The formulation of PU foam pigments requires certain techniques and precautions to ensure the quality and performance of the final product. The following are the general blending steps:
1. Preparation
Safety measures: Ensure that you operate in a well-ventilated environment and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, goggles, masks, etc.).
Tool Preparation: Prepare the required tools such as blenders, gages, containers, etc. Make sure all tools and containers are clean and compatible with polyurethane foams and pigments.
2. Choose a pigment and binder
Pigment selection: Choose a pigment that is suitable for polyurethane foam, usually using liquid pigments or colorants. Pigments should be compatible with polyurethane binders to ensure dispersion and stability of the pigments.
Binder selection: Use polyurethane binders suitable for foam manufacturing, including prepolymers and hardeners (hardeners). Make sure the binder is mixed in proportion to guarantee the performance of the foam.
3. Pigment addition
Pigment Ratio: Determine the proportion of pigment added according to the desired color depth. Usually the pigment addition is between 0.5% and 5% of the binder, but the exact proportion depends on the pigment concentration and the desired color.
Addition method: The pigment is added to the polyurethane base. In general, the pigment should be sufficiently dispersed in the base to ensure uniform color.
4. Stir and mix
Stirring: Use a blender to mix the pigment and polyurethane base well. Make sure to stir well to avoid pigment settling or color differences. The mixing time is generally 1-3 minutes, depending on the characteristics of the pigment and the base.
Precautions: Avoid excessive stirring, so as not to introduce too many bubbles and affect the foam quality.
5. Test the color
Sample: Before formal production, a small amount of mixed liquid is taken for the sample to observe the color effect and foam quality.
Adjustment: According to the results of the sample, adjust the amount of pigment added until the desired color effect is achieved.
6. Production applications
Mixing: The adjusted pigment mixture liquid is mixed with the polyurethane foaming agent, and the foaming operation is carried out according to the requirements of the production process.
Foaming: Foaming operations are carried out according to the production process of polyurethane foam to ensure that the foam is uniform and the color is consistent.
7. Cleaning and storage
Cleaning tools: Clean all used tools and containers with the appropriate solvent.
Storage of pigments: Store unused pigments and binders properly and avoid exposure to heat, humidity or direct sunlight.
8. Safety and quality control
Safety: When handling chemicals, strictly follow safe operating procedures and avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
Quality control: Quality inspection of the final foam to ensure color consistency and foam performance meet requirements.
