Dow Corning and Henkel share studies and discuss trends

“The objective of our study was to deliver a label that end users can dispense efficiently. Multiple factors influence the choice of both adhesive and release liner such as end user requirements, converting, printing, dispensing, applications, and adhesive and liner characteristics. Components are impacted by one another,” she said.

According to Brase, there are three major factors which contribute to release changes: tackifier chemistry, rubber or elastomer types and rheology. “All the release testing were done IMASS ZPE 1100W hi/variable speed release tester. It also involved constant speed testing at 1200 ipm. The study looked at release values at constant speed as well as ramped velocity,” she said.

The conclusions of the study suggested a strong inverse correlation between G formulations (stiffer adhesives). In addition, it also revealed that release performance requirements need to be considered using adhesive formulation as well as silicone selection. The case study also showed how the findings can be applied.

Dow Corning’s senior AETS professional, Geoffrey Debaugnies in his presentation talked about the ultra-low platinum advantage series release coating on Munksjo Activ-V release paper. He said, “The demand of release liners is mainly from the developing markets. The need is to focus on sustainability. However, development efforts are driven by cost control.”

The shift from paper to heat sensitive filmic release liners, desire to reduce Pt dependency, down gauging, and countering more challenging converting conditions such as line speed, labeling speed and liner-less labels, are few market trends he talked about.