What is the difference between water‑based release agents and oil‑based release agents?

Release agents come in a wide variety and can be classified differently based on their application methods and physical forms. Today we will share insights into two main types: water‑based release agents and oil‑based release agents.

Water‑based release agents are formulated from synthetic natural polymer materials. Their components are fully miscible with water, offering excellent resistance to acids and alkalis, hard‑water tolerance, strong water solubility and superior stability. When diluted with water in any ratio, they remain non‑layered, non‑demulsified and non‑cking. They also feature a long shelf life, high solid content and good dispersibility.

Oil‑based release agents are specially formulated for injection molding machines using carefully selected imported raw materials. Free of CFA, they are eco‑friendly and non‑toxic. Moreover, oil‑based release agents cause no corrosion to products or molds, do not interfere with secondary processing of parts, and leave no greasy residue on surfaces

Formula: Paraffin 5–20 parts, stearic acid 5–8 parts, vegetable oil 5–10 parts, co‑emulsifier 5–8 parts, calculated amount of potassium hydroxide, appropriate amounts of other auxiliary materials, appropriate amount of ethylparaben, deionized water to make up 100 parts.

Adjust the temperatures of the oil phase and aqueous phase to roughly the same level. Under vigorous stirring, slowly add the aqueous phase to the oil phase for gradual emulsification and phase inversion. Reduce the stirring speed progressively as the emulsification temperature drops, and continue stirring until the mixture cools to room temperature before discharging the product to obtain a white oil‑in‑water emulsion. Test results demonstrate excellent demolding performance and overall properties.

Formula for Water‑Based Polyurethane Release Agent:

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

This water‑based release agent is mainly used for demolding after cast molding in the production of polyurethane products, delivering reliable release performance for most molded polyurethane parts. Characterized by water as its dispersion medium, the resulting aqueous solution not only enables effective demolding of polyurethane foams but also features biodegradability. It produces no hazardous substances such as VOCs, boasting outstanding environmental friendliness. Additionally, water serves as an easily accessible, pollution‑free diluent, helping keep production costs low.

Differences Between Water‑Based and Oil‑Based Release Agents:

1. Water-based and oil-based release agents are formulated with distinct raw materials.

Water-based release agents,  are formulated from organic polymer materials. They are readily soluble in water. After dilution with water, they can be directly applied to formwork surfaces to form a highly slippery release film. This film completely prevents direct contact between concrete and formwork and facilitates the rapid escape of air bubbles trapped at the concrete-formwork interface during pouring, eliminating surface voids on beams and columns and resulting in a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. They do not compromise the compressive strength of concrete after use, exhibit no corrosive effect on steel reinforcement, and are non-toxic, harmless eco-friendly products.

Water-Based Release Agent Usage Precautions:

1.Clean the formwork thoroughly before use to remove all cement residues and oil contamination.

2.Water-based release agents can be used directly after being diluted with tap water and stirred; no heating is required.