Processing of polyurethane/polyester interpenetrating polymer networks by reaction injection molding (RIM). Part I: Design of a high pressure RIM system

Abstract

AbstractThis is the first of a three‐part paper investigating the feasibility of processing polyurethane/polyester Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPN) by Reaction Injection Molding (RIM). The fundamental mixing process is discussed. Various approaches reported to analyze mixing are also critically reviewed. Good part quality in RIM mixing activated systems suggests the need for the creation of a rapid and intense turbulent state within the small impingement chamber. In order to generate the conditions of reactive components intermingling down to submicron dimensions, a high pressure RIM unit was built and tested. The device can inject reactants at high stream Reynolds numbers (around 10,000) and impingement pressures (up to 100,000 psi, 6,895 bar.).