Whenever you want to prevent material or substance from sticking to an underlying surface, you’ll be relying on mold release and release agents. These are products or materials that form a “film” on a particular surface, and they can often also be lubricating. These agents come in the form of waxes, oils, solids or fluids.
Non-permanent and Semi-permanent
Mold release and release agents differ from permanent non-stick coatings in that there are only two basic types: non-permanent and semi-permanent. Non-permanent mold release spray is reapplied after each use while semi-permanent versions are sensitive to chemicals and moisture. Look to suppliers of each product, or the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for information on how each agent interacts with specific chemicals and for handling and disposal recommendations.
Teflon
By far the most well-known and popular semi-permanent mold release is Teflon, discovered by a DuPont chemist back in 1938. (DuPont registered Teflon as a trademark in 1946.) Teflon is based on a fluorinated thermoplastic called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Features include excellent lubricating qualities and chemical resistance. Easily mistaken for a “permanent” non-stick coating, layers of Teflon coatings can be sprayed or baked onto a mold, and while it is not technically permanent, it rarely needs to be reapplied.
Other Mold Release Agents
Determining which agent might be appropriate for a specific application means analyzing three things:
* The techniques used to make the mold – manufacturing techniques often used include machining, heat-sealing, injection molding, transfer molding, compression molding, vacuum-forming or proprietary bonding.
* The surface the mold is to adhere to – the chemical makeup of the substrate will dictate the appropriate mold materials.
Solid or Dry Lubricants
Related to mold release, but often also employed on their own, are film lubricants that are either solid or dry. These form a coating, or layer, that acts to keep moisture out and reduce friction.
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* The materials in the mold – mold releases and release agents can be made of metal alloys or metallic elements, stone, rubber, plastic, fiberglass or plaster. A rubber mold release agent, for example, can either be water-based or wax-based. Both are designed to “cure” as a non-reactive release film.
