Easy-Care Surfaces: WACKER Presents Dispersions and Silicones for Easy-to-Clean Applications and Anti-Graffiti Coatings

The dispersions of the new PRIMIS^® SAF 9000 series can ideally be used in dilute form for dirt-repellent treatment of decorative mineral surfaces, such as self-leveling flooring compounds and concrete floors. The two products PRIMIS^® SAF 9000 and PRIMIS^® SAF 9001 contain extremely fine particles with diameters of less than 0.1 micrometers, which therefore penetrate into even the tiniest pores. Thus, they prevent the penetration of water- or oil-based substances into the pores without impacting the appearance or feel of the flooring. The surfaces produced with PRIMIS^® SAF 9001, in particular, are therefore highly resistant to dirt contamination, but also resistant to mechanical abrasion. Consequently the most diverse stains, from red wine through coffee and ketchup to oil, can be simply wiped off the treated floor covering without leaving any residue. Another advantage is that the dispersions are absorbed quickly and dry fast so that the treated floors are accessible after just about one hour.

PRIMIS^® SAF 9000 can also be used to formulate so-called “easy-to-clean” interior wall paints which are resistant to a whole host of substances – from tea and coffee to lipstick, mustard or colored pencils. Just adding 10–20 percent of the dispersion in relation to the main binder is enough to allow dirt to be simply wiped off the wall without trace just using a sponge. The dispersion also increases the blocking resistance in paint formulations so that dried surfaces do not adhere if they are pressed together. Furthermore, PRIMIS^® SAF 9000 can be used as a binder for marble chip plasters.

In exterior wall paints, adding PRIMIS^® SAF 9000 minimizes the dirt pick-up and prevents the soluble additives like emulsifiers in the paint from leaching and creating so-called “snail trails”.

Watch our video clip about the PRIMIS^® SAF 9000 series at http://www.wacker.com/ecs-clips

SILRES^® BS 6920: Impregnation of Cementitious Flooring

SILRES^® BS 6920 is an alpha-silane-terminated polyether that cures on contact with moisture. Its chemical structure has been optimized to achieve low viscosity. As a result, the binder penetrates deep into the pores of a cement-bound floor, filling the pores completely and forming a thin, shiny film on the surface. After the binder has cured, everyday substances containing water or oil are unable to enter the pores. The new binder therefore offers highly effective stain protection. Even substances that are left on the surface for some time can be removed without any lasting stains.

Impregnating agents based on SILRES^® BS 6920 are usually applied twice. The first coat applied strengthens the floor. A second produces a homogeneous surface that increases scratch and scrub resistance and makes the floor polishable. To accelerate curing, SILRES^® BS 6920 is usually formulated with an aminofunctional silane that also ensures good adhesion to cement-bound substrates. It is possible to walk on or drive over the floors about twenty-four hours after treatment.

SILRES^® BS 6920 offers formulators considerable flexibility. Its low viscosity makes solvent-free processing possible, although a solvent may be added if required. Formulators can use pigments, reinforcing fillers and matting agents to broadly vary the properties of their end products. These ready-to-use, one-part end products can be applied using a mop, roller or airless spray gun. Transparent formulations intensify the color of the substrate and accentuate the grain of the stone. The binder has a high flash point, so no special precautions need be taken.

The treated floor is easy care and simple to keep clean. Red wine, cola, coffee, mustard, ketchup and engine oil stains or tire marks can be wiped off easily. Impregnating agents based on SILRES^® BS 6920 are suitable for treating cement-bound floors in industrial, commercial and private residential buildings. Such flooring can be installed in parking garages, car repair shops, train stations and logistics centers, as well as in showrooms, restaurants, event and convention centers, and museums.

Anti-Graffiti Coatings

The new anti-graffiti concentrate SILRES^® BS 710 is a one-part silicone rubber formu¬lation that cures to form a silicone elastomer at room temperature and upon exposure to moisture. The difference between SILRES^® BS 710 and traditional silicone-based anti-graffiti coating compounds is its unique formulation concept, which completely eliminates the need for tin catalysts and oxime crosslinkers.

Coating materials made from SILRES^® BS 710 can be sprayed onto surfaces or applied with a roller or brush. A single treatment is generally enough. Surfaces will be reliably protected from graffiti and posters after a curing time of one day. Furthermore, the silicone film is permeable to water vapor. Studies conducted on adhesive properties have shown that porous mineral substrates like concrete or bricks do not need to be primed prior to the application of a coating material made from SILRES^® BS 710.

The cured silicone film is strongly abhesive, which means that other substances adhere either poorly to its surface or not at all. Graffiti can be easily removed from the surface, and stickers, posters or signs either fall off on their own or can be peeled off effortlessly. Cleaning the surface with cold water using a sponge or a pressure washer is all it takes to remove graffiti.

The cured film is elastic and resistant to any impact that weather or temperature could have under real circumstances. Thanks to its flexibility and good adhesion to the substrate, the film remains intact even during the processes of washing off graffiti or removing stickers. In other words, SILRES^® BS 710 offers permanent protection, while also intensifying colors and creating a slightly glossy surface.

Manufacturers of building protection agents can incorporate SILRES^® BS 710 into ready-to-use products. As a concentrate, the product gives formulators the freedom to adjust the active content and viscosity to meet the needs of the application at hand. They can even use pigments to adjust the color. Typical applications of SILRES^® BS 710 include anti-graffiti and poster release coatings for residential areas, schools, pedestrian underpasses, parking garages, train stations, freeway bridges and noise barriers.

Watch our video clip about SILRES^® BS 710 at http://www.wacker.com/ecs-clips

Visit WACKER at ECS 2017 in Hall 1, Booth 1-510.