Enhancing protective, adhesive and hydrophobic properties
The addition of small silicon-based molecules called silanes results in compositions that adhere and penetrate to improve resistance to physical, chemical, environmental and thermal degradation and/or offer premium water beading.
The science behind silanes
A silane molecule is made up of one central silicon atom attached to a combination of nearly any four organic or inorganic reactive or non-reactive groups. A silane that contains at least one carbon-silicon bond structure is known as an organosilane.
Silanes react with themselves and any hydroxyl groups within inorganic substrates, often when moisture is present, to form a strong chemical bond that provides protection and durability. They can also be used as intermediates that react to produce silicates and siliconates, which offer stain resistance and improved physical properties in water dilutable, neat products.
Functions and benefits
Organofunctional silanes provide reactive chemistry at interfaces to improve performance and durability of composites. They are ideal for high-performance paints, inks and coatings due to their unique properties. In construction, they impart long-term protection and water beading in pavers and sidewalks, among other applications. They can penetrate, react and bond to many substrates and may be used in either water- or solvent-borne formulations. Versatile and easily hydrolized, they are compatible with most binder systems and are suitable for low-VOC, sustainably formulated products.
Offering improved adhesion and filler dispersion, silanes can give water, stain, and chemical repellent properties to surfaces, and they are also resistant to ultraviolet radiation and abrasion. These qualities make them an excellent choice as:
- Coupling agents
- Adhesion promoters
- Hydrophobing and dispersing agents
- Moisture scavengers
- Silicate stabilizers
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