Preparation and properties of an internal mold release for rigid urethane foam

Internal mold releases which can be added to urethane foam resin were synthesized and evaluated. The use of this type of release agent eliminates the repeated cleaning and recoating of molds, a procedure required with surface-applied mold releases. The internal mold releases investigated are the reaction products of a fatty acid ester, containing an active hydrogen, and a monoisocycanate. The use of an internal mold release resulted in urethane foam with good releasability and excellent surface bondability. Several properties of rigid urethane foam formulated with the use of an internal mold release are presented.