- Release agent
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A release agent is a chemical used to get a slip effect. It can provide a solution in processes involving mold release, die-cast release, plastic release, and tire and web release.
Contents
Applications
Concrete
In the concrete construction industry, form release agents prevent the adhesion of freshly placed concrete to the forming surface, usually plywood, overlaid plywood, steel or aluminum. In this application, there are two types of release agents available: barrier and reactive.
Barrier release agents prevent adhesion by the development of a physical film or barrier between the forming surface and the concrete.
Reactive release agents are chemically active and work by the process of a chemical reaction between the release agent and the free limes available in fresh concrete. A soapy film is created which prevents adhesion. Because it is a chemically reactive process, there is generally little to no residue or unreacted product left on the forming surface or concrete which provides for a cleaner process.
Water based release agents is a result of more focus on health, environment and safety issues. This has resulted in development of new technologies in this area have focused largely on water based formulations and the movement has been away from petroleum or solvent based products[1].
Food processing
Release agents are used to aid in the separation of food from a cooking container after baking or roasting. Traditionally fat or flour have been used, but in industrial food processing other chemicals might be used. The application is called bakery release.
In bakery paper or greaseproof paper release agents like catalyst cured silicone release coatings may be used.
Paper
In industrial papermaking release agents are used to get slip effect of the paper from the processing equipment. A release agent may be applied on the process rolls (like the yankee cylinder) or in the paper coating.
Some paper types are made with release coatings:
- Release liners for pressure sensitive adhesive laminates and tapes
- Casting papers
- General industrial release papers
- Food-grade release and packaging papers
Plastics
Release agents, also known as de-moulding agent, form oil, parting agent or form releaser, is a substance used in moulding and casting that aids in the separation of a mould from the material being moulded and reduces imperfections in the moulded surface.
References
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