Choosing the Right Silane

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Silanes are bifunctional molecules that act as adhesion promoters, crosslinkers and moisture scavengers in many different applications.

The properties and effects of silanes are defined by their molecular structure:

Y-(CH2)n-Si(OX)3, where:

Y = organofunctional group

OX = silicon-functional group

n = 0 or 3

The organofunctional group Y links with the polymer. This group must be chosen carefully to ensure maximum compatibility with the resin. The silicon-functional groups OX, usually alkoxy groups, must be hydrolyzed to the silanol (Si-OH) first before they can bond to the substrate or crosslink.

In general, ethoxy silanes will hydrolyze at a slower rate than their methoxy equivalents.

Choosing the right silane for your silane application by using the guide below or contacting our experts. The organic functional groups listed below can be used with Thermoplastic resins, Thermosetting resins, or Elastomeric applications:

polymer	Amino	Epoxy	Sulfur	Mercapto	Methacryloxy	Vinyl
Acrylic	☆	☆		△	△
Acrylic latex	#	△			☆	☆
Butyl		△	△	△	☆
Cellulosics	△					#
Epoxy	☆	△		△
Furan	☆	△
Melamine	☆	△
Neoprene				☆
Nitrile	#	#	☆	☆
Nitro-cellulose	△
Phenolic	△	△		△
Polyamide	☆	△
Polyester	#	#			☆	△
Polyether	#				☆
Polyolefin	#	△			☆	☆
Polysulfide	#	#	☆	☆
Polyurethane	☆	#		☆
Polyvinyl butyral	#
PUD	△	#
Silicone					☆	△
SBR emulsion		#
Styrene butadiene	#	#	☆	☆
Urea-formaldehyde	△	△
Vinyl	△

☆=Generally Effective △=Alternate #=Only effective with specific silane grades

Functional groups must be evaluated by customers for compatibility with listed resins. This should be used as a guide only.

Application: Benefits

Adhesives: Moisture- initiated crosslinking of resin, improve wet adhesion, Primerless adhesion to many materials, improved chemical resistance weatherablity and durability

Coatings & Inks: Moisture- initiated crosslinking of resin, improve wet adhesion, Chemical and corrosion resistance, weatherability, pigment dispersion and scrub resistance

Fiber Reinforced: Coupling of resins with fibers for improved resiliency of insulation

Composites and: batts, better wet strength retention and electrical properties of

Glass Insulation: FRP composites, and improved fiber strand integrity, protection And handling

Filler Treatment: Improved coupling of resins with fillers, better filler dispersion and Processing ease in thermoset and thermoplastic resins

Polymer Modification: Moisture-cure crosslinking for improved environmental and Chemical resistance

Rubber and Elastomers: Coupling of resins with mineral for improved composite strength Toughness, abrasion resistance, rolling resistance, wet Electrical Properties and rheology control, fewer mixing steps and better Silica dispersion

Sealants: Moisture-initiated crosslinking of resins, improved adhesion, Chemical resistance, filler dispersion and weatherability

Thermoplastics: Moisture-curable crosslinked polyethylene for wire & cables and Polyethylene crosslinked (PEX) pipes, mineral and pigment Treatment for dispersibility and coupling of resins with fillers in High performance thermoplastics

Tires: Coupling silica in tire compounds to improve the rolling resistance Traction and wear. New generation silanes may facilitate higher-efficiency tire manufacturing while enhancing tire performance

Please contact Silfluo for more info.

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