapes In a single step from relatively low viscosity streams has led to a search for other chemical systems which can be fabricated by the RIM process. The rapid polymerization of molten caprolactam by anionic catalysis has been utilized to develop attractive nylon RIM systems. The incorporation of a rubber segment In the polymer chain allows the fabrication of high Impact or even elastomeric nylon parts. The combination of a rubber phase with the high melting (215°C) crystalline nylon phase provides useful properties at low temperatures as well as at elevated temperatures. 

Lee, L.J. Polyurethane reaction injection molding Process, materials, and properties. Rubber Chem. Technol. 1980, 53, 542. 

---