Evaluation of Pollution Prevention Opportunities for Mold Release Agents

PACIFIC NW POLLUTION PREVENTION RESOURCE CENTER
POLLUTION PREVENTION RESEARCH PROJECTS DATABASE

Project Name: Evaluation of Pollution Prevention Opportunities for Mold Release Agents

Date Last Updated: 2/97

Project Summary: The objective is to idenfity alternatives to conventional mold release agents used in the polyurethane/foam industry. Alternatives were identified and a selected alternative was tested at a polyurethane molding facility as a full-scale demonstration. The alternative, with the trade name of SERT, is a solvent emission reduction technology. The demonstration evaluated the applicability and technical barriers associated with the penetration of the SERT process into the current mold release agent using infrastructure, the overall emissions reduction potential, and the cost associated with switching to the SERT process. The demonstration showed that a 60% reduction in VOC emission is readily attainable with this process, and that the system can be cost effective in comparison to other pollution control/prevention strategies.

Project Keywords: mold release agent, foam, polyurethane

Organization Performing Research: US EPA, USMC, SERDP

Primary Research Contact:
J. Kaye Whitfield
US EPA Organics Control Branch
MD-61
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-2509
WHITFIELD.KAYE@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV

Date Research Started/Completed: 9/93 - 6/96

Publications Based on Research: Report titled "Evaluation of Pollution Prevention Opportunities for Mold Release Agents " available through NTIS.

Approximate Project Budget: $625,000

Primary Project Funder: SERDP

Funder Contact:
J. Kaye Whitfield
US EPA Organics Control Branch
MD-61
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-2509
WHITFIELD.KAYE@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV