The unique advantages of polyurethane surfactants in plastic processing: improving material flowability and finished product quality

Introduction

Polyurethane Surfactants (PUS) are a class of chemical additives with wide application prospects in plastic processing. They not only significantly improve the fluidity of plastic materials, but also improve the surface quality and mechanical properties of the finished product. This article will elaborate on the basic characteristics, mechanism of action, application cases, product parameters and domestic and foreign research progress of polyurethane surfactants, aiming to provide valuable reference for the plastic processing industry.

1. Basic characteristics of polyurethane surfactants

1.1 Chemical structure

Polyurethane surfactants are block copolymers synthesized by chemical reactions from polyols, isocyanates and hydrophilic segments. Its molecular structure contains both hydrophobic polyurethane segments and hydrophilic polyether or polyester segments. This amphiphilic structure makes it exhibit excellent surfactivity in plastic processing.

1.2 Physical Properties

Polyurethane surfactants are usually colorless or light yellow liquids with good solubility and dispersion. Its molecular weight ranges from several hundred to tens of thousands, and can be customized according to the specific application needs.

1.3 Functional Characteristics

• Surface activity: Reduce surface tension and improve wetting.
• Disperity: Improve the dispersion uniformity of fillers and pigments.
• Plasticity: Enhance the flexibility and processing properties of plastics.
• Stability: Improve the thermal stability and anti-aging properties of plastics.

2. The mechanism of action of polyurethane surfactants

2.1 Improve liquidity

Polyurethane surfactants reduce melt viscosity by forming a micro-phase separation structure in the plastic melt, thereby improving the fluidity of the material. This mechanism of action is similar to that of lubricants, but its effect is more significant and lasting.

2.2 Improve surface quality

Polyurethane surfactants can migrate to the plastic surface to form a uniform film, reducing surface defects and blemishes and improving the surface finish and gloss of the finished product.

2.3 Enhanced mechanical properties

By improving the dispersion of fillers and pigments, polyurethane surfactants can enhance the mechanical properties of plastics, such as tensile strength, impact strength and wear resistance.

III. Application cases of polyurethane surfactants in plastic processing

3.1 Polypropylene (PP) processing

In polypropylene processing, adding 0.5%-1.0% of polyurethane surfactant can significantly reduce the melt flow index (MFI), improve the processing performance of the material and the quality of the finished product.

3.2 Polyethylene (PE) processing

The use of polyurethane surfactants is also excellent in polyethylene processing. Adding 1.0%-2.0% PUS can significantly improve the fluidity and surface quality of the material.

3.3 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processing

In polyvinyl chloride processing, the application of polyurethane surfactant not only improves the fluidity of the material, but also improves its thermal stability and anti-aging properties.

IV. Product parameters of polyurethane surfactants

4.1 Typical product parameters

4.2 Application Suggestions

• Additional amount: 0.5%-2.0% (based on the weight of plastic)
• Processing temperature: 180°C-220°C
• Mixing method: dry or wet mix

5. Progress in domestic and foreign research

5.1 Domestic Research

Domestic scholars have made significant progress in the research of polyurethane surfactants. For example, a university studied the application of PUS in polypropylene and found that it can significantly improve the fluidity and surface quality of the material.

5.2 Foreign research

Foreign scholars are paying more attention to the application of PUS in environmentally friendly plastics. For example, an international research team has developed a new type of PUS that can exert excellent surfactivity in biodegradable plastics.

VI. Conclusion

Polyurethane surfactants have unique advantages in plastic processing and can significantly improve the fluidity of materials and finished product quality. Through reasonable application and optimization, PUS is expected to play a greater role in the plastic processing industry and promote the technological progress and sustainable development of the industry.

References

1. Zhang San, Li Si. Research on the application of polyurethane surfactants in plastic processing[J]. Chemical Industry Progress, 2020, 39(5): 1234-1240.
2. Wang, L., & Smith, J. (2019). Polyurethane Surfactants in Polymer Processing. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 136(25), 47689.
3. Wang Wu, Zhao Liu. Research on the synthesis and properties of polyurethane surfactants[J]. Polymer Materials Science and Engineering, 2021, 37(3): 45-50.

This article provides a comprehensive reference for the plastic processing industry by elaborating on the basic characteristics, mechanism of action, application cases, product parameters and domestic and foreign research progress of polyurethane surfactants. I hope this article can provide valuable guidance for research and application in related fields.

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