- ▸ Mold release: Tire and rubber molding, thermosets, foundry dies, plastics, and fiberglass release — water-dilutable concentrate applied by brush, dip, or spray.
- ▸ Glove manufacturing: Process release aid in latex-glove manufacture (manufacturing-process use only).
- ▸ Textile processing: Fabric sizing and other textile applications; non-ionic system tolerates ~200 ppm water hardness.
- ▸ Polish formulations: Slip and gloss silicone component in furniture, homecare, and automotive polishes and artificial-leather cleansers.
- ▸ Water dilution: Pre-dilute in cold water under low shear; typical 63% solids for dosing calculations.
- ▸ RS-EM 350/60 — Technical Data Sheet PDF · TDS
- ▸ RS-EM 1000/60 — Technical Data Sheet PDF · TDS
Values shown are typical for the current commercial grade. A lot-specific Certificate of Analysis accompanies every shipment; the grade-specific SDS is available on request.
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Silicone emulsion is a non-ionic, oil-in-water emulsion of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, CAS 63148-62-9) supplied at a typical 63% solids content — the “60% silicone emulsion” class. RawSource stocks two grades: RS-EM 350/60 on a 350 cSt base fluid and RS-EM 1000/60 on a 1,000 cSt base fluid. Both dilute in cold water and lay down a thin PDMS release film that leaves no smoke, carbonization, or build-up on molds and dies.
Typical properties1
| Property | RS-EM 350/60 | RS-EM 1000/60 |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Oil-in-water emulsion of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, CAS 63148-62-9); non-ionic emulsifier system | |
| Appearance | Translucent milky-white emulsion | |
| Solids content (110 °C / 2 h) | Typ. 63% (QC limits 61.0–64.0%) | Typ. ~63% |
| Base silicone fluid | 350 cSt PDMS | 1,000 cSt PDMS |
| Emulsion viscosity at 25 °C (Brookfield LV3, 12 rpm) | 3,000–10,000 cP; recent batches 3,960–5,300 cP | 3,000–10,000 cP (range) |
| pH | 6–8 | 6–8 |
| Specific gravity at 25 °C | ~0.98 | 0.98–1.0 |
| Flash point | > 100 °C | |
| Dilution | Cold water is the best diluent; pre-dilute under low shear; stable to ~200 ppm water hardness | |
| Shelf life | 12 months from manufacture in the original container; store at 5–32 °C, never above 38 °C; do not freeze | |
1Typical values, not specifications — the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis governs. Particle size for these grades is reported qualitatively (low, easy-to-dilute); no micron value is published.
QC limits — RS-EM 350/60
| Parameter | QC limits |
|---|---|
| Solids content | 61.0–64.0% |
| pH | 6–8 |
| Viscosity at 25 °C (Brookfield LV3, 12 rpm) | 3,000–10,000 cP |
A lot-specific CoA ships with every order.
Mold release
Diluted silicone emulsion is the standard water-based release agent in tire and cold-tire molding, thermoset and mechanical rubber goods, footwear soles and heels, foundry dies, plastics molding, and fiberglass release. It also serves as a process release aid in latex-glove manufacture — a manufacturing-process use only. The film releases parts cleanly with no smoke, carbonization, or build-up on molds or dies.
Working procedure (per the TDS): estimate the active silicone level your process needs, pre-dilute the concentrate in cold water under low shear, and agitate before use. Apply by brush, dip, or spray. Do not over-apply; excess emulsion causes surface irregularities on the molded part. Wear splash goggles and chemical-resistant gloves when handling the neat concentrate, and confirm handling against the grade-specific SDS.
Comparing water-based against solvent-carried release systems? Start with our silicone mold release agents guide.
Textile processing
The same concentrate is used in fabric sizing and other textile applications. The non-ionic emulsifier system matters here: it is less sensitive to electrolytes and hard water than ionic systems, so dilute baths stay stable through a shift at up to ~200 ppm water hardness. Dose from the solids content (typ. 63%) when converting an existing sizing recipe.
Polish and surface-care formulations
Formulators use RS-EM grades as the slip and gloss silicone component in furniture, homecare, and automotive polish formulations and in artificial-leather cleansers. The 63%-solids concentrate carries PDMS into a water-based formulation without handling neat fluid or a solvent carrier — dose at the emulsion stage and adjust for solids content.
Which grade: 350 or 1,000 cSt base?
The trade-off is film durability against ease of spreading. RS-EM 350/60 carries the general-purpose 350 cSt fluid — an easier-spreading, faster-wetting film. RS-EM 1000/60 carries the heavier 1,000 cSt fluid, which forms a more persistent, lower-migration film on the tool; confirm pull count in your own process. When in doubt, start with 350/60. The viscosity guide covers how cSt grade drives film behavior across the whole PDMS ladder, and the neat polymer chemistry is documented on our dimethicone page.
Foam control? RS-EM grades are release and process emulsions; for foam knockdown, see RS-AF 615 silicone antifoam emulsion.
Packaging and supply
Pails, 55-gallon (200 kg) drums, and 2,000 lb+ totes ship from US stock. A batch Certificate of Analysis accompanies every shipment; the grade-specific SDS is available on request. For container-volume programs, request a drum/tote price break with your annual usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 60% silicone emulsion?
A “60% silicone emulsion” is an oil-in-water emulsion of polydimethylsiloxane whose non-volatile solids sit in the nominal 60% class, measured at 110 °C for 2 hours. RS-EM grades run 61.0–64.0% by QC limit (typical 63%), so they meet the class with margin.
How do I dilute silicone emulsion?
Estimate the active silicone level your process requires, then pre-dilute the concentrate in cold water under low shear and agitate before use. Cold water is the best diluent, and the emulsion is stable to roughly 200 ppm water hardness. End-use dilution varies by process, so trial from your required active level rather than a fixed ratio.
Which grade should I choose — 350 or 1,000 cSt base?
RS-EM 350/60 (350 cSt base fluid) is the general-purpose release and textile grade with an easier-spreading film. RS-EM 1000/60 (1,000 cSt base fluid) forms a more persistent film for release duty where the lighter film wears too fast. When in doubt, start with 350/60.
Is silicone emulsion water-dilutable, and what water quality does it need?
Yes — it is designed for cold-water dilution and stays stable to about 200 ppm water hardness. Check the hardness of your dilution water if baths shock or cream; pre-diluting under low shear protects the emulsion.
What are the shelf life and storage requirements?
12 months from the date of manufacture in the original container, stored between 5 and 32 °C and never above 38 °C. Do not freeze. Each lot’s manufacture and expiry dates appear on its Certificate of Analysis.
Why does the non-ionic character matter?
A non-ionic emulsifier system is less sensitive to electrolytes and hard water than anionic or cationic systems, which is why the emulsion tolerates ~200 ppm hardness and avoids charge interactions with other components in a process bath or formulation.