Sourcing High Quality Polyurethane Release Agents

Polyurethane release agent, also called PU release agent, is a type of chemical that helps release Polyurethane material from the mold. It will reduce the adhesion of the Polyurethane material and the mold surface. This ensures easy demolding and keeps the final product perfect.

To protect the mold and produce a high-quality surface finish on the final polyurethane products.

Polyurethane Release Agent creates a smooth film on the mold surface. This film lowers the bond between the Polyurethane and the mold. As a result, the final product was released more easily. In simple terms, the release agent acts like a protective layer. It helps the product demold smoothly.

Different types of polyurethane release agents have different compositions. Here are some formula examples: Formula 1: Water-based Release Agent

• Basic components:
• Paraffin: 5–20 parts
• Stearic acid: 5–8 parts
• Plant oil: 5–10 parts
• Emulsifier: 5–8 parts
• Potassium hydroxide: calculated amount
• Other auxiliary materials: as needed
• Ethyl paraben: as needed
• Deionized water: to 100 parts

Formula 2: Polyurethane Water-based Release Agent The polyurethane water-based release agent consists of the following weight percentages:

• Emulsified wax: 10%–15%
• Methyl silicone emulsion: 15%–20%
• Modified silicone emulsion: 5%–8%
• Deionized water: 50%–55%
• Emulsifier: 4.5%–6%
• Additives: 0.5%–1%
• Preservatives: 0.3%–0.5%

• By Carrier: Water-Based and Solvent-Based
• By Chemistry: Silicone-Based and Non-Silicone-Based
• By Lifespan: regular mold release agent and semi-permanent Polyurethane release agent
• By Usage: Internal release agent and external release agent
• by Active Substances: Silicone Series, Wax Series, Fluorine Series, Surfactant Series, Inorganic Powder Series, Polyether Series

The difference between water-based and solvent-based release agents is in the following aspects:

Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based Release Agents

Feature	Water-Based	Solvent-Based
Carrier	Water	Organic Solvents (e.g., naphtha)
Environment & Safety	Low VOC, non-flammable, safer	High VOC, flammable, health risks
Performance	Thin film, requires mold temp control	Fast evaporation, quick film-forming
Applications	Plastics, rubber, silicone; eco-friendly industries	Traditional fields, usage declining
Cost	Higher initial cost, lower long-term costs	Lower initial cost, higher hidden costs

Semi-permanent release agent is a long-lasting use mold release agent. It's mainly designed for industrial applications, especially for demolding.  Here is the key features:

• Durability: Semi-permanent release agent creates a stable film on the mold surface. This allows multiple demolding cycles without frequent reapplication.
• Versatility: It works with various materials like plastics, rubbers, and metals. It's suitable for different manufacturing needs.
• Cost Efficiency: Their long-lasting feature reduces the need for frequent applications. This can lower material and labor costs over time.
• Environmental Friendliness: Many are water-based, or have low VOC content, make them more Eco-friendly

Flexible PU foam is mainly used in furniture (cushions, mattresses, etc), automotive(car seats, interiors, etc), bedding, and packaging. The key is a smooth and consistent surface finish. Water-based release agent is best for flexible PU Foam, here is the best for you:

Rigid Polyurethane foam is mainly used in insulation(insulating walls, roofs, and floors), construction material, industrial production（manufacturing of panels, containers, and other）. This requires the release agent that ensures the part maintains its shape and integrity without sticking. Here is the best release agent for rigid polyurethane foam:

There are 3 ways to use mold release agent for Polyurethane mold:

• Spraying: Use an HVLP(high volume, low pressure) spray gun or an aerosol can. It's suitbale for large Polyurethane mold production.
• Brushing: This method is suitable for small molds or detailed areas. It allows for precise application.
• Wiping: Use a clean, lint-free cloth t wipe a thin, uniform layer onto the mold surface.

The drying time of different mold release agent products vary. Please strictly follow the product instructions for use.

• Water-based: Usually between 10-50 minutes(depend on the environment temprature and humidity)
• Oil-based: It takes longer to dry, usually several hours or more. the drying time depends on the time of oil and environment.
• Semi-permanent: Just need 15 miniutes for each layer to dry. After the last layer, let it sit at room tempreature for at least 30 miniutes to fully cure.

There are many reasons why release agent sticks to the mold,. Below are common causes and solutions:

• Lack of release agent: If not enough release agent is used, it won't form a complete barrier on the mold. It will lead to the sticking of release agent.
• Moisture or Impurities in the mold release agent: If the mold release agent has moisture or impurities, it can affect demolding result, and sticks to the mold.
• Improper types of release agent: Different mold process need specific types of release agent
• Mold surface issue: A rough mold surface, rust, or undercuts can affect how well the release agent adhere and performs.
• Improper molding process parameters: Facts like excessively high pouring tempreture or insufficient curing time will lead to the product sticking to the mold.

Solutions

• Ensuring the release agent is applied insufficient
• Check the quliaty of mold release agent
• Choose the correct mold release agemt according to the process and material
• Maintain the mold regularly, keeping its surface clean and smooth.
• Optimize the molding process parameters to ensure the product is fully cured before demolding.

Mold should be cleaned with approved mold cleaners. These can be solvent-based  or high-PH detergents. For tough buildup, try mechnical method. Use bead plasting or dry ice plasting fiest. Then, follow up with chemical cleaning.