What is Silane

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

Silane adhesion promoters act as molecular bridges between two chemically different materials. Adhesives and sealants are based on organic polymers, while the substrates they hold together are often inorganic in nature, for example, glass, metal or concrete. Silanes improve adhesion by chemically bonding to both types of materials simultaneously, forming a molecular bridge that is strong, durable and resistant to the negative effects of moisture and temperature.

Silanes open the door to such performance benefits as:

Superior adhesion, wet and dry;
Improved heat and moisture resistance;
Flexibility in formulation;
Improved wetting;
Improved mechanical properties;
Improved filler dispersion;
Improved solvent resistance; and
Improved weatherability.

Silanes are versatile products that provide improved product performance and quality. Silanes can be used as primers, additives and co-monomers in adhesive and sealant 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.

Purpose	Effect of the silane coupling agent
Adhesives, sealants (Adhesive, Sealing)	improve wetting and drying of the adhesive strength improve chemical resistance of weatherability improve durability Improvement of the viscoelastic improve filler and pigment dispersion
Paints, Coatings (Paint, Coating)	resistance to corrosion improve adhesiveness increase rheological property improve dispersion of dyes and fillers UV protection water and chemical resistance
Glass fiber reinforced resin (Glass Fiber treatment)	improve cycle testing performance from heat polar to cold polar. increase fiber glass infiltration and electrical performance. enhance glass fiber precursor strand integrity, protection and treatability.
Printing ink (Ink for printing)	Improved adhesion the improvement of dysplasia improving the wetting properties
Elastomer (Elastomer)	improve abrasion resistance, tear resistance tensile improvements improved trackability filler dispersion improvements shortening of the kneading process (cost reduction)
The thermo plastic resin (Polyolefin resin)	improve filler and pigment dispersion crosslinking of the olefin resin high function imparting flame resistance
Textile chemicals	Silane coupling agents are used for compounding of silicone oil and silicone emulsion to provide fabric function of comfortable, softness and smoothness. Lower yellowing Improve tear strength and durability According to new compound design, enhance waterproofness (hydrophobicity) and improve water-absorbing quality( hydrophily) Improve elastic recovery, anti wrinkle resistance and abrasion resistance Reduce shrink degree Improve flexibility