I need to make a porous plastic part.

[Yort1]

Hello, I am a mechanical engineer so I am a little out of my element here. What I am trying to do is make a prototype part that has hydrophilic properties like porous plastic. I only need a few parts for demonstration purposes and cannot justify the expense of a tool. This molded part would have to be able to absorb and wick a liquid solution. Is there a way to make such a part using RTV urethanes or epoxies? I have read that porous plastic can be made by mixing a solid such as sugar or salt into the resin and then leaching the solid out using a solvent such as water or sulfuric acid. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[dwightdixon]

Since the plastic is not soluable and all the particles are not likely to be touching themselves, it is unlikely you can get the sugar/salt to disolve since the water can not reach all the granuals. Porus plastic parts are usually made by the sintering process. You need to get ground plastic and put it in a press to compact it, then raise its temperature to just slightly over the melt temperature of the plastic.

 

[Demon3]

You could perhaps buy some hydrophilic foam like Basotect, a melamine based foam. I have seen that it wicks liquids really well. It's an open cell foam. You could perhaps then cut it to the shape you need.


There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell

 

[patprimmer]

A company called Membrana in Germany or Holland makes a product called Acurel. It is almost all void and quite absorbent. You cannot make anything like it without extensive plant.

Regards

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[Demon3]

Yes, Accurel is available in several types where the foam is of different polymers like PE, PS, EVA Nylon & etc where nylon 6 is the most hydrophilic option. I think it's only available as beads so not sure if you can make parts from it or not.

USA contacts:

Compound Solutions Inc. (CSI)
9387 Lawnfield Drive
Twinsburg, OH 44087

Mr. Ray Millard
Phone: +1 (865) 558-8469
Fax: +1 (865) 558-9694
E-mail: Rmillard1@mindspring.com

Mr. John Putz
Phone: +1 (330) 425-3457
Fax: +1 (330) 425-3709
E-mail: JM_PUTZ.SR@highstream.net



There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell

 

[patprimmer]

I should have read the OP again.

Acurel is not mouldable.

It is made by mixing the polymer melt with another incompatible material, applying very high shear to create a very fine emulsion, extruding solidifying and washing out one component with a solvent.

Remelting will eliminate the pores.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[Yort1]

Thank you all for your responses!