What are the requirements for release agents used in epoxy resin molding?

Due to the presence of polar groups (hydroxyl and ether bonds) in epoxy resin, there is a strong attraction between the epoxy molecules and the contact interface. Therefore, selecting a suitable release agent is particularly important for the molding of epoxy resin FRP. The following analysis and selection criteria for epoxy resin release agents also apply to FRP molding such as polyester resin. To choose a suitable release agent, the following points should be considered:

1. The smaller the bonding force, the better, generally it should be less than O OIMPa。

2. After solidification into a film, the surface should be uniform, smooth, and dense, so that a smoother surface effect can be obtained after product separation.

3. The materials in contact cannot undergo chemical reactions, are non corrosive, insoluble, non polluting, and easy to remove.

4. The release agent is easy to remove and does not contaminate the contact surface (the top is the product, the bottom is the mold surface).

5. Non toxic, or low toxicity, with minimal irritating odor.

6. Easy to use, the required time for curing the film can be determined according to the customer's process.

In fact, it is quite difficult for mold release agents to meet the above conditions, and only a few manufacturers in the industry can achieve all of the above at the same time. Customers should first ensure that the product can be safely demolded when choosing a release agent, taking into account other factors. According to polarity theory, only materials with similar polarity can bond well with each other. Resin is a polar material, therefore, it is necessary to meet the requirements of epoxy resin FRP release agent. Only non-polar or weakly polar materials are available.