| Abstract: | Consideration is given to the characterization and origins of mold fouling occurring during the injection molding of elastomers. Results for nitrile rubber and fluoroelastomer compounds are presented with a range of techniques, including light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and surface‐energy measurements with the sessile drop approach. A specially designed mold tool combined with interchangeable cavity inserts has also enabled the exploration of the effects of different metal surface treatments on the onset and extent of mold fouling. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3186–3194, 2006 |
