How Does Dimensional Stability Affect Paper Release Liner Performance for Composite Applications?
Dimensional stability is a critical factor when selecting the most appropriate release liner for an advanced composite application. Fox River Associates understands this, and supplies paper based liners with this important feature in mind. Sourcing a composite release liner with excellent dimensional stability can make a difference in the quality of the prepreg material when it arrives at your customer. A paper release liner that has improved layflat properties and does not “expand” or “shrink” with changing environmental conditions will help ensure that your prepreg arrives at the customer in the best condition possible.
For more information on Fox River Associates’ full line of siliconized paper release liners for the composite market, click here, or contact our team at (800) 647-6579 or info@foxriverassociates.com.
Protect Your Paper Release Liner For Best Results!
Paper, by its very nature, acts like a sponge. Depending on the relative humidity in the surrounding environment, your paper release liner can absorb or emit the environmental moisture – changing its performance characteristics. Paper release liners are typically exposed to high temperature conditions during the silicone coating process. Those high temperatures are required to cure the silicone coating(s) on the paper. During the high temperature curing phase, the paper loses moisture to the surrounding environment causing the paper release liner to have a moisture content that is significantly lower than the equilibrium level of the paper. This lower internal moisture content can allow the paper release liner to potentially absorb moisture from the surrounding humidity in the later processes, including composite part production at your customer.
As the moisture is reabsorbed in the paper release liner, the paper “grows” and the layflat properties can be affected. As the paper expands, the paper release liner can take on an uneven surface. If this happens after the prepreg production process, the paper expansion can lead to the width of the paper release liner/prepreg changing and possibly leading to gaps appearing in the unidirectional prepreg material.
Keeping the paper release liner protected in the original, moisture protective packaging until ready to use can help minimize the amount of moisture change in the finished composite paper release liner in your inventory. If the entire roll is not consumed in a single run, storing the unused siliconized paper release liner in a controlled environment (humidity and temperature) will help preserve the stability of the liner.
To learn more about our how you can protect your paper release liners for the composite market, contact Fox River Associates at info@foxriverassociates.com or call (800) 647-6579. Our experienced composites release liner team is ready to work with you.
Fox River Associates – Experienced in Composite Release Liners!
Fox River Associates supplied release liners are produced under tightly controlled conditions. The silicone coating systems are cured using the thermal method. Highly sophisticated equipment is able to replace much of the internal release liner moisture that is lost during the silicone curing process. Fox River Associates delivers siliconized paper release liners that have been targeted to a specific moisture range for optimum performance in your prepreg operation. The final result is a composite paper release liner that helps your product appear and perform its best when it arrives at your customer.
Contact Fox River Associates for more information regarding our excellent dimensionally stable paper release liners for advanced composite applications. Call today (800) 647-6579 or use the form on this page. Our team is ready to serve you.