How silicone release agents work
One of the key properties of silicone is its low surface tension – in
particular, its low critical surface tension of wetting (or low surface
energy). This combines with the low cohesive strength conferred by its methyl
groups to give silicone excellent release characteristics.
Unlike more rigid carbon-carbon backbones, silicone polymers can easily
expose their low-interacting/surface-active methyl groups to provide low
adhesion, or easy release.
Silicone benefits for release
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Excellent spreading on many different substrates, including metal mold
surfaces
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Thermal stability
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Formulations with the ability to cure to form thin films that do not
transfer or interfere with the bulk properties of the substrate
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Lower surface tension than typical acrylic and SBR adhesives, facilitating
release in pressure-sensitive label applications
Typical silicone release agent applications
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Release liners for pressure-sensitive adhesive labels
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Rubber tire release
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Metal mold release
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Food release
Learn how
other types of silicones work.
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| Did you know ... even fluorocarbons, which have
lower surface energy than silicones, do not match silicone's release
performance! |
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