Copperplate silicone paper, a composite material combining coated paper substrate and silicone oil coating, owes its core characteristics to the non-stick properties, high-temperature resistance, and chemical stability provided by the silicone oil coating. However, whether the silicone oil will volatilize and deteriorate over prolonged storage requires a comprehensive analysis of the silicone oil's chemical properties, the manufacturing process of the copperplate silicone paper, and the storage environment.
Silicone oil, as an organosilicon compound, has a unique molecular structure. Its main chain consists of silicon-oxygen bonds (Si-O), while the side chains connect to organic groups. This structure endows silicone oil with extremely low volatility and excellent thermal stability. Generally, the volatility of silicone oil is closely related to its molecular weight and side chain groups: the higher the molecular weight and the more complex the side chains, the lower the volatility. In copperplate silicone paper, the silicone oil coating often uses high molecular weight silicone oil, which has a longer molecular chain and stronger intermolecular forces, thus it hardly volatilizes at room temperature. Furthermore, the flash point of silicone oil (the lowest temperature at which its vapor, when mixed with air, can ignite upon contact with a source of ignition) is typically much higher than room temperature, further reducing its risk of volatilization under normal storage conditions.
Although silicone oil itself has low volatility, the manufacturing process of copperplate silicone paper can still affect its long-term stability. For example, the degree of curing of the silicone oil coating is a key factor. If curing is incomplete, unreacted silicone oil monomers or oligomers may remain in the coating. These substances may gradually volatilize due to molecular migration or oxidation after prolonged storage, leading to a decline in coating performance. In addition, the uniformity of coating thickness also affects the volatilization rate: uneven coating thickness may cause localized cracking due to stress concentration, accelerating the volatilization and deterioration of the silicone oil. Therefore, high-quality copperplate silicone paper requires precise coating processes and thorough curing to ensure a uniform and dense silicone oil coating, thereby minimizing the risk of volatilization.
The storage environment has a significant impact on the stability of the silicone oil in copperplate silicone paper. High temperatures accelerate the thermal motion of silicone oil molecules, increasing the evaporation rate and potentially triggering oxidation reactions, leading to yellowing and brittleness of the coating. Excessive humidity can cause the silicone oil to absorb moisture, affecting its anti-stick properties and even causing the coating to peel off. Furthermore, ultraviolet light can break the chemical bonds in silicone oil molecules, triggering photo-oxidation and further accelerating coating aging. Therefore, copperplate silicone paper should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark environment to extend its lifespan.
From a practical application perspective, the deterioration of the silicone oil coating on copperplate silicone paper after long-term storage is more a matter of physical changes than chemical volatilization. For example, the coating may lose its gloss due to moisture absorption or oxidation, its anti-stick properties may decrease, or oil stains may appear on the surface due to molecular migration. While these changes are not directly equivalent to silicone oil volatilization, they still affect the performance of the copperplate silicone paper. Therefore, when assessing its long-term stability, both physical and chemical changes must be considered. To reduce the risk of silicone oil deterioration during the storage of copperplate silicone paper, the following measures can be taken: First, select high-quality products to ensure complete curing and uniform thickness of the silicone oil coating; second, optimize storage conditions, avoiding high temperature, high humidity, and strong light exposure; finally, regularly check the coating condition and promptly replace products showing signs of aging. These measures can effectively extend the service life of the copperplate silicone paper and ensure its stable performance.
When copperplate silicone paper is stored for too long, although the silicone oil is not easily volatile due to its chemical properties, it may undergo physical or chemical changes due to manufacturing defects or improper storage environment, leading to a decline in coating performance. Therefore, by optimizing the process, improving storage conditions, and performing regular maintenance, the risk of silicone oil deterioration can be minimized, ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of the copperplate silicone paper.
