Release liners are essential components in a wide variety of industries, providing a backing for adhesives and sticky materials such as tapes, building & construction products, prepreg composites and medical components. These liners can be made from varied materials, including paper and film substrates. Paper release liners are preferred in some industry applications for their distinct advantages compared to film release liners. In other instances, film release liners will have advantages over paper release liners.
Fox River Associates offers a full breadth of paper and film release liner substrates. Use the form on this page or message us at info@foxriverassociates.com to learn more about our full product offering of paper release liners and film release liners. Our experienced team is ready to assist you in all your release liner needs.
Release liners are integral components in industries that rely on adhesives and sticky chemical compounds, providing a protective layer that prevents premature sticking and ensures a clean release. The type of paper substrate used in release liners can significantly impact the performance, cost, and usability of the final product. There are several types of papers commonly used in release liner manufacture.
Glassine Paper Release Liner
Glassine paper is a smooth, glossy, and translucent paper made through a process of supercalendering, where the paper is pressed between rollers to create a smooth finish. It is widely used as a paper release liner due to its excellent surface properties, flexibility, and ability to be coated with release coatings like silicone.
Technical Requirements:
- Surface: Extremely smooth and dense to allow for precise and even release of adhesives.
- Strength: Glassine paper at thinner gauges must remain strong and durable enough to resist tearing.
- Chemical Resistance: Must resist interaction with release coatings like silicone, ensuring long-term performance.
Supercalendered Kraft (SCK) Paper Release Liner
Supercalendered Kraft (SCK) paper is a high-density, smooth paper commonly used in release liners due to its ability to provide excellent release characteristics when coated with silicone. It is durable, tear-resistant, and cost-effective, making it a popular choice across various industries.
Technical Requirements:
- Calendering: The supercalendering process ensures the paper has the smoothness necessary for even release.
- Strength: SCK paper has higher strength compared to glassine, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
- Cost Efficiency: Often chosen for its balance between performance and affordability.
Clay-Coated Kraft (CCK) Paper
Clay-coated Kraft (CCK) paper is kraft paper that has been coated with a clay-based solution to improve its surface smoothness and release properties. It is commonly used for applications that require a higher degree of printability and aesthetic appearance.
Technical Requirements
- Surface Coating: The clay coating provides a smooth, printable surface, ideal for branding or instructions.
- Durability: CCK paper is durable, allowing it to withstand tough industrial conditions.
- Barrier Properties: The clay coating helps prevent the migration of chemicals or moisture from the adhesive into the paper.
Polycoated Kraft (PCK) Paper Release Liner
Polycoated Kraft (PCK) paper is a Kraft paper substrate coated with a thin layer of polyethylene (PE) on one or both sides. The PE coating improves moisture resistance, strength, and durability, making PCK a preferred choice for applications exposed to challenging environmental conditions.
Technical Requirements:
- Coating The PE coating adds a moisture barrier, making PCK suitable for applications where the release liner might encounter liquids.
- Strength: PCK paper is robust, capable of withstanding significant stress without tearing.
- Heat Resistance: The PE coating also imparts some heat resistance to the paper, making it suitable for hot-melt adhesive applications.
Ready to learn more about paper release liner substrates and which release liners are appropriate for your application? The experienced team at Fox River Associates is ready to work with you. Use the form on this page or call us now at 1-800-647-6579.
Paper Release Liner Market Applications
Paper release liners are found in applications in almost every market segment where release liners are found. Whether you have a medical application, a tape application, a building & construction application, or a tape application, Fox River Associates has the appropriate paper release liner for your operation.
Medical:
- Glassine paper is often used in the medical sector for products like wound care dressings, transdermal patches, and surgical tapes. The smooth surface ensures that adhesives are applied cleanly, and that the liner can be removed without leaving residue or damaging sensitive skin. Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), silicone adhesives, and acrylic adhesives are commonly paired with glassine release liners in medical applications.
- SCK paper is widely used for medical adhesive bandages, IV dressings, and diagnostic patches. Its strength and smooth surface ensure that the adhesive remains intact until application. Acrylic adhesives and silicone adhesives for skin-safe products.
- CCK paper is used for medical devices that require a printed surface for instructions or branding, such as drug delivery patches or wound care dressings. Silicone and acrylic adhesives are used in medical applications with CCK paper release liners.
- PCK paper is used in medical applications such as diagnostic test kits and sterile packaging, where moisture resistance is crucial to maintain product integrity. These applications may utilize hot-melt adhesives and rubber-based adhesives.
Tape:
- Glassine paper is used as a release liner for double-sided tapes and masking tapes. Glassine paper release liner has high resistance to moisture and its smooth release properties make it an ideal material. Rubber-based adhesives and acrylic adhesives are used in various tape applications.
- SCK paper is used as a release liner for various types of tapes, including packaging tapes and industrial-grade adhesive tapes. Its strength ensures it doesn’t tear during the application of heavy-duty adhesives. Rubber-based adhesives and acrylic adhesives are used in packaging and industrial tapes.
- PCK paper is used as a release liner for specialty tapes and labels that are exposed to moisture, such as those used in outdoor settings. Compatible adhesives include rubber-based adhesives and acrylic adhesives.
Building and Construction:
- Glassine paper is used as a release liner for roofing membranes and flooring adhesives. Its durability allows it to withstand the heavy-duty nature of construction adhesives. Hot melt adhesives and butyl adhesives are found in building & construction applications.
- SCK paper is used as a release liner for waterproofing membranes, roofing materials, and sealing tapes. The high durability of SCK paper makes it suitable for products exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Bitumen-based adhesives and butyl adhesives are found in building and construction applications with SCK paper release liners.
- CCK paper is used as a release liner for insulation panels and rubber roofing membranes. The clay coating provides an added barrier against moisture and chemicals. Butyl adhesives and asphaltic adhesives are used with CCK paper release liners in building & construction applications.
- PCK paper is used as a release liner for self-adhesive waterproofing membranes and other high-moisture environments. The PE coating ensures that the release liner remains functional even in wet conditions. Compatible adhesives include butyl-based adhesives and asphalt-based adhesives.
Composites:
- SCK paper is frequently used in the composites industry for applications such as prepreg materials (pre-impregnated fibers) in aerospace function and automotive parts. The clay coating ensures a clean release, preventing contamination of the composite materials. Epoxy-based adhesives and thermosetting resins are used in composite materials.
Fox River Associates has been a leading supplier of film release liners for more than 35 years. Contact our team today for more information about the release liner that is right for your application. Call us at 1-800-647-6579 or use the form on this page.
Fox River Associates offers a full line of release coatings for our paper release liners. Our offering includes silicone and non-silicone release coatings, as well as specialty release coatings. Release liners from Fox River Associates can be silicone coated one-side or coated on two-sides with the same or differential release coatings. We offer solvent and solventless silicone coatings.
After learning about your specific requirements and processing conditions, Fox River Associates will recommend the substrate and coating that will help you deliver the best product to your customers.
We’re ready to work with you. Call us today at 1-800-647-6579, email us at info@foxriverassociates.com or use the form on this page.
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