WACKER will present a new silicone-based additive masterbatch for com-pounding polyethylene at K 2022. GENIOPLAST^® PE50S08 facilitates the manufacture of ready-to-use polyethylene molding compounds and improves the surface properties of the resulting plastic products.

Silicone fluids and emulsions are important additives for the consumer goods industry, where their uses include textile impregnation. WACKER is now marketing these products under the LIOSIL^® brand.

Applications for silicone fluids and emulsions include their use as important additives for consumer goods. Sanitary paper and tissues, for instance, are frequently coated with silicones to make them feel pleasantly soft and to prevent scratchiness. WACKER will be marketing these silicones under the LIOSIL^® brand name.

WACKER Cyclodextrins Improve the Foaming of Barista Toppings

Dr. Susanne Leonhartsberger has been the managing director of Wacker Biotech GmbH since 2017, and, in her capacity as the head of the Biopharmaceuticals business line, is responsible for WACKER’s biologics business. “What especially motivates me is that we’re providing innovative medications for sick people all over the world – and that’s how most of us feel,” the biologist observes. (Photo: Wacker Chemie AG)

Through its 2018 acquisition of SynCo Bio Partners B.V. in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Wacker Chemie AG strengthened its pharmaceutical protein business and expanded its portfolio – an important step to keep pace with the rapidly growing biologics market. As a result, Wacker Biotech now has three sites: Jena, Halle and Amsterdam, with a total of about 330 employees. (Photo: Wacker Chemie AG)

Specialists in the field of microbial production: Wacker Biotech GmbH is a full-service contract manufacturer of biologics with more than 20 years of experience with microbial systems. The company’s core competencies include the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients, vaccines and live bacteria. (Photo: Wacker Chemie AG)

Production at Wacker Biotech GmbH: the Munich-based WACKER Group entered the field of contract manufacturing for pharmaceutical proteins when it acquired Prothera GmbH and subsequently renamed it Wacker Biotech in 2005. (Photo: Wacker Chemie AG)

WACKER is the world’s first manufacturer capable of using renewable resources to produce commercial quantities not only of dispersions based on vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE), but also of further products based on vinyl acetate. To do so, the company uses a certified biomass balanced method for acetic acid, generated as a byproduct in the woodworking industry.

The anti-graffiti agent has the consistency of honey and is diluted with a solvent before application. The active-ingredient content, viscosity and color can be adjusted. The anti-graffiti coating can be applied by brush, roller or spray.

Easy-peel: the anti-graffiti coating from chemical company WACKER is so smooth that neither spray paints nor unwelcome stickers can catch a grip.

The designation “eco” means that the company only uses renewable raw materials and silicon in the production of its silicone fluids for cosmetic applications known by the brand name BELSIL^®.

Silicone fluids are used in the cosmetics and consumer goods industries, among others. WACKER is the first company in the world to produce silicone fluids without the use of fossil resources.

Laboratory experiments show that the new dispersible polymer powder VINNAPAS^® 4240 N has a better tensile adhesive strength and stripping resistance than conventional market products after just one day. This ensures a very strong adhesive bond between an EPS panel and masonry in external thermal insulation composite systems.

Thanks to their purity and good skin compatibility, silicones increasingly find use in medical-technology applications. At COMPAMED 2017, chemical group WACKER is presenting its new ELASTOSIL^® LR 5040 liquid silicone rubber. The product features excellent tear strength after curing, allowing manufacturers of medical devices to dispense with thermal post-treatment in many cases.

At Fakuma 2017, WACKER is presenting its new ELASTOSIL^® LR 5040 product line. This liquid silicone rubber is extremely robust after curing and can be used in sensitive areas even without thermal post-curing.

The new liquid silicone line ELASTOSIL^® LR 5040 has been specially developed for applications in the baby-care, food-contact and medical industries. Its products contain only few volatile components and exhibit excellent mechanical properties even without thermal post-curing.

High LDL (low density lipoprotein) levels are one main factor for the occurrence of coronary heart diseases and atherosclerosis. WACKER’s HTEssence^® is able to significantly reduce LDL

Results of a recent clinical human study show a significant reduction of LDL cholesterol with WACKER’s nature-identical hydroxytyrosol HTEssence^® in comparison to olive extract and placebo

WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, is a leading producer of polycrystalline silicon. The ultrapure material is the preferred choice for use in very efficient crystalline solar cells.

Proofs printed on coated papers: the newly developed VINNAPAS^® EF 3101 confers excellent print images.

Sealing profiles and tubing made of ELASTOSIL^® R plus 4350/55 resist temperatures up to 400 °C. WACKER will present its new silicone rubber grade at this year’s Fakuma tradeshow.

WACKER, the Munich-based chemical group, will be debuting the new addition-curing silicone rubber ELASTOSIL^® R plus 4350/55 at this year’s Fakuma tradeshow. The grade can be used to produce heat-resistant tubing and sealing profiles, such as for oven and stove doors and engine-compartment parts.

Concentrated solar power technologies (CSP) use parabolic trough collectors to concentrate sunlight onto vacuum receivers filled with heat-transfer fluid. According to a recently signed agreement, Munich-based Wacker Chemie AG will supply its newly developed HELISOL^® silicone fluid in China exclusively to Royal Tech CSP Limited, a specialist for highly efficient solar thermal systems based on CSP technologies. (Photo courtesy of Royal Tech)

WACKER’s medical silicones are highly pure and are dispensed and packaged in accordance with the company’s Clean Operations standard.

Several automotive parts, such as exhaust-pipe suspensions (photo) are manufactured from special silicone rubber compounds like those produced by the Brazilian compounder STC Silicones. STC is now able to market compounds using WACKER raw materials under the “Based on ELASTOSIL^®” logo.

The Munich-based Chemical Group has supplied the Brazilian compounder STC Silicones with high-quality silicone raw materials since 2003 for formulating compounds for the manufacture of composite insulators (picture), among other applications. STC is now authorized to supply ready-to-use compounds made from WACKER silicones under the “Based on ELASTOSIL^®” logo.

“Use by Dates” are printed on the packaging of different consumer goods. Thanks to VINNOL^® E 18/38, the printing ink adheres to a wide variety of substrates. The binder is very resistant to a wide variety of liquids and further complies with numerous provisions for food contact.

To ensure that coatings with SILRES^® IC235 as binder also have sufficient surface hardness, pencil hardness tests are performed in the WACKER lab.

Sealing compounds based on the new VINNAPAS^® EF 7865, VINNAPAS^® EP 7860 and VINNAPAS^® EAF 7868 dispersions are ideally suited for seals in windows, stairs and doors, for cracks in walls and for sealing HVAC systems.

Using the new hair conditioning agent BELSIL^® DM 5700 E, shampoos generate a particularly fine-pored foam that feels creamy. Even when used in low amounts, it has a highly pronounced conditioning effect.

BELSIL^® EG 6000 is a transparent, colorless silicone elastomer gel. As an additive in moisturizing creams, mascaras or deodorants, the product imparts a very pleasant skin feel.

Preparation of a test piece in the lab: the new dispersion VINNAPAS^® EZ 3011 is ideal as a binder for formulating high-performance yet low-odor and low-emission interior paints.

Testing the setting speed: The new dispersion VINNAPAS^® EP 400 E is ideal for formulating paper and packaging adhesives that combine high performance with improved environmental compatibility.

The thermal resistance of the new SILRES^® REN70-M binder is tested in the WACKER lab by coating steel plates with a paint containing the binder and heating them up to 650 °C.

Direct comparison in the lab: after drying for six hours, test surfaces are sprayed with water. While the conventional plaster (left) is unable to withstand the moisture, the plaster modified with the PRIMIS^® KT 3000 additive (right) forms a stable polymer network after just a few hours – even when atmospheric humidity is high and temperatures are only 5 °C.

Caulk and sealant applications based on the new dispersion VINNAPAS^® EAF 7815 show excellent workability, reduced odor and cost-in-use advantages.

The new VINNAPAS^® EP 6420 offers best-in-class performance for nozzle applications, showing excellent running stability without skin formation. This makes the VAE binder ideal for formulating water-based adhesives in demanding paper and packaging applications.

With WACKER’s new protective silicone coating a sponge and cold water are enough to remove graffiti.

Surfaces treated with SILRES^® BS 710 are extremely easy to clean with water. WACKER, the Munich-based chemical group, will be presenting its new, concentrated anti-graffiti agent for the first time at the European Coatings Show.

Compared to other anti-graffiti coatings, silicones have the great advantage of being breathable. Moisture and, consequently, mold won’t develop in the masonry.

WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, is presenting an innovative binder for the impregnation of cement-bound substrates at the European Coatings Show. Tests have shown that SILRES^® BS 6920 offers substrates effective protection against even stubborn stains. Even after several hours, red wine, coffee and oil can be wiped off without leaving any stains.

Schematic model of a gammadextrin with eight glucose units. The molecule is hydrophilic on the outside with a lipophilic interior, which allows it to accommodate other hydrophobic substances. Such an inclusion compound can improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble active ingredients.

Inclusion in gammadextrin makes a hard-to-dissolve substance such as curcumin up to 40 times more absorbable by the human body, as shown in a recent clinical study. As a free-flowing powder, CAVACURMIN^® is ideal for use in tablets, capsules, energy bars and beverages.

The new dispersion PRIMIS^® SAF 9000 ensures permanently clean walls, as can be seen by a direct comparison – while the left-hand surface was painted with a conventional interior paint, the right-hand surface has been treated with a paint containing PRIMIS^® SAF 9000: Even lipstick can be completely removed from the treated wall (right bottom), while the untreated surface still shows visible stains after cleaning (left bottom).

SILRES^® REN70-M is a highly heat-resistant binder, making it suitable for coating mufflers, engine parts, stoves or incinerators

HDK^® H30RM and HDK^® H30LM are ideal as rheology additives for automotive clear coats. They exhibit excellent transparency in surface coatings and are entirely PDMS-free, so that crater-free clear coats can be applied .

At the European Coatings Show 2017, WACKER is presenting four specialty grades of HDK^® pyrogenic silica. Applications range from rheology control in high-quality surface coatings, basic systems, adhesives and sealants to enhanced property profiles of nail gels and dental filling compounds.

GENIOSIL^® XM 25, a gamma-silane-terminated polyether, allows the formulation of low-modulus sealants with exceptionally high elastic recovery. Potential applications include sealants for expansion joints in buildings made of industrially prefabricated concrete parts.

At the European Coatings Show, WACKER, the Munich-based chemical group, is showcasing GENIOSIL^® XM 20 – an alpha-silane-terminated polyether that allows the formulation of plasticizer-free adhesives with extremely high elasticity. Typical applications include wood-flooring adhesives and all-round adhesive sealants

The low-viscosity binder VINNOL^® E 18/38 ensures excellent droplet formation in ink-jet inks with high resolution and brilliant colors even at high print speed. VINNOL^® E 18/38 adheres extremely well to numerous substrates, making it ideal for printing on cables, packaging or large-scale advertising banners

Outdoor weathering tests: The new VINNAPAS^® 760 ED dispersion is ideal for flexible two-component sealing slurries for creating permanent, hard-wearing seals in damp rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms, as well as for water pipes and sewers.

SILPURAN^®6760/50 is a self-adhesive liquid silicone rubber (LSR) which has a low-friction surface after curing. Tests show that the product’s coefficient of friction is 50 to 70 percent lower than that of standard LSRs with a comparable hardness. The Munich-based chemical company is premiering the new product at this year’s COMPAMED trade show.

Self-adhesive SILPURAN^® 6760/50 liquid silicone rubber was specifically developed for medical-technology and pharmaceutical applications. After curing, it has good mechanical properties and a low-friction surface.

At the K 2016 International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber, WACKER will present the fast-curing SEMICOSIL^® 811 silicone adhesive sealant. The product is designed for processing without using an oven and rapidly develops an adhesive bond to many substrates with only very low energy input. Electronics manufacturers can thereby flexibly adjust the processing of the new adhesive sealant to their manufacturing process, and so achieve short cycle times.

Textile with integrated sensors of ELASTOSIL^® Film from WACKER. The mechanical expansion and tensile movements cause changes in capacitance in the sensor. Their subtle nuances can be measured and thereby used for sensory purposes, for example to make body movements visible. Thanks to these kinds of sensors, the future holds entirely new possibilities to virtually display movements – for instance for therapy or training purposes. At K 2016 in Düsseldorf, WACKER will present the first functional prototype in hall 6, booth A10.

To determine the compression set of an elastomer, a test specimen is compressed to a predefined extent, stored under testing conditions, for example superheated steam, and released after a specific period of time. The results of such tests can serve as a basis for deciding whether gaskets made from ELASTOSIL^® LR 3020/60 (blue) exhibit sufficient elastic recovery in a sealing application when exposed to hot water or steam.

Comparison of the stiffness of a standard liquid silicone rubber (blue, on the right) and that of ELASTOSIL^® LR 3003/90 (yellow). Because of its hard-ness – 90 Shore A – and its high dimensional stability, the yellow sheet made of the new silicone rubber hardly bends. WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, is presenting the new product at the K show in Düsseldorf, Germany, for the very first time.

At K 2016, WACKER is presenting applications of ELASTOSIL^® Film. The ultrathin films are manufactured under cleanroom conditions at WACKER’s Burghausen site in Germany.

WACKER’s US subsidiary Wacker Chemical Corporation runs a technical center as part of its offices and manufacturing facility at its headquarters located in Adrian, Michigan. Now, the company decided to expand its research capacities by establishing additional R&D labs in Ann Arbor, MI.

At the K 2016 International Trade Fair for Plastics Rubber, WACKER will be showcasing the new NRI encapsulants LUMISIL^® 740 and LUMISIL^® 770. The silicone gradses effectively protect the sensitive LED semiconductor chip against environmental influences. They can additionally serve as carriers for luminescent dyes, which can selectively influence the color of the light emitted by the LED.

Product test: an employee checks panels coated with VAE-based interior archi-tectural paints drying on a rack. The new VAE dispersion VINNAPAS^® EP 3360 enables the formulation of high-performance interior paints with reduced emissions.

CAVAMAX^® W6 alphadextrin is an ideal water-soluble dietary fiber for innovative baked goods – from cakes, muffins, waffles and pancakes through to gluten-free bread – that do not need any egg or egg powder.

WACKER’s new POWERSIL^® 403 silicone rubber dispersion helps make sleeves for transmission and distribution cables safe to operate for long periods of time. The dispersion, which contains no aromatics, forms a conductive film on the insulating silicone, protecting the material from electrostatic charging. POWERSIL^® 403 is flexible and resists abrasion. Sleeves that have been coated in this way can be shipped in their extended state and installed on cable connectors on site using cold-shrink processes

WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, will showcase ELASTOSIL^® Color Paste FL UV Fluorescent at the K 2016 International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber. The pigment paste is used to mark liquid silicone rubber. In daylight, the contained pigment is virtually colorless but shines a deep blue-violet color when irradiated with UV light.

WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, will showcase ELASTOSIL^® Color Paste FL UV Fluorescent at the K 2016 International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber. The pigment paste is used to mark liquid silicone rubber. In daylight, the contained pigment is virtually colorless but shines a deep blue-violet color when irradiated with UV light.

WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, will showcase the highly transparent LUMISIL^® LR 7601 silicone rubber at this year’s K 2016 International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber. The product was specifically designed for the manufacture of optical lenses, coupling and light-guiding elements.

At the International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, is showcasing for the first time the toluene-free adhesion promoter WACKER^® Primer G 790 TF. Tensile tests show that the primer substanti-ally improves the adhesion of liquid silicones to metal, glass or plastic surfaces. The adhesive strength is so good that the bond is permanent

WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, is showcasing ELASTOSIL^® LR 3072/50 at K 2016. The self adhesive liquid silicone rubber is ideal for sealing applications in the engine compartment or car body. Typical areas of application include automotive electronics and electrical systems, where the product is used in single-wire seals and connector housings with radial seals applied by injection molding.

WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, will showcase ELASTOSIL^® LR 3072/50 at the K 2016 International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber. The self-adhesive liquid silicone rubber delivers good elastic recovery and bonds well to several metals and plastic. Once cured, the elastomer bleeds fluid, which simplifies installation of connectors and other parts.

Oil-resistant O-ring made of ELASTOSIL^® LR 3016/65. WACKER, the Munich-based chemical group, will be presenting this new liquid silicone rubber at the K 2016 International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber in October. ELASTOSIL^® LR 3016/65 features enhanced oil resistance. Molded parts made of this material meet the latest standards of leading automakers.

WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, will be presenting a new steam-resistant and hydrolytically stable liquid silicone rubber at K 2016, the International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber. O-rings and other molded parts made from ELASTOSIL^® LR 3020/60 are suitable for applications that are regularly exposed to hot water and steam. Typical applications are molded seals for domestic appliances, medical devices, sanitary engineering, heating systems and power plant technology.

Stress test with ELASTOSIL^® LR 3003/90. WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, will showcase this new liquid silicone rubber at K 2016, the International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber. With a Shore A value of 90 after curing, the new grade achieves an exceptionally high level of hardness and rigidity.

WACKER will be introducing novel VINNEX^® polymer grades for bioplastic compounds at the 20th International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber K 2016. The new additives can considerably enhance the processing and property profile of biopolyesters or blends with starch. VINNEX^®-Products are avaible as microgranulate, granulate or powder.

At K 2016, the Munich based chemical group WACKER will present novel additives for bioplastic compounds. VINNEX^® additives make the produc¬tion of highly transparent, biodegradable films and injection molded products made of PLA and/or PBS better and easier.

At the International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber, K 2016, the Munich-based chemical group, WACKER, will be showcasing new additives for the manufacture of wood-based plastics, so-called wood-plastic composites (WPC).

The graphic shows how wearables made of ELASTOSIL^® Film work. Limb movement stretches and releases the wearable sensor and causes subtle changes in capacitance. These can be measured even as fine nuances and used for sensory purposes in textiles, for example to display body movements. Wearable sensors open up new possibilities for virtual motion capture for therapy and training purposes.

Sealing lip made of silicone rubber, printed with the aid of WACKER’s novel 3D printing technology. WACKER is marketing its 3D-printing services under the ACEO^® brand.

At K 2016, WACKER is presenting an innovative technology for additive manufacturing of silicones. The novel 3D technology even allows printing complex geometries such as internal lattices. The Munich-based company is offering its 3D-services under the ACEO^® brand.

Encapsulating LED chips in silicone gels is becoming increasingly common – only silicones are sufficiently resistant to light and heat. These kinds of gels will be manufactured under cleanroom conditions at the new production site in Jincheon, South Korea.

The drop test proves that textiles that have been treated with WETSOFT^® NE 750 are extremely absorbent. The emulsion penetrates to the base of the fabric, even with a long pile, which facilitates water uptake. Re-dying of the material is not a problem.

The new softener WETSOFT^® NE 750 is ideal for primary finishing of towels and high-quality materials. The treatment yields textiles that are full and soft yet absorbent. The hydrophilic fabric softener is available as a water-free concentrate with a high solids content.

The heat-conducting SEMICOSIL^{® 9}61 TC silicone filler from WACKER is applied directly to the heat sink. Once the electrical circuit is pressed on, the gap filler cures to form a soft, cushioning silicone layer that optimally transfers heat to the heat sink.

The new PRIMIS^® AF 1000 for exterior applications is tested under real climatic conditions at WACKER’s outdoor weathering station in Dubai. In paint formulations, the new binder yields long-lasting, brilliant colors and leaves facades highly resistant to the elements.

At the K 2016 Trade Fair for Rubber and Plastics, WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, will present LUMISIL^® 590 und LUMISIL^® 591, two highly transparent LED encapsulants. They have a refractive index of 1.53 which boosts the efficiency of the lighting unit. They also protect the LED chip from damage and corrosive gases which prolongs its service life.

The new VAE-based dispersion VINNAPAS^® EF8181 allows for the for-mulation of high-quality low-emission and low-odor interior paints.

Chemical company WACKER is showcasing BELSIL^® PF 200 at in-cosmetics Brazil. The novel phenyl silicone fluid features a high refractive index and can be used for water based formulations.

WACKER’s nature-identical hydroxytyrosol offers effective UV protection for skin and hair, thus reducing skin aging as well as color-fading and bleaching of hair. This makes HTEssence^® ideal for the formulation of high-quality anti-aging creams, hair masks or leave-in conditioners.

The new 3D process of Munich-based WACKER operates with extreme precision. The printer robot produces structures with a line width of 0.6 millimeters. The silicone is placed drop by drop, and is immediately firm after application. That enables extremely precise contours to be produced.

The WACKER 3D process works like an ink-jet printer: the nozzle deposits a drop of silicone precisely at the point determined by the computer program (images 4a and 4b), generating a molded three-dimensional silicone part layer by layer from the virtual drawing (images 4c and 4d).

The WACKER 3D process works like an ink-jet printer: the nozzle deposits a drop of silicone precisely at the point determined by the computer program (images 4a and 4b), generating a molded three-dimensional silicone part layer by layer from the virtual drawing (images 4c and 4d).

The WACKER 3D process works like an ink-jet printer: the nozzle deposits a drop of silicone precisely at the point determined by the computer program (images 4a and 4b), generating a molded three-dimensional silicone part layer by layer from the virtual drawing (images 4c and 4d).

The WACKER 3D process works like an ink-jet printer: the nozzle deposits a drop of silicone precisely at the point determined by the computer program (images 4a and 4b), generating a molded three-dimensional silicone part layer by layer from the virtual drawing (images 4c and 4d).

Diagram of the WACKER 3D process. The first step is to design the part with a CAD program. After the spatial coordinates have been calculated (step 2), the printing instructions are generated (step 3). Then, the printer robot follows the instructions exactly and prints the silicone layers dot by dot (step 4). In this way, the virtual CAD model is transformed into a three-dimensional silicone part, layer by layer.

A silicone part made by 3D printing. WACKER, the Munich-based chemical group, has developed a process that enables the printing of three-dimensional silicone objects for the first time. The process is ideal for numerous industrial sectors. It opens up completely new opportunities for developing products in the automotive, medical, household-appliance and lighting industries. Now prototypes with complex geometries can be produced quickly and flexibly, without expensive tools. In the same way, it is possible to produce small series and spare parts that have to be continuously modified to meet changing requirements.

Current 3D printing technologies use glass, metal, plastic, synthetic resin or ceramics as starting materials. What was missing was a process for silicone elastomers – that is, until now. WACKER has developed a 3D technology that makes it possible to build three-dimensional silicone objects for the first time.

WACKER pilot coater in Burghausen. This is where the solvent-free silicone polymers of the new DEHESIVE^® SFX line were developed. At its coating center, WACKER lends support to leading label and paper coating companies from all over the world.

Release coatings with silicone polymers of the new DEHESIVE^® SFX product family are ideal for high-speed labeling machines. The new silicone grades are very cost-efficient. With their help, the proportion of platinum catalyst in the coating system can be lowered by up to 60 percent compared to conventional silicone systems.

At the EWMA Conference 2016; WACKER is presenting SILPURAN^® 2114, SILPURAN^® 2122 and SILPURAN^® 2142. The silicone adhesives offer relatively high adhesion, as is required for traditional adhesive plasters, dressing retention materials and other traditional wound dressing products.

In cementitious sealing slurries, the new VINNAPAS^® 4040 E dispersible polymer powder ensures high tensile adhesive strength after prolonged water exposure and outstanding crack bridging – ideal prerequisites for use in water-repellent coatings of sewers, basements and swimming pools, or in bathrooms

Lab test of flame retardant properties: Paints and plasters formulated with the new dispersion VINNAPAS^® LL 3031 (left) are less combustible and burn more slowly compared to styrene-acrylate-based alternatives (right).

Determination of adhesion via peel test: Adhesives formulated with VINNAPAS^® EF 8860 are particularly rugged and long-lasting. This makes the new product an ideal dispersion base for flooring adhesives for flexible floor coverings such, especially for PVC floorings.

The rate at which pulp slurry is dewatered can be measured in drainage tests. WACKER’s new silicone tensid PULPSIL^® 968 S accelerates dewatering to unprecedented levels and improves the washing process during pulp making significantly.

Polyvinyl acetate solid resins are an essential component of modern, high-quality gumbase. WACKER produces them in compliance with strict quality and hygiene standards.

WACKER subsidiary Siltronic produces hyperpure silicon wafers for semiconductor and microelectronics applications. The wafers are sliced off perfect, highly pure monocrystals – so-called hyperpure silicon ingots – that have diameters of up to 300 millimeters.

In the production of electronic controllers and sensors, ELASTOSIL^® silicones seal housing components, bond individual elements and encapsulate electronic parts. Specialty ELASTOSIL^® grades are particularly stable to automotive fuels and oils.

When fire breaks out, flame-resistant cables must keep functioning perfectly until rescue work and fire-fighting are complete. In the presence of fire, special ELASTOSIL^® silicone rubbers harden into a ceramic layer that continues to provide electrical insulation even at temperatures of up to 1000 °C.

Growth on the silicone sealants market in Asia is exceptionally strong. Expanding sealant production in Jincheon, South Korea, will benefit WACKER customers across the entire region.

Mold-making compounds made from ELASTOSIL^® silicone rubber are flow-able, durable and easy to process. They cure to elastomers that possess excellent self-release properties and good transparency. ELASTOSIL^® therefore meets all the key requirements on products used for prototyping, where high-volume, economical production is essential.

ELASTOSIL^® silicone rubbers are true all-rounders. Aside from extremely heat-resistant and high-strength grades, the portfolio includes specialty grades that possess magnetic properties. Extrudable solid silicone rubber ELASTOSIL^® R 781/80 is detectable and can be used in a host of applications, such as magnetic closures.

Lab test on color stability: alternating high and low temperatures, UV light and humidity simulate months of outdoor weathering in a lab environment. Even after 1000 hours, the test panel coated with the new dispersion PRIMIS^® AF 1000 formulation (right) is as brightly colored as before, whereas the commercial alternative (left) is showing clear signs of weathering.

The silicone resin emulsion in the SILRES^® WH line provides wood with long-lasting protection against moisture and damp, as evidenced by the beading effect on impregnated wood (right). In contrast, the untreated wood (left) becomes damp immediately. By providing long-term protection, SILRES^® WH greatly reduces the frequency of renovating and recoating exterior woodwork.

A transparent liquid waterproofing system based on the new silane-terminated polymer GENIOSIL^® XT 50 available from WACKER can protect tiles against moisture and frost damage. Such polymers are both highly elastic, yet extremely tear resistant. They also display very good crack-bridging properties.

Windshield bonding: GENIOSIL^{® XT} silane-modified polymers from Munich-based chemical group WACKER make it possible to formulate strong but highly elastic adhesives of the kind needed for direct glazing.

Gypsum joint in drywall: VINNAPAS^® 4800 G is a new dispersible polymer powder ideal for enhancing ecologically sound, gypsum-based joint fillers and jointing compounds for drywall applications. Gypsum mortars containing the powder yield smooth, crack-free surfaces, are easy to apply and offer excellent adhesion.

A silicone pad (shown here in blue) is used for printing on sensitive components. Room-temperature-vulcanizing silicone rubber grades are elastic and exhibit considerable rebound resilience, making them suitable for producing these kinds of transfer pads.

Oven-door gasket made of room-temperature-vulcanizing silicone rubber. Because they are elastic, resist heat and offer good adhesion, high-con-sistency silicone rubber compounds are frequently used in the domestic and kitchen appliances industries.

GENIOSIL^® XL 70 is a new water scavenger developed by Munich-based WACKER for silane-curing adhesive and sealant formulations. It is particularly suitable for low-odor, liquid waterproofing systems.

An airbag coated with WACKER silicones. The new Airbag Competence Center of Excellence in Silicones (ACES) in Tsukuba (Japan) will develop and test products for local airbag manufacturers and their suppliers.

Tightly packed semiconductor components, such as IGBTs, in motor controllers and LED packages can become very hot. Such components are mounted on heat sinks to prolong their lifetime. The new thermally conductive SEMICOSIL^® 975 TC silicone adhesive from WACKER bonds the parts mechanically and ensures optimum heat transfer.

The new thermally conductive SEMICOSIL^® 975 TC silicone adhesive from WACKER is applied to the heat sink. As the electronic component is pressed on, the adhesive forms a thermal interface (TIM). The adhesive layer transfers the heat of the device efficiently to the heat sink.

Spray-dried nature-identical hydroxytyrosol: The odorless, water-soluble powder HTEssence^® is available in great purity and with a defined amount of active ingredient.

WACKER^® HC 401 is a solvent-based silicone microemulsion that protects leather not only from moisture, but also from unsightly grease stains.

WACKER^® HC 321 is a new aqueous impregnant that can be used for restoring impregnation in previously treated textiles. This is confirmed by the drop test, in which WACKER^® HC 321 scored 90 index points. This means that the water hardly wets the fibers and beads off.

WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, will showcase the highly transparent LUMISIL^® LR 7600 silicone rubber at this year’s Fakuma. The product was specifically designed for the manufacture of optical lenses, coupling and light-guiding elements.

Water forms beads on impregnated materials – an effect that deteriorates with frequent washing. WACKER^® HC 303 silicone emulsion makes it possible to impregnate fabrics and to restore the water repellency of already impregnated textiles while laundering.

In the walk-in climatic chamber in Burghausen, experts test polymer-modified external insulation systems under extreme conditions – from -20 to +70 °C – to simulate differ-ent climate zones

A weathering wall is positioned at the new climatic chamber: WACKER has invested around €1 million in the expansion of its EOTA test center in Burghausen for certifying modern thermal insulation systems.

Header tank of a car radiator with silicone gasket made of ELASTOSIL^® RT 728 (light-colored bead). The new liquid silicone rubber, which is resistant to coolant, has been specially developed for the automotive industry. It is suitable for injection molding and for cured-in-place gaskets applied by dispensing equipment. (Photo: Wacker Chemie AG; part courtesy of MAHLE GmbH, Stuttgart)

For high-quality, low-emission tile adhesives: with the aid of VINNAPAS^® 8620 E, even modern large-format or very thin tiles, and porcelain or natural-stone materials, can be bonded reliably.

Lab test: tile adhesives formulated with VINNAPAS^® 8620 E dispersible polymer powder offer a long open time and enhanced flexibility combined with excellent tensile adhesive strength, even after conditioning in water.

New dispersible polymer powders VINNAPAS^® 5005 N and VINNAPAS^® 8118 E offer outstanding adhesive properties and a good price/performance ratio. They can be used to lay tiles quickly and cost-effectively without slipping.

New dispersible polymer powder for cost-efficient, low-emission self-leveling flooring compounds: VINNAPAS^® 4220 L yields smooth, uniform surfaces that satisfy the strictest ecolabel requirements.

Water-proofing test in the lab: The dispersion VINNAPAS^® 550 ED is ideal for flexible two-component sealing slurries for creating permanent, hard-wearing seals in damp rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Furnace chamber test: Films made with VAE and SB binders are tested at WACKER’s carpet lab in Burghausen. The tests show that specific VAE-based films are self-extinguishing (Photo 1), while films made with SB burn readily, issuing black smoke (Photo 2). VAE-based binders there-fore allow for formulations that need fewer flame retardant additives

Furnace chamber test: Films made with VAE and SB binders are tested at WACKER’s carpet lab in Burghausen. The tests show that specific VAE-based films are self-extinguishing (Photo 1), while films made with SB burn readily, issuing black smoke (Photo 2). VAE-based binders there-fore allow for formulations that need fewer flame retardant additives.

Composition of a tufted carpet: The new VINNAPAS^® CA 55 is suitable for formulating highly-filled precoats which bond carpet fibers to the primary backing. In addition, it also enables the formulation of secondary coatings, which, in turn, bond the carpet to the secondary backing (graphics: Wacker Chemie AG).

ELASTOSIL^® from WACKER covers a wide range of silicone-rubber products that offer extremely diverse properties. They are suitable for use in a large variety of industries. Silicones are used in shower heads, tubing and cable insulation, as well as in household items such as flexible ice cube molds (photo). The ready-to-use silicone compounds are usually made by incorporating the crosslinker, pigment and other additives into the rubber base.

At EXPOBOR 2014, WACKER will show ELASTOSIL^® R 781/80. The new magnetic silicone grade is suited to numerous applications in the household and food packaging industry.

At the K 2016 Trade Fair for Rubber and Plastics, WACKER will present new applications for ELASTOSIL^® Film. Due to their dielectric properties, precision silicone films can be used in novel sensors, actuators and generators. The ultrathin films are produced in Burghausen under cleanroom conditions.

One of the novelties WACKER will show at EXPOBOR 2014 is ELASTOSIL^® LR 3022/60. Coolant- and heat-resistant, the new liquid silicone rubber is especially suitable for producing gaskets for installation in engine cooling systems.

Gypsum-based building materials formulated with SILRES^® BS POWDER S are thoroughly water-repellent. Gypsum plasters and the jointing compounds used in drywall building are protected from water and thus against irreversible damage.

The ready-to-use silicone sealants in the General Purpose (GP) and General Sanitary (GS) product lines offer excellent adhesion to porous and non-porous substrates and are suitable for numerous high-quality construction applications.

Test section of drainage concrete. While the water builds up on normal concrete or asphalt and runs off slowly (right side of photo), it can drain away easily and quickly on the new drainage concrete (left).

Drainage concrete modified with ETONIS^® 260 is spread between and beside tracks and thus provides rescue vehicles and fire trucks with fast access to rail-road tunnels. The new concrete is quick to put down, extremely durable and stable, and thus ideal for applications in road, tunnel and under-ground construction (photo: Wacker Chemie AG, courtesy of Deutsche Bahn AG).

Freshly mixed drainage concrete in laboratory trials: the open-pored structure and pores can be clearly seen. Thanks to the new ETONIS^® 260 polymer, the non-slump fresh concrete does not flow or disintegrate at the edges – this is a vital prerequisite for level track surfaces.

Another product highlight at in-cosmetics Paris is the silicone resin elastomer gel BELSIL^® REG 1102, which combines the skin sensory properties of non-crosslinked silicone polymers with the film-forming effects of silicone resins.

Lab test of a dispersion: Depending on the formulation, VINNAPAS^® LL 3112 allows highly fire-resistant coatings with fire resistance class F120 to be achieved, which means heat protection for up to two hours.

In case of a fire, intumescent coatings foam to tens to hundreds of times its original thickness and act as a heat barrier. The new VINNAPAS^® LL 3112 binder ensures significant foam development in these coatings, coupled with improved adhesion and strength (photo: Clariant Produkte Deutschland GmbH - 2013).

Fire test: Intumescent coatings encase steel girders and, in case of a fire, form an insulating foam barrier, thus protecting the steel structure from the heat – and dispersions from WACKER play a key role here as a binder (photo: Clariant Produkte Deutschland GmbH - 2013)

Modern buildings often feature steel skeletons – but when the temperature reaches 500°C, steel frames soften rapidly. To prevent them from buckling within minutes during a fire (left), they are provided with special fire protection coatings, allowing them to resist a fire for much longer (right). The polymer binders VINNAPAS^® EZ 3112 and VINNAPAS^® EZ 3066 ensure significant foam development in these coatings, coupled with improved adhesion and strength.

Water-permeability test: Open-pored concrete modified with ETONIS^® 260 facilitates the transport of moisture (left), while on conventional solid concrete, water builds up and runs off slowly (right). This results in far fewer cracks forming in the new concrete and augments its resistance to frost and road salts.

The dispersion VINNAPAS^® 536 ED is ideal for flexible two-component waterproofing membranes for creating reliable and permanent seals in damp rooms.

Cyclodextrins can accommodate other substances in the center of their ring-shaped structure. They are thereby able to bind other substances, protect sensitive ingredients, influence texture and consistency of materials or improve the properties of polymer systems.

At the EWMA Conference 2016; WACKER is presenting its new silicone gels SILPURAN^® 2114, SILPURAN^® 2122 and SILPURAN^® 2142 These gels are designed for the production of adhesive layers as used in traditional wound-dressing and tape products.

WACKER received Henkel’s Best Innovation Contributor Beauty Care 2014 award for the development of a new silicone microemulsion for shampoos and hair-care products. Tests show that the emulsion makes both wet and dry hair significantly easier to comb.

Skim coats modified with hydrophobic polymer powders such as VINNAPAS^® 5518 H offer an improved weather resistance, and therefore durability of buildings.

The type of adhesive used is key in ensuring that veneers remain attractive for as long as possible. VINNAPAS^® DPX 271 helps to prevent unsightly discolorations.

With the help of creep tests, WACKER's applications technology laboratory in Burghausen, Germany, is able to investigate the cold flow of adhesive bonds.

Conditioning of wood specimens according to DIN EN 204 for testing the shear strength of waterproof wood glues.

Most of the indoor heat of a building escapes through the roof, exterior walls and basement. According to the German Energy Agency (dena), as much as 80% of this heat loss could be prevented by proper renovation and modern construction technology.

Testing samples in the Nutrition and dietary supplements laboratory in Burghausen: the molecular inclusion in cyclodextrin binds the bitter substances, thus eliminating the perceived taste.

Various cyclodextrin inclusion compounds undergo rigorous testing in the Food Laboratory in Burghausen. The ring-shaped molecules are used to improve the solubility or the stability of substances, to reduce the volatility of materials or to mask unpleasant odors.

Cyclodextrin model: The ring-shaped molecules are able to incorporate specific substances such as vitamins, which are released by moisture and discharged to the surroundings in a controlled manner.

WACKER’s applications technology department tests the wood glue’s shear strength according to DIN EN 204.

A machine known as a double-belt press is used to bond the cork layers to wafer-thin slate sheets under elevated pressure and temperatures of roughly 180 degrees Celsius.

Natural cork and VINNEX^® powder binder are blended together to form homogenized pellets known as cork-polymer composites or CPCs. VINNEX^® also binds excellently with other natural fibers, such as coconut, leather and wood.

Wafer-thin, flexible slate-cork panel: novel floor and wall coverings are created from natural cork, Indian slate and WACKER's innovative VINNEX^® powder binders.

For effective facade protection: Silicone resin emulsion paints based on SILRES^® BS feature very high water-vapor permeability, extremely low water absorption and extreme durability.

This droplet penetration test shows that water-repellent silicone fluid emulsions from WACKER reliably protect mineral wool from moisture. Thanks to its low viscosity, the new SILRES^® BS 5137 can be processed very efficiently.

Modern EIFS for building insulation consist of a multi-layered material composite. But only the addition of a dispersible polymer powder creates a firm bond to the insulating material and thus a permanently stable insulation system.

Renovating the Gotthard tunnel: specialists used compressed air to apply the silane impregnating agent.

Completely closed to traffic: to provide protection against moisture and salt ingress, the ceiling of the Gotthard tunnel was impregnated in late September with a specialty silane cream made by WACKER, the Munich-based chemical group.

A race against the clock: in late September, the ceiling of the Gotthard tunnel was impregnated with SILRES^® BS Creme C from WACKER. The treatment affords the tunnel lasting protection against moisture and salt.

Encapsulation of an LED using LUMISIL^®, a WACKER product. These optical high-performance silicones do not just protect the device, they also serve as a lens.

Construction workers fit an exterior insulation and finish system to a house in Syria. In a pilot project, WACKER experts helped to develop an optimal adhesive-mortar formulation to suit the climatic conditions in Damascus.

Reference building in Syria: equipping buildings with state-of-the-art EIFS results in long-term energy savings and thus helps protect the climate.

VINNAPAS^® polymer powder is added to the adhesive mortar to ensure a stable bond between the EIFS insulation materials and the wall.

Ideal for cosmetic products: WACKER’s nature-identical hydroxytyrosol is a very effective, high-purity antioxidant, free of unwanted byproducts and with a defined amount of active ingredient. As a free radical scavenger, HTEssence^® can prevent wrinkle formation and skin aging.

Analyzing tunnel core samples in the Burghausen applications lab to determine the sprayed concrete's waterproofing properties and its strength increase over time.

When applied under tile adhesives, sealing slurries modified with VINNAPAS^® protect walls and floors against moisture in damp rooms, such as baths and basements.

Sealing slurries modified with VINNAPAS^® LL 4040 N are extremely flexible and elastic, as well as crack resistant and water repellent. These properties make them ideal for application in baths and pool/spa facilities, in basements or as coatings for pipes and sewers

Cementitious water proofing membranes containing VINNAPAS^® provide strong and long-term protection against water leakage or damage due to water penetration (left box), unlike conventional formulations (right box).

Today’s routine thin-bed technique was enabled by tile adhesives containing VINNAPAS^®. The benefits include far less needed material and significantly lower costs, as well as time savings and simpler handling thanks to enhanced flexibility and a longer open time.

Self-leveling flooring and troweling compounds modified with VINNAPAS^® produce an extraordinarily smooth, even and fine pored surface (left), as opposed to formulations without or with conventional binders (right). Even a small amount of VINNAPAS^® significantly enhances abrasion resistance, tensile strength in bending as well as compressive strength and provides crack-free setting

An applications engineer in Burghausen tests the spreading and leveling properties of polymer-modified flooring compounds. Self-leveling flooring compounds and underlayments containing VINNAPAS^® produce very smooth and crater-free surfaces characterized by flexibility, good adhesion to all substrates and crack-free hardening. The surface is abrasion resistant, load resistant and can be walked on soon after installation.

Model of cyclodextrin fragrance complexes in wall paints: The ring-shaped sugar molecules can host fragrances in their inner cavity. Set off by moisture, they are released to their surrounding in a controlled manner.

Polycrystalline silicon from WACKER POLYSILICON. Polysilicon is the starting material for producing both computer chips and high-quality solar cells.

Insulation systems can be easily implemented when renovating old houses and brickwork and thus retrofit a high level of thermal insulation

VINNAPAS^® dispersible polymer powder

Sample of an exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS). Only the use of VINNAPAS^® polymer powders in the adhesive and undercoat mortars makes possible a permanent bond between the insulating polystyrene board and the wall, thus creating a stable yet flexible system.

Polycrystalline-silicon solar module. It converts sunlight into electricity. As one of the leading polysilicon producers, WACKER POLYSILICON supplies the solar industry around the world.

Polycrystalline silicon from WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company. The ultrapure material is used to produce silicon wafers for the solar and computer industries.

The surface of an impregnated bridge pier immediately after application (close-up photograph). The silane-containing, high-viscosity water-repellent was applied in a layer some 0.65 mm thick. This provides adequate penetration for effectively protecting the concrete.

Quality control: Drill samples serve to monitor the depth to which the water repellent has penetrated.

WACKER's vegetarian cysteine can be used to prepare hair for a “perm”, replacing the pungent thioglycolic acid currently used in Europe for this purpose.