Uneven protection caused by temperature variation on a die surface is a long-standing challenge in the die casting industry. Temperature variation is caused by the wide-range of die size, design, complexity, parts produced, and heat profile of each system. Traditional die lubricants, unable to adapt to the disparity in die temperatures, can be suitable at protecting hot areas of the die but can cause residue build up in cooler, less demanding areas. This costly dilemma causes solder, lost production time and extra die maintenance.
QH DIE SLICK® lubricants with heat activated Smart Polymer Technology was developed by Quaker Houghton to address these challenges. These polymers were developed to offer superior protection on high temperature areas of the die while not leaving residue build up in cooler areas.
Quaker Houghton Smart Polymer Technology is based on thermodynamically reactive (heat activated) polymers. Smart Polymers when exposed to high heat areas of the die polymerize through a crosslinking mechanism. The degree of reactivity is dependent on temperature of the die surface and exposure time. This allows Smart Polymers to offer excellent protection on high temperature challenging areas of the die without excess coating on less demanding low temperature areas.
The reactive sites on the polymer are the key to the function of Smart Polymer chemistry. These reactive functional groups allow for the formation of chemical bonds when exposed to high heat areas of the die surface.
When exposed to a low temperature area of the die surface Smart Polymer will remain unreacted and offer standard protection from molten alloys (110-220°C).
At medium temperature ranges the polymer will begin to chemically react forming a stronger more heat resistant coating (220-330°C).
At die temperatures above 330°C Smart Polymer will react quickly and adhere to the die surface more effectively, providing the best protection and strongest coating (Figure 1).
X = active site I = newly formed chemical bond
