Release performance
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Release force: Different molds and products have different requirements for release force. For products with complex structures and high dimensional accuracy, such as precision plastic molds, composite molds, etc., it is necessary to select silicone release agents with low release force to ensure that the products can be completely and smoothly released from the mold without damaging the surface of the product or the mold. For example, fluorinated silicone release agents have extremely low surface tension, which can significantly reduce the release force and are suitable for such high-demand demolding scenarios.
Number of demolding times: If a large number of demolding operations are required during the production process, silicone products that can provide a higher number of demolding times should be selected. Generally speaking, high-performance silicone release agents can achieve dozens or even hundreds of continuous demolding on properly treated molds without frequent re-coating, such as some long-lasting release agents based on siloxane polymers.
Chemical stability
Chemical resistance: Consider the chemicals that the mold and products may come into contact with during the production process, such as various additives in plastic processing, resin curing agents, etc., and solvents used when cleaning the mold. Silicone release agents should have good chemical resistance and not react chemically with these substances to avoid affecting the demolding effect or damaging the mold and products. For example, in the production of rubber products, silicone release agents containing active groups may react with vulcanizers in rubber, resulting in demolding difficulties. At this time, non-active silicone release agents with higher chemical stability should be selected.
Thermal stability: Select silicone release agents with corresponding thermal stability according to the use temperature of the mold. In high-temperature environments, such as metal die-casting, glass molding and other processes, the release agent needs to remain stable at high temperatures, not decompose or volatilize, so as to continue to play a demolding role. For example, some silicone release agents containing phenyl have good thermal stability and can be used in high-temperature environments above 300°C.
Physical properties
Viscosity: Viscosity affects the coating performance of the release agent and its adhesion to the mold surface. Low-viscosity silicone release agents have good fluidity and are easy to apply evenly, but may have poor adhesion to the mold surface; high-viscosity release agents have good adhesion, but may be difficult to apply. For large molds or molds with complex shapes, medium-viscosity release agents can be selected to facilitate operation and ensure demolding effects.
Drying time: Release agents with short drying times can improve production efficiency and reduce mold waiting time. In the process of continuous production, fast-drying release agents can form a release film faster, allowing the mold to proceed to the next molding operation as soon as possible. For example, some water-based silicone release agents can achieve shorter drying times by adding special additives, which are suitable for occasions with high production efficiency requirements.
Environmental protection and safety
Toxicity: Ensure that the selected silicone release agent is non-toxic or low-toxic and meets relevant environmental protection and safety standards. In areas with extremely high safety requirements such as food packaging and medical devices, strictly tested, non-toxic and harmless silicone release agents must be used to prevent harm to the human body and the environment.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) content: Release agents with low VOC content are more environmentally friendly, helping to reduce air pollution and meet environmental regulations. In some areas with strict environmental protection requirements, such as developed countries and regions such as Europe and the United States, there are strict restrictions on the VOC content of release agents, and products that meet local standards should be selected.
Application scenarios
Mold material: Molds of different materials have different requirements for release agents. For example, for metal molds, silicone release agents with good anti-rust properties can be selected; for plastic molds, the compatibility of the release agent with the plastic needs to be considered to avoid swelling, discoloration and other problems.
Product material: Select a suitable release agent according to the material properties of the product. For example, for rubber products, silicone release agents that do not pollute rubber and do not affect rubber performance should be selected; for plastic products, the demolding effect of the release agent on the plastic and whether it will affect the surface properties of the plastic should be considered.
Cost and cost performance
Product price: The prices of silicone release agents of different brands and types vary greatly. On the premise of meeting the demolding performance and quality requirements, products with appropriate prices should be selected according to the production budget. However, price cannot be the only selection criterion. Products with too low a price may have deficiencies in performance and quality, resulting in reduced production efficiency or product quality problems, which in turn increases the total cost.
Comprehensive cost: Consider factors such as the amount of release agent used, service life, and impact on production efficiency to calculate the comprehensive cost. For example, although some high-performance silicone release agents are more expensive, due to their good demoulding effect and long service life, they can reduce the number of mold cleaning times and improve production efficiency. In the long run, the comprehensive cost may be lower.
