“In the construction and coatings sector, demand for our high-value polymers and silicones solutions has risen noticeably over recent years in Africa, especially in the East African region. That’s why this exhibition is a great chance for us to present our comprehensive expertise in high-quality coatings applications,” says Cyril Cisinski, Managing Director of Wacker Chemicals Middle East, explaining the Group’s participation at EACC. For the first time in the region, WACKER is introducing novel dispersions for dirt-repellent treatments for floors and walls as well as a new silicone product for stain-resistant concrete surfaces.
Oil- and Water-Repellent Dispersions for Easy-Care Surfaces
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
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.
WACKER in Dubai
WACKER set up a local subsidiary (Wacker Chemicals Middle East) in Dubai back in 2000 and has been operating its own sales office there since then. A technical center has been available to regional customers and partners since 2002. In 2009, WACKER moved to the “Dubai Silicon Oasis” technology park: Spanning nearly 13,000 m2, the new location houses technical labs as well as the offices of WACKER’s subsidiary for the Middle East sales region. In spring 2010, WACKER further established a local branch of its international training and competence center, the WACKER ACADEMY, at its technical center Dubai. From Dubai, the subsidiary serves customers from the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East and Africa.
Visit WACKER at East African Coatings Congress 2017 at booth number C1
