Release films are widely used in packaging, electronics, medical, and industrial fields. In these applications, the type and performance of release films have a direct impact on the quality and functionality of products. Release films are mainly divided into plastic based release films and paper-based release films, which have significant differences in performance, applicability, and environmental impact.

Plastic based release films are usually made of plastic materials such as polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), etc., and have the following characteristics and properties:

1.1 Mechanical properties

Strength and toughness: Plastic based release films have high mechanical strength and toughness, and can withstand significant tension and stretching. Polyester based release films have excellent tensile strength and tear strength, making them suitable for applications that require high-strength protection. Wear resistance: Plastic based release films have good wear resistance and can maintain stable performance in high friction environments, making them suitable for packaging and industrial applications.

1.2 Chemical stability

Chemical resistance: Plastic based release films typically have good resistance to various chemicals, solvents, and acidic and alkaline environments. For example, polyethylene based release films have strong resistance to most acids, bases, and solvents, making them suitable for applications that require contact with chemicals. Moisture resistance: Plastic based release films have a high tolerance to humidity and are not easily hygroscopic or deformed, making them suitable for applications in humid environments.

1.3 Environmental Impact

Recyclability: The recyclability of plastic based release films depends on their material type. Plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene can be recycled, but the recycling of polyester base film is difficult and requires special treatment. Degradability: Most plastic based release films are not easily degradable and can cause plastic pollution if left in the environment for a long time. Therefore, the research and development of environmentally friendly plastic base film has become the current research direction

1.4 Cost and Processing

The production cost of plastic based release film is relatively low and suitable for large-scale production. The production process of plastic base film is mature, and the material cost is also relatively economical. Plastic based release films have good processing performance and can be made into films of different specifications and functions through processes such as extrusion, blown film, and coating.

Paper based release films are usually made by coating paper with release agents and have the following characteristics and properties:

2.1 Mechanical properties

Strength and toughness: Paper based release films typically have lower mechanical strength and are not as durable as plastic based release films. Paper based film is prone to softening or deformation in humid environments, which limits its use in high-strength applications. Wear resistance: Paper based release films have poor wear resistance and are prone to wear, making them unsuitable for high friction environments.

2.2 Chemical stability

Chemical resistance: The chemical resistance of paper-based release films is usually poor, with low tolerance to chemicals, solvents, and acidic and alkaline environments. Paper based membranes may degrade or fail when in contact with chemical substances. Moisture resistance: Paper based release films are sensitive to humidity and are prone to moisture absorption and deformation in humid environments, which affects their performance and stability.

2.3 Environmental Impact

Recyclability: Paper based release films have good recyclability. Paper based films are easy to recycle and reuse after disposal, which helps reduce environmental pollution. Degradability: Paper based release films usually have good biodegradability and can degrade in natural environments, reducing the burden on the environment.

2.4 Cost and Processing

Production cost: The production cost of paper-based release film is relatively low, and paper-based materials are cost-effective and suitable for large-scale production. Processing performance: The processing performance of paper-based release films is usually poor. During the production process, attention should be paid to the handling and coating process of the paper to avoid affecting the performance of the film.

Application Comparison

3.1 Packaging field

Plastic based release film: Due to its excellent moisture and chemical resistance, plastic based release film is widely used in the packaging industry in fields such as food packaging, medical device packaging, and electronic product packaging. Its high strength and toughness enable it to withstand various stresses during the packaging process. Paper based release film: Paper based release film is mainly used for packaging applications that do not require high strength, such as release films for labels and paper products. Its good recyclability and degradability give it certain advantages in environmentally friendly packaging.

3.2 Medical field

Plastic based release film: Plastic based release films are widely used in the medical field, mainly for packaging medical devices and release films for wound dressings. Its excellent chemical stability and moisture resistance ensure the safety and stability of medical products during use. Paper based release film: Paper based release film is relatively less used in the medical field, but it is still used in the packaging of certain disposable products. The environmental characteristics of paper-based films have certain advantages in reducing medical waste.

3.3 Electronic field

Plastic based release film: Electronic products have high requirements for release films in the production process. Plastic based release films are widely used as protective films for electronic components due to their chemical resistance and wear resistance. Its excellent mechanical properties can protect the safety of electronic products during production and transportation. Paper based release film: The application of paper based release film in the electronic field is relatively limited, but in some low demand applications such as labels and paper packaging, the presence of paper based film can still be seen.

Plastic based release films and paper-based release films each have advantages in terms of performance, application, and environmental friendliness. Plastic based release films are widely used in packaging, medical, and electronic fields due to their excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance, but they face environmental issues. Paper based release films have outstanding environmental performance and are suitable for low strength applications, but they have shortcomings in mechanical properties and moisture resistance.