Additives for Thermosetting Resins
Boost thermoset performance in demanding applications
Thermoset materials such as epoxy molding compounds (EMCs), phenolics and urethanes are well suited for applications that require excellent mechanical strength and physical properties. Meeting more-stringent requirements – driven by technological trends such as electronics miniaturization and higher usage temperatures – thermosets need higher performance capabilities. This is where Dow’s silicone-based additives come in as they significantly upgrade thermoset materials in multiple ways. Enhancements may include new properties such as flame retardancy, improved thermal resistance, better compatibility between fillers and the base resin and optimized processing.
Solving your application challenges
Electronics Applications – EMCs are widely used for encapsulating semiconductor chips. Dow’s thermoset additives for EMCs improve the durability of electronic components at high temperatures and high humidity and prevent bleed-out from composites. They provide stress relief during heat cycling to minimize cracking, distortion and warpage. These versatile additives can also provide better flame retardancy and are made of non-halogenated polymers. In processing, they reduce the viscosity of EMCs so they can penetrate and fill small gaps and make better anti-moisture composites.
Product highlights include:
- DOWSIL™ AY 42-119 Epoxy Functional Silicone Resin: For use in EMC applications to deliver flexibility/stress relief and flame retardancy.
- DOWSIL™ SF 8421 EG Fluid: Delivers epoxy functionality in a silicone fluid for use in EMC applications, where it provides flexibility and stress relief.
Engineering materials – Phenolics, epoxies and urethanes used in automotive parts such as brake pads benefit from our silicone fluid technologies, which raise temperature resistance as high as 50°C and provide stress relief in heat cycling. They also improve thermoset flexibility. In compounds, they optimize dispersion of fillers for better performance.
Product highlights include:
- DOWSIL™ BY 16-853 U: Delivers amino functionality in a silicone fluid backbone.
Glass fiber reinforcement – Thermosets used in sporting goods such as helmets, racquets and boats are typically reinforced with glass fiber. Pre-treatment of glass fiber with our brand silicone-based coupling agents can improve the affinity and/or reactivity between the fiber and the base resin during compounding. Our additives also increase stiffness and strength of reinforced thermosets and add water repellency.
Product highlights include:
- XIAMETER™ OFS-6032 Silane: Improves adhesion of organic resins to inorganic surfaces. Used to increase mechanical performance in glass fiber-reinforced composites.
Compared to other options, such as PTFE and acrylic and urethane powders, our additives offer wider compatibility with different types of thermoset materials and deliver longer-lasting performance.
Contact your Dow representative to find out how we can help you improve thermoset application performance with silicone-based additives.
