Using isocyanate-based resins in the production of engineered wood panels such MDF and OSB typically requires treating the fiber mat, strand mat, or press with a release aid.  The release aid prevents the pressed panels from sticking to the press, which eliminates the significant downtime and typically high cleaning costs associated with removing an adhered panel from the press.  Press operations using formaldehyde-based resins can also benefit from a preventive release aid treatment.

Product Overview

Building on decades of experience with release aids in the paper industry, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies recently launched a novel family of release aids specifically designed for use in the manufacture of engineered wood panels.  These liquid products, which are marketed as Presstige® release aids, provide excellent release in operations using either isocyanate-based resins or formaldehyde-based resins and effectively prevent panels from sticking in both daylight presses and continuous presses.  In fact, these release aids perform exceptionally well in demanding grades that utilize up to 10% isocyanate-based resins.  Most importantly, Presstige® release aids are effective at low addition rates, making them a cost-competitive alternative to conventional release aids.

Application Technology

Presstige® release aids can be sprayed directly onto the mat prior to entering the press platens or onto the press belt, transfer belt, caul plates, or screens, depending on the machine configuration.  These release aids also can be applied via a rotor damping system or an applicator roll system.  Based on the application technique, these products can be applied neat or diluted with water.  Dilution rates typically range from 15% to 100% of product.

Features

The key features of Presstige® release aids are as follows:

Low-viscosity, liquid products
Excellent mechanical and thermal stability for easy pumping, handling, metering, and spraying
No effect on the printability/paintability of the produced panels
Shelf life of 180 days

Benefits

The following benefits were recorded from practical applications of Presstige® release aids:

Improved panel release
Improved press cleanliness
Reduced downtime
Reduced program costs