Addivion RA 55 is a semi-permanent, non-silicone mold release agent based on fluoropolymer technology, formulated in an organic solvent carrier for composite manufacturing and precision industrial molding applications. Applied as a thin wipe-on coating, Addivion RA 55 deposits a dry, low-energy fluoropolymer film on mold surfaces that provides multiple part releases per application cycle without silicone transfer, chromate contamination, or mold surface fouling. Addivion RA 55 is designed for demanding composite tooling applications requiring consistent, clean release across extended production runs. It is widely used in aerospace composite fabrication, fiberglass reinforced plastic manufacturing, wind energy blade production, automotive structural components, and marine composite tooling.
Addivion RA 55 Overview
Addivion RA 55 is a solvent-carried fluoropolymer mold release agent developed as a non-chromate alternative to legacy release systems used in high-performance composite manufacturing. The product is applied by wiping onto a clean, dry mold surface with a lint-free applicator cloth, allowing the solvent carrier to evaporate and leave a thin, uniform fluoropolymer film. This film creates a low surface energy barrier that prevents adhesion between the cured part and the tool. Initial mold preparation requires multiple sealing coats to build up an adequate fluoropolymer layer; maintenance coats are applied between production cycles to restore release performance without requiring full mold strip-down. Addivion RA 55 is compatible with epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, phenolic, and bismaleimide thermoset resin systems and can be applied to aluminum, steel, nickel shell, and composite mold tools.
Key Features
- Semi-Permanent Fluoropolymer Release System: Addivion RA 55 forms a durable fluoropolymer release film that persists across multiple molding cycles after an initial sealing preparation sequence. This semi-permanent character reduces the frequency of mold preparation interventions and lowers the consumption of release agent per part produced, compared to sacrificial wax or film-based release systems. The release film remains stable under the elevated temperatures and pressures encountered during autoclave and oven-cure composite processing.
- Non-Silicone, Non-Chromate Formulation: The product contains no silicone compounds and no hexavalent chromium, addressing two significant contamination and regulatory concerns in composite manufacturing. Silicone-free release films do not migrate onto part surfaces and do not impair bonding, painting, or composite secondary bonding operations. The non-chromate chemistry eliminates occupational health hazards associated with chromate exposure and supports compliance with applicable regulations restricting chromate use in manufacturing environments.
- Broad Thermoset and Tool Compatibility: Addivion RA 55 is compatible with a wide range of thermoset matrix resins including epoxy, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, phenolic, and bismaleimide systems. It is suitable for use with ambient-cure, oven-cure, and autoclave cure processes, and can be applied to metallic tool surfaces (aluminum, steel, nickel shell) as well as composite and glass-fiber tooling boards, making it versatile across diverse tooling inventories.
- Dry, Transparent Release Film: Upon solvent evaporation, Addivion RA 55 leaves a thin, dry, optically clear film that does not interfere with mold surface finish inspection or part surface quality. The film does not cause print-through, surface waviness, or gloss variation on the finished composite part surface. This characteristic is important in aerospace and automotive exterior applications where part surface quality is a critical specification.
- Multiple Releases Per Application: After initial mold seasoning, a single maintenance application of Addivion RA 55 supports multiple consecutive part releases before reapplication is required. This multi-release capability is important for high-volume composite production environments where minimizing mold preparation time directly impacts production throughput. The number of releases achievable per application depends on mold geometry, resin system, and cure cycle parameters.
Typical Applications
Addivion RA 55 is used across a range of high-performance composite manufacturing operations where clean, reliable mold release is required on precision tooling. In aerospace composite fabrication, the product is applied to carbon fiber reinforced polymer mold tools used for structural airframe components, interior panels, and nacelle structures, where part surface quality and dimensional repeatability are critical requirements. In wind energy production, Addivion RA 55 supports the release of large-format fiberglass and carbon fiber blade components from multi-piece mold assemblies that must sustain consistent release performance over hundreds of production cycles. Resin transfer molding and vacuum-assisted resin infusion processes benefit from the stability of the fluoropolymer film under vacuum conditions and resin injection pressures, allowing the release agent to remain in place throughout the resin fill cycle.
Addivion RA 55 is also applied in automotive composite component manufacturing on compression molds, RTM tools, and female cavity tools for exterior body panels, roof systems, hood assemblies, and load-bearing structural brackets. In marine composite fabrication, it is used on hull, deck, and superstructure molds built in vinyl ester and polyester resin systems, where clean part release without cosmetic defects is an important production requirement. Industrial composite applications include pipe winding mandrels, pressure vessel molds, and general-purpose thermoset molding tooling in chemical process equipment, infrastructure, and transportation components. The product is also applicable to hand layup operations where the mold release must remain stable during wet layup and maintain release performance after elevated post-cure temperatures.
Technical Specifications
- Chemical Type: Fluoropolymer 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 Release Component: Fluoropolymer (concentration 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
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 ingress.
- The product contains a flammable organic solvent. Storage and handling must comply with applicable regulations for flammable liquids. All ignition sources must be eliminated in the storage area.
- Shelf life: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet. Store containers upright and avoid prolonged exposure to temperature extremes or freezing conditions.
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: The product is classified as a flammable liquid for transport purposes. Specific UN number, hazard class, and packing group are To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Packaging must comply with local and international transport regulations for flammable chemical products. Containers must be sealed and labeled in accordance with GHS or applicable regional requirements.
Addivion RA 55: Safety & Handling
Addivion RA 55 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 RA 55 is applied, stored, or transferred. Ventilation must be sufficient to prevent vapor accumulation above applicable occupational exposure limits for the solvent carrier. Users should wear solvent-resistant protective gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection appropriate to the vapor concentration and exposure duration as specified in the Safety Data Sheet. Addivion RA 55 should not be applied in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces without appropriate mechanical ventilation and personal protective equipment.
Addivion RA 55 must be stored away from oxidizing agents, strong acids, and ignition sources. Containers should be bonded and grounded during transfer to prevent static buildup. Spills should be absorbed using non-combustible absorbent material and disposed of in accordance with local regulations for flammable solvent waste. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists. Safety Data Sheet and compliant labeling documentation are available upon request. For related Innovexar fluoropolymer mold release products, see also Addivion RA 770 and Addivion RA 700.