Introduction
As a pioneer, Kaneka launched the silane terminated polyether’s (STPEs) about 40 years ago onto the Japanese market. The first Kaneka MS PolymerTM grades were launched to be used as highly elastic low modulus sealants in earthquake sensitive areas.
The shortcomings of the existing silicone and polyurethane sealants, made the market longing for a new innovative technology. The researchers from Kaneka succeeded in developing a polymer which combined the positive properties from silicones and polyurethanes and named it Modified Silicone Polymer or MS PolymerTM.
The high elasticity, paintability and goodUV-resistance made MS PolymerTM a success story in Japan and far beyond. Kaneka’s continuous drive to innovate, results in an extensive portfolio, covering sealant, adhesive and coating applications.
Technology
Kaneka MS PolymerTM differentiates itself from silicones and polyurethanes as it consists of a functionalized polyether backbone with silane terminal groups.
It is a moisture curing system, however the curing mechanism will only initiate if both the catalyst and water are present, blending MS PolymerTM with only one of these two ingredients will render an unreactive mixture.
This ensures a very robust and stable raw material over a long period of time. Once MS PolymerTM is added to a formulation, moisture should be managed properly to avoid curing in the cartridge, bucket or other packaging material.
From Sealants to Adhesives
While in the 1970’s the polymer portfolio was limited to highly elastic sealant materials, the last decades the trend towards harder adhesive grades was initiated.
First by adding acryl modified MS PolymerTM grades and later by the launch of high strength grades. A broad operation window can be obtained in which both sealant and adhesive grades canbe found.
Besides the clear versatility in the mechanical performance, also the adhesion performance of MS PolymerTM based sealants and adhesives is famous. While the primer-less adhesion to metals is well-known in the industry, an outstanding adhesion performance to plastics can be obtained as well.
With the automotive and transportation market moving more and more towards lightweight materials, the need for structural adhesives with proper adhesion to plastics and composite materials becomes larger every day. The latest high strength MS PolymerTM grades can be used to serve such high demanding applications.
Properties
Kaneka MS PolymerTM was accepted very fast in Japan and surely in Europe because of the mix of well- balanced properties and performance, which is difficult to achieve with other technologies.
In the last 40 years new polymers have been developed continuously, leading to an extensive portfolio. Depending on the required properties and application, a specific polymer or combination is selected. The most important properties of Kaneka MS PolymerTM based sealants and adhesives are:
• Primer-free adhesion to a wide variety of substrates,
• Environmental friendliness: No isocyanates, no solvents, low VOC and the possibility to formulate label-free products,
• Low to high viscous polymer range enabling to make sprayable or easy pourable to paste-like sealants/adhesives,
• Weather resistance and durability: High UV-, heat- and moisture resistance,
• Retention of high elasticity, even at sub-0°C temperatures,
•Easy handling, even at very low or high temperatures,
•Overpaintability with water- and solvent based paints,
•High storage stability leading to long shelf life times,
•No bubble formation as no gas formation occurs during curing,
•Hardness can range from very soft to hard.
Applications
The above-mentioned properties more or less imply that the sealants and adhesives based on Kaneka MS PolymerTM find their use in a very wide application window:
•Do-İt-Yourself and Consumer Products: Multi-purpose sealants and adhesives, high strength repair adhesives, mirror adhesives, sanitary sealants, high tack adhesives.
•Flooring: Adhesives for parquet, wood, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), mosaic, tiles.
•Building and Construction: Façade joints, natural stone and perimeter joints and panel bonding. But also waterproofing for detailed repair, adhesives for bitumen, EPDM/TPO sheets and roof sealants. All of these construction sealants and adhesives will provide wind-, air- and water tightness, making these suitable for the construction of low energy houses.
•Industrial Applications: Semi structural adhesives in the automotive and transportation industry, such as windscreen and panel adhesives, sealants for cooling containers and flame-retardant sealants.
New applications, such as MS Foam, are being developed, but also pressure sensitive adhesives can be produced or improved by adding Kaneka MS PolymerTM.
Conclusion
Sealant, adhesive and even coating applications can be covered with the present and unique Kaneka MS PolymerTM portfolio. A technology toolbox is offered, which makes the life of formulators easier and improves the quality of their products.
With more than 40 years of experience in the field of moisture curable technology, Kaneka, as the dreamology company, puts everything at stake to make your dreams happen.
Jo Indesteege
Business Manager
MS Polymer Division
Kaneka Belgium NV
