7/29/2015
Silane, also known as monomeric silicone, is a versatile compound that is often a key component in tweaking chemical formulas to achieve ideal results. Used by a range of industries, some of silane’s most widely utilized attributes include: coupling ability, adhesion promotion, water repellence, and crosslinking.
Main Silane Attributes
Coupling Ability: Silane coupling agents create a bond between inorganic material and organic material. The chemical components in silane reinforce the bond between the two materials by creating a water resistant seal between them. Silane coupling is ideal for blending or coating materials like metal, glass or fiberglass with organic rubbers or polymers.
Adhesion Promotion: Silane is an additive that will increase adhesion in many products. The coupling ability and hydrophobic attributes greatly improve the adhesiveness of paints, coatings, or sealants. In adhesives silane can act as a water scavenging agent to capture and alter excess moisture. Silane also increases the weather durability of adhesives as it protects the bonds from both water and increased temperature.
Water Repellence: Silane’s hydrophobic nature makes it a perfect compound for repelling water. Silane is able to maintain bonds and simultaneously fend off water molecules, which is ideal for sealants and coatings. The ability to combat water and moisture also increases the durability and adhesion for a variety of products.
Crosslinking: Silane works as an effective crosslinking agent. Polymerization reactions create chemical links that are strong yet flexible within the chemical structure. While other crosslinking agents require specialized equipment, silane can be used with simpler processes and general chemical blending machines. These qualities make it one of the most efficient and beneficial crosslinking agents in the market today.
Industries and Benefits
As versatile and advantageous as silane is you can expect that various industries utilize it for different purposes. Manufacturers have used silane in industries such as: adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, inks, rubbers, plastics, construction, fiberglass, and composites.
Adhesives and Sealants:
- Increased adhesion
- Adhesion longevity
- Temperature protection
- Chemical protection
- Moisture resistance
- Tear resistance
- Pigment bonding
- Uniform curing
Paints, Coatings, and Inks:
- Increased adhesion
- Abrasion resistance
- Improved flow and leveling
- Moisture resistance
- Chemical protection
- Additive dispersion
Rubbers and Plastics:
- Abrasion resistance
- Electrical retention
- Structure strength
- Crack resistance
Construction:
- Moisture resistance
- Freeze resistance
- Increased durability
- Increased UV stability
Fiberglass and Composites:
- Improved mechanical strength
- Improved electrical properties
- Moisture resistance
- Smoother surfaces
- Fiber strand integrity
To visit our Silane Technical Overview page click here.
Silane is a multi-functional chemical that has been applied extensively throughout manufacturing. It has become a useful chemical for different industries due to its coupling ability, adhesion promotion, water repellence and crosslinking ability. For those looking to improve a product or formula, choosing the correct silane to meet your specific needs is very important. Aal Chem can help find the silane that is right for you as we offer strong technical support and competitive pricing. Please contact us for samples, prices, or literature.
Topics: Adhesives and Sealants, Medical, Construction, Inks, Water Scavenger, Paints and Coatings, Weather Resistant, Moisture Resistant, Abrasion Resistant, Composites, Rubber,Plastics