Shrouded in myths – and controlled by rigorous handling and quality standards – there’s a type of polyurethane that’s ideal for specialist applications, called MOCA. But what is MOCA polyurethane?
The best suppliers of polyurethane structures, parts and components never stand still – just like the wheels, cogs and spindles they engineer!
For Custom Moulded Polyurethane (CMP), that means being at the cutting edge of innovation. Not just in terms of the skills and technology to precision engineer flawless items, but also in the formulation of the latest polyurethane mixes.
There is one classification of polyurethane material that even the highly specialist CMP team has to work hard to provide though. As the Health & Safety Executive only allows authorised companies to use MOCA in polyurethane manufacturing.
CMP is currently investing in renewing its status as an authorised provider of MOCA polyurethane, making it a good point to explain what it is, and why it’s so sought after.
Definition of MOCA in Polyurethane
First the science bit.
MOCA is shorthand for methylene-bis(ortho-chloroaniline) or MbOCA.
This is a chemical that is artificially created, to be superior to MOCA alternatives. It is used as a curing agent (or hardener) in the formulation of polyurethane and comes supplied in a yellow, granular pellet form.
What are the advantages of using MOCA?
The reasons to use MOCA involve its ability to diversify the degree of tensile strength in polyurethane blends.
You can create something highly accurate and functional that has the hardness and durability of wood, for example.
However, unlike wood, MOCA PU won’t crack, splinter or get damaged by heat, abrasion or friction.
MOCA polyurethane is also oil, mould and moisture resistant to an impressive degree.
This makes it an ideal curing agent to use when manufacturing anything that needs to withstand constant pressure and friction, or which may have environmental factors to contend with.
Including extreme temperatures or the presence of water.
MOCA polyurethane applications
From the above reasons to specify MOCA in polyurethane, you can work out many of its common uses, and see why it is the preferred option.
MOCA polyurethane is ideal for many forms of wheels – including skateboard wheels that must be 100% reliable in wet conditions.
It is also used for trustworthy and durable castors and rollers, as well as to create long-lasting and tough bushes, mounts, seals and blades.
Check out our MOCA polyurethane disclosure page.
Where to get polyurethane parts made of MOCA
We can – of course – offer our customers non-MOCA polyurethane, with many of the same properties.
However, for some applications, it is considered the superior option so we want to provide it if required.
At CMP, we’re currently undergoing the strict and challenging authorisation process for continued use of MOCA in our polyurethane manufacturing.
As one of the few European companies using MOCA in our PU processing options, we take our responsibility very seriously. Our health and safety systems are second to none anyway, and we have extremely strict rules and protocols when handling any of the chemicals involved.
This attention to detail enables us to provide customers with the option of MOCA polyurethane parts now, and we very much hope to be able to announce a continuation of this highly specialist service in Spring 2023.
So, watch this space!
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