A silicone emulsion is a stable colloidal suspension consisting of silicone oil dispersed and held in water by an emulsifier.
Silicone emulsions are economical, easy to use and excellent release agents for mechanical, rubber, wire and cable goods.
They are also used as general-purpose release agents. In automotive rubber applications, silicone emulsions are used as release agents in the molding of automotive floor mats, shock mounts, fan belts and O-rings.
In consumer goods, silicone emulsions perform as release agents in applications such as soles and heels for footwear and household products such as floor tiles.
What are Silicone Emulsions?
Silicone emulsions are water dilutable emulsions employed as a releasing agent for rubber and generally plastic materials.
In the art graphic industry, it is mainly used as an antistatic and slip agent, it confers resistance to scratching during paper folding processes and protection to mechanical components.
Key Features
• General purpose release agent
• Minimum build up on molds
• Good dilution stability
• Good anti-static properties
Applications
This silicone emulsion has been formulated specially as a release agent and lubricant in a wide range of applications and processes such as:
• mold release agent
• release agent for bandaging of rubber tubes in vulcanization
process
• textile lubricant for yarn and thread as well as hosiery manufacture
• lubricant and anti-static in rotogravure off-set printing
• release agent for plastic tubes used to form bags and sacks
• gloss, slip and wettability in detergent and cleaner formulations
How to Use
This emulsion can be used either as supplied or diluted with water to the desired concentration, depending on the characteristics of the release and lubricant properties desired.
Dilutions of emulsion are stable, if the diluted emulsion is separated it is recommended to gently stir the emulsion to homogenize the system.
The concentration required for good release and lubricant properties depends on the process where it is employed.
If there is no previous experience of a foam problem, it is generally suggested to start with a dilution of 1 part of Emulsion to 10 parts cold water and then to adjust the amount upwards or downwards to determine the most cost-effective concentration.
In the graphic industry dilution required is usually 1:20 but this can vary depending on the kind of paper used.
