Customizable UV Curable Release Coating System

What Is a Release Coating? 

Release coatings are applied to surfaces such as paper, plastic, and other films to produce a nonstick surface. The nonstick surface provided by these coatings permits adhesives and other sticky materials to be released from the surface more easily. Silicone release coatings are the most common type of release coatings used today, though other chemistries besides silicone, such as PTFE and polyurethane, are also used. 

Where Are Release Coatings Used? 

When tapes and labels are manufactured, release coatings are typically applied to release liners or the reverse side of the adhesive substrate to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on the adhesive. These release coatings also allow pressure-sensitive adhesives to be easily released from the backing material without impacting the adhesive performance. 

While release coatings are primarily used in the manufacture of backing materials for tapes and labels, their utility extends to any application where unintentional adhesion is detrimental. In food packaging, for example, release coatings are used to prevent sticky foods from aggressively adhering to the inside of a package. 

SilForce™ UV-Curable Release Coatings 

SilForce™ is a line of UV-curable silicone release coatings composed of silicone base polymers, photoinitiators, and release modifiers. These three components are blended and adjusted to allow for fully customizable release performance. Once cured, the silicone release coating may accept pressure-sensitive adhesives made of acrylic, rubber, and other adhesives not made using silicone. Unlike release coatings cured through heat, the UV cure properties of SilForce™ comply with environmental and safety requirements. 
 
SilForce™ is ideal for coating several paper substrates, such as kraft, glassine, and machine-glazed paper. SilForce™ is also well suited for coating film substrates, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and polystyrene. 
 
SilForce™ UV-curable release coating systems offer the following benefits: 

• UV curing, permitting low-temperature cure and use of temperature-sensitive substrates 

• Cures with atmospheric conditions, with no nitrogen required 

• Customized release properties and performance 

• Developed for multiroll coating processes 

• Flexibility with cure rate, performance, and release properties 

Formulating a UV-Curable Release Coating with SilForce™ 

As mentioned above, SilForce™ release coatings offer excellent formulation flexibility and can be easily customized based on desired release properties. To begin, a silicone base polymer that provides the proper release force for the intended pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) should be selected. 

Base Polymers 

Next, a photoinitiator should be selected based on the type of UV lamp used to cure the release coating. No inerting with nitrogen is necessary with the SilForce™ UV release coating system. 

Photoinitiators 

Based on the application, a tighter or smoother release may be desired. The release modifiers below permit the feel of the adhesive release from the coating to be easily customized and meet requirements. 

Release Modifiers 

Still not sure which SilForce™ grades are right for your UV-curable release coating? Try out our easy-to-use SilForce™ selector guide, or contact us below to connect with a coating product specialist that can guide you through the formulation process.