Why glassine base paper should be siliconed before using?

Created on 07.29

Glassine base paper requires siliconization to achieve its signature properties because the raw paper alone lacks the essential characteristics that make glassine useful. Here's why siliconing is crucial:

1. Creates Non-Stick/Release Properties:

Problem: Untreated glassine base paper, while smooth, is still made of cellulose fibers. These fibers offer microscopic points for adhesion. Sticky substances (like adhesives, tapes, resins, greasy foods, melted cheese, dough) will readily stick to it.
Solution: Silicone forms an incredibly smooth, chemically inert, low-surface-energy barrier layer. This layer prevents most substances from forming a strong bond with the paper surface, allowing them to peel away easily. This is fundamental for uses like backing for labels/stickers, baking parchment, release liners, and interleaving for sticky items.

2. Enhances Greaseproof & Oil Resistance:

Problem: While the supercalendering process during glassine production densifies the paper and provides some inherent resistance to oils and greases, it's not perfect or sufficient for demanding applications. Oils and greases can eventually penetrate or stain untreated glassine over time or under pressure/heat.
Solution: Silicone is inherently hydrophobic (water-repelling) and oleophobic (oil-repelling). The coating creates a continuous, impervious barrier that effectively blocks the penetration of fats, oils, and greases. This is critical for food packaging (butter, cheese, baked goods, fast food), technical papers, and barrier applications.

3. Improves Moisture & Water Vapor Barrier:

Problem: Cellulose fibers are hygroscopic (absorb moisture). Untreated glassine, while denser than regular paper, still allows moisture vapor transmission (MVTR) and can be affected by liquid water.
Solution: The silicone coating significantly reduces the paper's permeability to water vapor and provides a strong barrier against liquid water penetration. This protects contents from moisture loss or gain and prevents water damage.

4. Increases Heat Resistance:

Problem: Paper chars and degrades at high temperatures. Untreated glassine wouldn't withstand oven temperatures well.
Solution: Food-grade silicones are stable at typical baking temperatures (up to around 220-230°C / 428-446°F). This allows siliconized glassine (parchment paper) to be used safely in ovens without burning, melting, or releasing harmful fumes (unlike wax paper).

5. Enhances Surface Smoothness & Durability:

Problem: While supercalendering makes the base smooth, the silicone coating fills in any remaining microscopic pores and creates an exceptionally slick, non-fibrous surface.
Solution: This further enhances the release properties, makes the surface less prone to dusting or fiber shedding, and can add a slight degree of tear resistance.

In essence: The siliconization process transforms the inherently smooth but still porous and adherent glassine base paper into a functional material with critical barrier properties (grease, oil, moisture) and essential non-stick/release capabilities that define its core applications.

Without silicone coating, glassine base paper would simply be a very smooth, dense paper, lacking the defining functional properties that make it valuable for packaging food, acting as release liners, or serving as baking parchment. The silicone is the key ingredient that unlocks these properties.

Ray

Ferrill

Evelyn