Addivion RAP MC is a fluoropolymer pre-mold coat designed to seal and prime mold surfaces prior to the application of semi-permanent fluoropolymer release agents. Applied as the initial step in establishing a fluoropolymer release system on new or reconditioned mold tools, Addivion RAP MC penetrates porous mold surfaces, fills micro-voids in the tooling substrate, and creates an initial fluoropolymer bonding layer that improves the adhesion and durability of subsequent release agent coats. Addivion RAP MC reduces the number of sealing coats required to achieve production-ready release performance on new molds and supports consistent, long-lasting release characteristics across the life of the tool. It is used in aerospace composite tooling, fiberglass reinforced plastic fabrication, wind energy blade mold preparation, automotive composite tool setup, and marine composite manufacturing.
Addivion RAP MC Overview
Addivion RAP MC is a solvent-carried fluoropolymer mold sealer applied as the preparatory step before the main semi-permanent release agent in a composite molding release system. New composite molds, freshly fabricated aluminum or steel tools, and molds that have been stripped and solvent-cleaned present porous or bare substrate surfaces that absorb release agent, reducing the efficiency of the fluoropolymer film and requiring a large number of sealing coats before reliable part release can be achieved. Addivion RAP MC addresses this by penetrating the mold surface at the micro-scale, sealing porosity, and establishing a stable fluoropolymer primer layer that allows the subsequent FREKOTE-series or equivalent semi-permanent release agent to build an effective release film in fewer application cycles. This reduces mold preparation time and minimizes the quantity of main release agent consumed during initial seasoning. Addivion RAP MC is compatible with aluminum, steel, nickel shell, epoxy tooling board, and composite laminate tool surfaces.
Key Features
- Mold Surface Sealing and Priming: Addivion RAP MC is specifically formulated to penetrate and seal porous mold surfaces before the application of semi-permanent fluoropolymer release agents. By filling surface micro-voids and micro-pores in the tool substrate, the product creates a uniform, closed surface that allows the release agent fluoropolymer film to develop without being absorbed into the tooling material. This sealing action is critical for achieving efficient and reliable release on first-use molds and for re-establishing release performance on stripped tools.
- Reduced Mold Seasoning Time: Without a pre-mold coat, new or stripped molds typically require a large number of individual sealing coats of the main release agent — often 10 or more applications — before acceptable part release can be achieved. Addivion RAP MC reduces the number of required sealing coats by establishing the initial fluoropolymer layer, allowing the main release agent to build an effective film more efficiently. This shortens mold preparation time and enables production startup with fewer lost cycles.
- Improved Release Film Adhesion: The primer layer deposited by Addivion RAP MC provides a chemically compatible substrate for the fluoropolymer coating of subsequent semi-permanent release agents. This improves the adhesion and structural integrity of the release film, resulting in a more durable release system that maintains performance over more production cycles before reapplication is needed. The primer action reduces the risk of localized film breakdown and premature release failure during the early life of the mold.
- Broad Substrate Compatibility: Addivion RAP MC is compatible with a range of mold tool substrates including aluminum, carbon steel, Invar, nickel electroformed shell tools, epoxy tooling board, glass-fiber and carbon-fiber composite tools, and foam-backed composite tooling. This broad substrate compatibility makes it suitable for use across the diverse tool inventories encountered in composite manufacturing facilities working with multiple material systems and tool types.
- System Compatibility with Fluoropolymer Release Agents: Addivion RAP MC is designed for use as part of a fluoropolymer mold release system, applied before Addivion RA series or equivalent semi-permanent release agents. The primer layer is chemically compatible with fluoropolymer release agent topcoats, ensuring that the primer does not interfere with the release chemistry or the performance of the main release agent. The combined primer and release agent system provides a complete mold preparation protocol suitable for both new tool commissioning and mold reconditioning after stripping.
Typical Applications
Addivion RAP MC is used at the beginning of the mold preparation sequence for new or reconditioned composite tooling across a range of industries. In aerospace composite fabrication, new carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) mold tools, Invar tooling, and aluminum matched-die tools are treated with Addivion RAP MC as part of the initial commissioning process before the production release agent system is applied. This is particularly important for tooling used in autoclave processing, where the thermal cycling during cure can stress the fluoropolymer film and where the quality of the initial primer layer affects the long-term durability of the release system. In wind energy blade production, large-format fiberglass and epoxy mold tools — including blade skin molds, spar cap molds, and root section tooling — are prepared with Addivion RAP MC to seal porous laminate surfaces and shorten the mold seasoning cycle before production parts are pulled.
Addivion RAP MC is also used in automotive composite tooling operations when setting up compression molds, RTM tools, and female cavity tools for body panels, structural components, and interior composites. In marine composite manufacturing, hull molds and deck molds built in fiberglass or carbon fiber that are newly fabricated or returning from deep strip cleaning are treated with Addivion RAP MC before reintroduction into production. The product is equally applicable to industrial composite tooling for pressure vessels, pipe winding mandrels, and architectural composite panels where mold longevity and consistent release performance are important production requirements. In all cases, Addivion RAP MC is used as the preparatory first step, followed by the application of the chosen semi-permanent fluoropolymer release agent to complete the release system.
Technical Specifications
- Chemical Type: Fluoropolymer primer in organic solvent carrier
- Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid — To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Solvent Carrier: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Flash Point: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Active Fluoropolymer Content: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Density at 20°C: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Viscosity at 20°C: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- VOC Content: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Silicone Content: None
- Chromate Content: None
Application Method
- Apply Addivion RAP MC to a clean, dry, solvent-wiped mold surface using a lint-free applicator cloth.
- Wipe in one direction to deposit a thin, uniform coating. Allow the solvent carrier to evaporate completely before the next coat.
- Apply the recommended number of coats as specified in the product application guide — typically To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- After Addivion RAP MC coats are complete, proceed with application of the designated semi-permanent fluoropolymer release agent (e.g., Addivion RA series).
- Do not use Addivion RAP MC as a standalone release agent. It is a primer and must be followed by a semi-permanent release agent topcoat before production begins.
Storage Recommendations
- Recommended maximum storage temperature: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources, open flames, and direct sunlight.
- Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent solvent evaporation and moisture contamination.
- The product contains a flammable organic solvent. Storage must comply with applicable regulations for flammable liquid storage. Eliminate all ignition sources in the storage area.
- Shelf life: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
Packaging & Transport
- Standard Packaging: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Net Weight: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- UN Number: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Transport Class: Flammable liquid — specific classification To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
Addivion RAP MC: Safety & Handling
Addivion RAP MC should be handled in accordance with applicable safety procedures for solvent-based chemical products. The product contains a flammable organic solvent carrier; all ignition sources including open flames, electrical sparks, hot surfaces, and static discharge must be eliminated in areas where Addivion RAP MC is applied, stored, or transferred. Ventilation must be adequate to prevent vapor accumulation above occupational exposure limits for the solvent carrier. Users should wear solvent-resistant protective gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection appropriate to the exposure conditions as specified in the Safety Data Sheet. Addivion RAP MC should not be applied in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces without appropriate mechanical ventilation. Containers should be bonded and grounded during transfer operations to prevent static discharge.
Spills should be absorbed with non-combustible absorbent material and disposed of in accordance with applicable flammable solvent waste regulations. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists. Safety Data Sheet and destination-compliant labeling documentation are available upon request. For related Innovexar semi-permanent mold release agents used in conjunction with Addivion RAP MC, see also Addivion RA 770 and Addivion RA 700.