Urethane Mold Cleaning Solvent Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mold cleaning compositions, particularly those using solvents like NMP and NEP, pose toxicity risks and can damage certain mold materials, making the cleaning process hazardous and inconvenient, while also being ineffective for removing polyurethane residues efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The development of compositions comprising a pyrrolidone solvent in combination with an imidazole solvent, an alkylene glycol ether, and optionally a terpene, which are designed to be substantially free of NMP and NEP, to effectively remove polyurethane residues from molds without causing damage to the mold materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NMP or NEP solvents are used for mold cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but toxicity and flammability risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by substituting NMP/NEP with alternative solvents having different molecular structures and safety profiles. The new composition uses solvents like isoparaffins, aromatic hydrocarbons, and esters that maintain polyurethane dissolution capability while reducing toxicity and flammability hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solvent system combining multiple solvents (isoparaffins, aromatic hydrocarbons, esters) with complementary properties. This composite approach allows the composition to achieve effective polyurethane removal through synergistic action while balancing safety characteristics that individual solvents cannot provide alone.
2Reliability
If NMP or NEP are used for cleaning, then residue removal capability is enhanced, but mold material damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the cleaning agent by selecting solvents with appropriate polarity and solubility parameters that match polyurethane residues but are gentle on mold materials. The new solvent system achieves effective residue removal through controlled chemical interaction without the aggressive degradation effects of NMP/NEP on polyester and other mold materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary solvents that act as mediators between the cleaning function and mold material protection. These solvents provide the necessary chemical activity to remove polyurethane residues while their molecular structure prevents direct damaging interactions with sensitive mold materials like polyester, effectively decoupling the cleaning action from material degradation.
3Productivity
If stronger solvents are used to remove polyurethane residues, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the safety parameters of the solvent system by selecting components with inherently lower toxicity and flammability while maintaining adequate cleaning power. The composition uses solvents like isoparaffins and esters that provide sufficient polyurethane removal efficiency without requiring the extreme chemical aggressiveness of NMP/NEP, thus reducing safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a composite solvent formulation where multiple components work together to achieve the required cleaning efficiency through combined action. This allows the system to remove polyurethane residues effectively using milder individual solvents, reducing the need for any single hazardous component and lowering overall safety risks while maintaining productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These compositions provide a safer, more environmentally friendly, and efficient method for removing polyurethane residues, reducing toxicity and flammability risks, and are effective across a range of residue densities and mold materials, including solvent-sensitive materials.
Implementation Method 1
The interactions between solvents (and/or the other cleaning materials) and polyurethanes (or polyurea) include penetration (soaking or surface wetting), swelling, degradation (bond breaking), dissolving, and lifting from the mold surface.
Implementation Method 2
The interactions between solvents (and/or the other cleaning materials) and polyurethanes (or polyurea) include penetration (soaking or surface wetting), swelling, degradation (bond breaking), dissolving, and lifting from the mold surface.
Implementation Method 3
The interactions between solvents (and/or the other cleaning materials) and polyurethanes (or polyurea) include penetration (soaking or surface wetting), swelling, degradation (bond breaking), dissolving, and lifting from the mold surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods for cleaning surfaces, such as for removing residues or other coatings from molds and other industrial parts, such compositions comprising, for example, a first solvent comprising a pyrrolidone such as 2-pyrrolidone, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone, or mixture thereof; and a second solvent selected from the group consisting of an imidazole (such as 1,2-dimethylimidizole), an alkylene glycol ether (such as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether or diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, a terpene (such as d-limonene), and mixtures thereof. In various embodiments, such methods are for removing residues from molds used in forming polyurethane parts, wherein residues comprise polyurethane, urethane reactants, and mold release agents. The compositions may be substantially free of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and of 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone.