- Introduction
- Application Guide
- Selection Guide
- Application Methods
- Key Products.
- Cross-reference Guide
Silane coupling agents are generally illustrated:
Silicone (Si) is the center of the silane molecule which contains an organic functional group (R) [ex: vinyl, amino, chloro, epoxy, mercapto, etc.], with a second functional group (X) [ex: methoxy, ethoxy, etc.]. The functional group (R) will attach to an organic resin while the functional group (X) attaches to an inorganic material or substrate to achieve a “coupling” effect.
Silane coupling agents are predominately used as mediators, binding organic materials to inorganic materials. As a result silanes will improve the electrical and mechanical strength properties of materials in wet or dry conditions.
Silane coupling agents are primarily used in reinforced plastics and electric cables composed of crosslinked polyethylene. Other uses include resins, concrete, sealant primers, paint, adhesives, printing inks and dyeing auxiliaries.
The inorganic group (X) of the silane molecule will hydrolyze to produce silanol, which forms a metal hydroxide or siloxane bond with the inorganic material. The organic group (R) of the silane molecule will react with the organic material to produce a covalent bond. As a result the organic material and the inorganic material are tightly bound together after heating.
| Application | Benifits |
| Adhesives | Moisture initiated crosslinking of resins, improved wet adhesion, improved chemical resistance, weatherability and filler/resin coupling. |
| Coatings | Moisture initiated crosslinking of resins, improved wet adhesion, chemical and corrosion resistance, weatherability, pigment dispersion and scrub resistance. |
| Crude Oil | Extraction Consolidation of down-hole fines |
| Glass Fibers | Coupling of resins with fiber for improved resiliency of insulation batts; better wet strength retention and electrical properties of FRP composites, and improved fiber strand integrity, protection and handling. |
| Filler Treatment | Improved coupling of resins with fillers and bettter filler dispersion in thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Foundry Coupling of resins with sand for improved foundry |
| Polymer Modification | Moisture-cure crosslinking to give improved environmental and chemical resistance. |
| Printing | Inks Improved adhesion, release and wetting. |
| Rubber & Elastomers |
Coupling of resins with minerals for improved composite strength, toughness, abrasion resistance, rolling resistance, wet electrical properties and rheology control. |
| Sealants | Moisture initiated crosslinking of resins, improved wet adhesion, chemical resistance, filler dispersion, weatherability and rheology. |
| Textiles | Altered textile hand and water repellency, and improved dye receptivity. |
| Thermoplastics | Moisture curable XLPE for Wire & Cable and Pipe, Mineral and Pigment treatment for dispersibility and coupling and reinforcement coupling for high performance thermoplastics. |
NOTES: The choice of a SiSiB® Silane is specific to resin type and application. The Selection Guidelines is provided to help you select the appropriate SiSiB® Silane for various polymer (resin) systems. It should be considered merely a starting point. The selection of the preferred silane for a specific end-use application may require specific experimentation.