Expert Views on Hybrid Polymers

Axel Schmidt, the construction industry is notoriously conservative. How has a new technology such as the hybrid technology been able to establish itself so quickly and, in some cases, even replace old solutions?

Axel Schmidt: The European construction industry is currently struggling with a huge shortage of skilled workers. We still place great importance on quality workmanship, but occupational skills and competences are increasingly in short supply on building sites. The use of hybrid adhesives, sealants and waterproofing liquid membranes can considerably simplify and accelerate work on a building site. If, for example, we replace conventional two-component systems with one-component hybrid-based waterproofing membranes, both the building trades and the client benefit from greater efficiency and reduced workload.

Which role do health and safety aspects play – are they an argument for the workers?

Axel Schmidt: They are important aspects, indeed. Some building materials are unfortunately still based on toxic raw materials and require full-body protective clothing to be worn. By contrast, α-based liquid waterproofing systems are free from toxic substances, solvents, tin and isocyanate, and can be used without concern.

In other words, the users’ health and comfort are the number one priority here?

Axel Schmidt: Exactly. WACKER’s hybrid technology is thus worth a look for every adhesives and sealants manufacturer.

Franziska Chatzisaros, as Key Account Manager Hybrids & Sealants at WACKER, you are in close contact with customers. What do your customers expect from WACKER – and what can you offer them?

Franziska Chatzisaros: Customers who are developing specific products with new properties for the construction or automotive industries and who don’t want “off-the-shelf raw materials” feel that they are in very good hands with us. We maintain a regular technical exchange with all customers, discuss possible new developments and are impressed time and again by the diverse range of potential applications that our customers see and promote for hybrid polymers.

This means, the customers’ creativity is a decisive factor in the success of STP-Es?

Franziska Chatzisaros: You can definitely put it that way. I find it particularly gratifying when WACKER’s STP-Es help our customers achieve their goal, because the amount of flexibility provided by hybrid polymers is not something that can be taken for granted in industrial chemistry. What I’ve learned myself is that new products can only come into being when the limits of what’s conceivable are breached and creative thinking comes into play.

And what role do end users play in the success story of STP-Es?

Franziska Chatzisaros: It is also our customers who inspire end users in the market to understand the hybrid benefits so clearly that this trend continues to develop: if a wooden chair in a showroom is no longer nailed or screwed, but bonded exclusively with hybrid adhesive, if bonding takes place under water or furniture hangs from the ceiling – at best there is a product developed with GENIOSIL^® STP-Es behind it.

Dr. Lars Zander, WACKER is not the only manufacturer of hybrid polymers. What makes the company unique?

Dr. Lars Zander: True. We were not the first nor are we the largest manufacturer of hybrid polymers. However, with our α-silane-based hybrid polymers, we have brought a real innovation to the market, which has made us the successful number two. Many customers see us as an innovation partner, as, on the one hand, we provide in-depth hybrid-polymer expertise on site and, on the other, make our patented α-technology available.

How do customers benefit from WACKER’s innovative strength?

Dr. Lars Zander: Our customers are able to add more sustainable alternatives to their adhesives and sealants portfolio. As WACKER is a pioneer in the development of novel α-based polymers, we are more than ready to help them here. For instance, we discuss new formulation strategies with them, highlight product improvements or offer support for initial production scale-up.