Mastering the Future of Siloxanes – Silicone Oil Masterbatches

Polydimethylsiloxane (or Silicone Oil) has been a leading mould release agent since the 1950’s. Its inert chemical nature, extreme heat resistance and total lack of harmful contents have made it the obvious choice for many. However, as plastics rose to predominance in the moulded goods sector, the use of silicone oils began to decline. Difficulty of printing on treated surfaces and the occasional slip-inducing spillage put some off using Silicone oils in favour of other mould release agents. Though the issue of printing can be solved using specialist emulsions, many manufacturers wanted to remove liquids from their production processes.

After a long development process, Dow Corning produced a method of binding Ultra-High Molecular Weight Siloxane Polymers (usually with a viscosity of millions of centistokes) into small pellets of plastic, resulting in Siloxane Master Batches (Siloxane MBs). These enabled in built Silicone Oil lubrication to be added in highly controlled doses into any plastic desired, with the use of specific solid carriers (PET, PP, polystyrene, etc). Doses as low as 1% added along with any other master batches being used (eg colour) to give the desired slip needed in a moulded product, with the added bonus of the longevity of lubrication granted by such long chain Siloxane polymers.

Siloxane MBs have the potential to be used in a huge variety of roles, in fact any that require the lubrication of plastic goods. They can be used at all stages of manufacture, be it during production, such as its use in the manufacture of plastic fibres, or to help end use such as aiding the fitting of plastic piping together.

We currently sell Dow Corning Siloxane Master Batches and are happy to help with any technical issues or trials you wish to persue. We also supply a specialist Silicone Emulsion that allows printing and painting on treated surfaces. If you have any questions or are interested in these products, please contact us through our website and we will be happy to assist.

Matt Darlington