MINIMAL MOLD FOULING - A MIRACLE OR KNOW-HOW

The layer formed by a water-based mould release agent was investigated by means of Field Emission Electron Scanning Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). For optimal release a layer thickness i n the range of 300 nm was found. AFM used in friction mode showed high friction forces on uncoated metal surfaces. Using a mould release sys tem combining the application of a mould release agent and the use of a mould cleaning compound increases performance significantly. Also th e rheometer curves of the mould cleaning compound are showed. investig ating the vulcanized mould cleaning compound no secondary N-Nitrosamin es could be detected.