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Hydrophobization of insulation materials with silicone emulsions and alkoxysilane coupling agents

Photo of a modern house facade with visible thermal insulation: the cut-away exterior wall shows yellow wool insulation boards, substructure, and facade cladding.

Insulation materials treated with SILRES® BS silicone emulsions are permanently protected against penetrating moisture.

Moisture is one of the greatest enemies of efficient thermal insulation: when mineral insulation materials absorb water, they lose their insulating properties. At the same time, moisture damages the insulation material and causes mold growth.

The solution: Hydrophobizing impregnation with SILRES® BS silicone emulsions protects mineral insulation materials against penetrating moisture over the long term.

Additionally, our GENIOSIL® products serve as coupling agents in bonded mineral wool to ensure optimal adhesion between the inorganic fibers and the organic binder.

Modern insulation materials – challenges and solutions

SILRES® BS | Hydrophobization of Insulation Materials
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SILRES® BS Application Overview
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SILRES® and GENIOSIL® | Architectural Coatings and Construction Materials
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Typical challenges:

  • Penetrating moisture reduces thermal insulation performance and increases energy consumption.
  • Capillary water absorption causes material damage and mold growth.
  • Mineral fibers and binders exhibit low compatibility.

Our solution:

SILRES® BS silicone emulsions create a durable, hydrophobic silicone network on the surface of the insulation materials. This treatment reduces capillary water absorption without impairing water vapor permeability – a property that is crucial for maintaining constant thermal insulation performance. SILRES® BS silicone emulsions are suitable for treating glass wool, rock wool, perlite, expanded clay, vermiculite and aerated concrete.

GENIOSIL® coupling agents improve adhesion between inorganic fibers and organic binders, ensuring high mechanical stability and long-term dimensional stability.

Product properties

SILRES® BS: dilutable silicone emulsions for the water-repellent impregnation of mineral insulation materials

GENIOSIL®: functional alkoxysilanes that act as a molecular bridge between inorganic and organic substrates

3D graphic of a silicon network; water droplets floating above it cannot pass through the network, while vapor from inside can escape through the network.

The hydrophobic silicone network protects against penetrating water without impairing vapor permeability.

Benefits of SILRES® BS:

  • Improved freeze / thaw resistance
  • Optimal reduction of capillary water absorption
  • Very good penetration depth
  • Good alkali stability
  • High UV and heat resistance
  • Surfaces do not become glossy or sticky; no yellowing
  • Environmentally friendly, saves energy and reduces CO2 emissions
  • Broad product portfolio to ensure compatibility with traditional and formaldehyde-free ("natural") binders
  • Minimal reduction of water-vapor permeability

Benefits of GENIOSIL®:

  • Optimized adhesion between fibers and binder
  • Increased mechanical strength and stability

Applications:

  • External insulation
  • Wall insulation
  • Roof insulation
  • Loose-fill insulation

FAQs on insulation materials

Hydrophobic impregnation with SILRES® BS silicone emulsions protects mineral insulation materials against moisture over the long term. It forms a hydrophobic silicone network on the surface that prevents penetration of water without impairing water-vapor permeability. This maintains the thermal insulation performance of the materials over the long term and prevents moisture damage.

SILRES® BS silicone emulsions are particularly suitable for mineral insulation materials, such as insulation boards, loose-fill insulation and bonded mineral wool. They provide protection against capillary water absorption and improve the long-term stability of these materials.

Our SILRES® BS silicone emulsions and GENIOSIL® coupling agents are aimed at manufacturers of mineral insulation materials who are looking for durable, energy-efficient solutions.

When mineral insulation materials absorb water, they lose their insulating properties. Dry insulation materials increase energy efficiency, reduce heating costs and improve the building’s CO2 balance.

GENIOSIL® products improve the adhesion between inorganic fibers and organic binders. In so doing, they increase the mechanical stability, processing properties and service life of the insulation materials. In combination with SILRES® BS, this creates a high-performance solution for durable, energy-efficient and moisture-resistant insulation materials in the construction sector.