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Southeast Asia gets the wheels rolling
Self-leveling compounds (SLCs) are most commonly used as underlayments to facilitate the rapid installation of flooring such as vinyl, wood or tile. Increasingly, they are also being used as overlays to create a seamless, concrete-like look. SLCs are also the ultimate challenge for formulators. Achieving a void-free, uniform, fast-drying and abrasion-resistant surface requires the balance of many different components, including our VINNAPAS® dispersions and dispersible polymer powders.
The Technical Competence Center in Southeast Asia helps customers develop the best formulation for their individual needs and is now equipped with a state-of-the-art rolling wheel tester for self-leveling compounds – an investment that underscores our commitment to customer proximity and to delivering innovative, high-performance solutions tailored to the Asian market. We spoke to Jayne Ramos, our flooring technologies expert based in Singapore, about why this is a crucial step for self-leveling compounds (SLCs) in Asia.
Jayne Ramos, WACKER expert in flooring technologies in Singapore
Question: Ms. Ramos, you are our expert for SLC in Asia. What were the reasons for installing the new test equipment in your Technical Competence Center in Singapore?
Customer proximity in the region is essential. The Technical Competence Center in Singapore allows us to better understand and respond to the specific needs of the Asian market. The new rolling wheel tester is a prime example. We no longer have to send customer samples to Germany for abrasion testing; they can now be tested here in Singapore, which is faster and more efficient. That saves time and builds confidence in our products. In addition, our customers have the opportunity to observe the tests first-hand and gain a full understanding of the performance capabilities of our solutions.
Question: What does the new equipment test?
We can now perform the rolling wheel test in accordance with the European standard for screed: BS EN 13892-5 “Determination of wear resistance to rolling wheel of screed material for wearing layer.” The tester simulates high-pressure rolling wear with additional forces, such as car wheels, trucks in warehouses and high-traffic areas. It allows us to determine the wear resistance of a specific floor covering under controlled conditions.
Question: Is this test a typical request at your Technical Competence Center?
Self-leveling compounds are not yet widely used. But they are on the rise. People are starting to realize that SLCs offer efficiency and speed on the job site, save resources and deliver other good performance benefits. There are still challenges: mainly lack of awareness, along with cost and availability. Emerging markets such as Thailand and Indonesia often have limited access to the raw materials and skilled labor needed for optimal application. This is where our Technical Competence Center service comes in: we can help develop formulations tailored to local conditions using local raw materials.
Self-leveling compounds modified with VINNAPAS® create smooth, voidless surfaces that excel in durability and abrasion resistance
Question: Why do you see market potential especially for SLCs modified with VINNAPAS®?
Polymer-modified SLCs offer crucial advantages. Even though the initial investment is greater than that of traditional solutions, their long-lasting performance and durability make them a more economical option in the long run. Thanks to our VINNAPAS® dispersions and dispersible polymer powders, SLC products achieve higher abrasion resistance, flexibility and improved flow properties, resulting in an even, abrasion-resistant floor surface. These qualities are essential, especially in renovation projects or high-traffic areas like industrial or warehouse floors. Customers ultimately benefit from a more durable, long-lasting floor that requires less-frequent repairs – a clear advantage.
Question: How does the Technical Competence Center specifically support the development of these solutions?
The Technical Competence Center in Singapore allows us to develop and test new SLC formulations directly on-site. That enables us to adapt polymer modifications specifically to the region’s needs. For example, we test products for wet and hardened properties such as flow time, hindered shrinkage and enhanced abrasion resistance – all of which are especially relevant in tropical and densely populated regions.
Question: Where do you see the future of SLC in Asia?
I’m confident that SLC will gain considerable importance in Asia. With the Technical Competence Center in Singapore, we can actively drive the development of this technology and support the construction industry in Asia as it modernizes. Our vision is to provide long-lasting, high-performance, market-specific solutions for both developed and emerging markets. The advantages of polymer-modified SLCs, particularly regarding durability and quality standards, will become widely recognized in the region.
Talk to our expert:
If you have questions, Jayne Ramos will be happy to assist.
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