WACKER is premiering a silicone-based thermoplastic that combines specific properties of silicones with the features of thermoplastic (i.e. heat-softenable) polymers. The hybrid material is marketed as GENIOMER^®. Not only can it be processed like conventional thermoplastics, but it also has excellent release and slip properties, high UV stability and outstanding transparency. Additionally, GENIOMER^® repels water and contains no catalysts or plasticizers.

WACKER is focusing on various optical and polymer-film applications. For instance, GENIOMER^® is ideal for embedding electronic and optical components. GENIOMER^® films can be used to encapsulate solar modules in just one simple and effective processing step. GENIOMER^® can also be used to (co-)extrude protective film and films for labels. The thermoplastic has good release properties and lends surfaces very pleasant haptic effects.