Polysilicon deposition at the Nünchritz plant .These cutting-edge production facilities were designed for an annual capacity of 15,000 metric tons.

Gas conversion system for polysilicon production at the Nünchritz site. This plant recycles by-products to feed them back into the manufacturing process.

Prof. Matthias Drieß (Technical University of Berlin), winner of the 2011 WACKER Silicone Award (center), with Dr. Rudolf Staudigl, WACKER’s President & CEO (far right), Dr. Wolfgang Heubisch, Bavarian Minister of Science, and Dr. Carlos Weise, President WACKER SILICONES, (left).

Prof. Matthias Drieß (Technical University Berlin) received WACKER’s Silicone Award 2011 for his pioneering work in the field of organosilicon chemistry.

As an emulsifier, alpha-cyclodextrin ensures the stability of oil-in-water emulsions: The interior of the doughnut-shaped alpha-cyclodextrin molecule is lipophilic (i.e. fat loving), while its exterior is hydrophilic (water loving). Fatty acid groups can “slip” into the interior of the alpha-cyclodextrin and form a surfactant structure, suitable as an emulsifier.