Binders and silicone resins for external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) applications
Modern external thermal insulation composite systems are multilayer composite materials consisting of insulation panels, mortar, fiberglass mesh, plaster and a coating. Factors that determine ETICS longevity and functionality are the mortars, renders and paints used.
An external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) is under constant strain: temperature fluctuations, moisture and mechanical influences can compromise its insulating properties and even damage the system as a whole. Powerful adhesive mortars and base coats are key tools for meeting these challenges, as are durable renders and paints.
For construction material manufacturers and producers of paints and renders, our polymeric binders and innovative silicone resins offer solutions for making external thermal insulation composite systems tougher and longer lasting. That results in robust, energy-efficient systems that reduce heating and cooling costs and improve buildings’ carbon footprint.
External thermal insulation composite systems – challenges and solutions
Typical challenges:
- Different substrates can hinder adhesion in adhesive mortars and base coats.
- Extreme temperature changes produce stress, cause cracks to form and result in material fatigue.
- Mechanical stress compromises the impact strength and service life of the system.
- Moisture penetration causes damage and compromises the insulating properties of the system.
This animated video demonstrates how polymeric binders improve the adhesion, flexibility and impact resistance of the cement matrix of an adhesive mortar or base coat.
Our solution:
VINNAPAS® polymeric binders ensure excellent adhesion in adhesive mortars and base coats, lending them the flexibility they need to offset the stress caused by temperature changes. The outstanding elasticity and impact resistance of VINNAPAS® formulations provide external thermal insulation composite systems with lasting protection from mechanical stress and reduce crack formation.
SILRES® BS silicone resins allow manufacturers to create water-repellent, vapor-permeable exterior paints that keep moisture at bay without compromising breathability.
VINNAPAS® grades based on vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) are particularly suitable for formulating 1K adhesive mortars and base coats:
- The strong physical affinity between ethylene and EPS (expanded polystyrene) promotes adhesion.
- The high ethylene content improves flexibility and impact resistance with no additional plasticizers.
Y-axis: Impact resistance (in joules) at 23 °C, stored for 28 days under standard climatic conditions (23 °C, 50% relative humidity) – commercial formulation
Product properties
Dispersible polymer powders for formulating 1-component (1K) adhesive mortars and base coats.
Advantages:
- Good adhesion to all substrates (masonry, concrete and a variety of insulation materials such as EPS or mineral wool)
- Improved flexibility and impact resistance
- Good compatibility with cement and alkaline surfaces
- High flame retardancy (particularly VC-containing terpolymers)
- Optimum storage stability; long-lasting products that are easy to transport
Applications:
- ETICS adhesive mortars
- ETICS base coats
Improves the impact resistance of an ETICS adhesive mortar
Product properties
Dispersible polymer powders for formulating 1-component (1K) adhesive mortars and base coats.
Advantages:
- Good adhesion to all substrates (masonry, concrete and a variety of insulation materials such as EPS or mineral wool)
- Improved flexibility and impact resistance
- Good compatibility with cement and alkaline surfaces
- High flame retardancy (particularly VC-containing terpolymers)
- Optimum storage stability; long-lasting products that are easy to transport
Applications:
- ETICS adhesive mortars
- ETICS base coats
Grades based on vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) are particularly suitable for formulating 2K adhesive mortars and base coats:
- The strong physical affinity between ethylene and EPS (expanded polystyrene) promotes adhesion.
- The high ethylene content improves flexibility and impact resistance with no additional plasticizers.
Product properties
Polymer dispersions for formulating 2-component (2K) adhesive mortars and base coats
Advantages:
- Good adhesion to all substrates (masonry, concrete and a variety of insulation materials such as EPS or mineral wool)
- Improved flexibility and impact resistance
- Good compatibility with cement and alkaline surfaces
- High flame retardancy (particularly VC-containing terpolymers)
Applications:
- ETICS adhesive mortars
- ETICS base coats
Product properties
Polymer dispersions for formulating ready-to-use, cement-free, 1-component (1K) adhesive mortars and base coats in paste form.
Advantages:
- Good adhesion to all substrates (masonry, concrete and a variety of insulation materials such as EPS or mineral wool)
- Improved flexibility and impact resistance
- Prevents mixing errors on site
- Good storage stability because they are prepared ahead by machine
- High flexibility with minimal tendency to form cracks
- VAE dispersions offer better fire-resistance than alternative pasty binder systems
Applications:
- ETICS adhesive mortars
- ETICS base coats
Product properties
Polymer dispersions, dispersible polymer powders and silicone resins for formulating renders and exterior paints
Advantages:
- Protection against damp without restricting water-vapor permeability
- Protection against driving rain
- Excellent adhesion
- Improved fire protection
- Low dirt pick-up
- High color consistency
- Improved impact resistance
Applications:
- Renders
- Exterior paints
ETICS FAQs
Polymeric binders like VINNAPAS® dispersible polymer powders and dispersions improve the adhesion, flexibility and impact resistance of adhesive mortars and base coats in ETICS applications, where they deliver longevity and resistance to moisture, temperature changes and mechanical stress.
- Improved adhesion to a variety of substrates
- Greater flexibility and impact resistance
- Excellent compatibility with cement and alkaline surfaces
- Enhanced fire protection due to VC terpolymers
WACKER offers three VINNAPAS® product classes for ETICS applications:
- N (neutral) Class: Has a neutral impact on rheology and gives formulators exceptional flexibility. Ideal for a variety of applications.
- E (enhanced) Class: Improves workability, adhesion and water resistance – for high-performing ETICS mortars.
- H (hydrophobic) Class: Excellent hydrophobicity – ideal for areas exposed to moisture such as base coats and finishing plasters.
SILRES® BS silicone resins allow manufacturers to formulate weather-resistant exterior paints that combine considerable water-vapor permeability with exceptionally low water absorption. This kind of silicone resin emulsion paint (SREP®) serves as an ideal finishing plaster for external thermal insulation composite systems: it keeps facades dry, does not compromise insulating capacity and improves the potential energy savings of an ETICS over the long term.
