Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. has developed silicone resin that does not use emulsifiers – the water-based, fast-curing silicone resin “KRW-6000 Series”. Silicone resins are used in applications such as paints and coatings because of their excellent performance with regard to weather resistance and heat resistance. In recent years, expectations for water-based silicone resins have been increasing.
Conventional waterborne silicone resins use emulsifiers. Compared to organic solvent-based silicone resins, water-based products to which emulsifiers are added tend to have inferior film properties. In addition, there were issues regarding the required time for drying and curing. The KRW-6000 Series does not use emulsifiers, and thus it has excellent film properties and can be cured quickly through heating.
The main features of this newly developed silicone resin series are as follows:
- Emulsifier-free, water-dispersible silicone resin: As no emulsifier is used, it forms a superior water-resistant film. In addition, after curing, it becomes an inorganic silicone-only film, which provides excellent durability and weather resistance over the long term. For this reason, it is suitable as a binder for weather-resistant paints and various additives.
- Non-inclusion of organic solvents contributes to a VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)-free product: The resin is a water-solvent type that does not contain organic solvents, and the only substance generated in the curing reaction is water, which contributes to VOC-free products. In addition, the water evaporates to form a film with no tackiness, making it easy to work with.
- Fast-curing at low temperatures in a short time contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: In addition to the curing process progressing at room temperature, curing is accelerated by heating to the 80-150°C level for several minutes. Compared to conventional organic solvent-based silicone resins, curing progresses at lower temperatures and in a shorter time, thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
- Formation of high-hardness film: It is possible to form a high-hardness film with a maximum hardness of 4H. Types with more flexible coatings are also available.
As per the press release, Shin-Etsu Chemical will strive to develop and supply high-value-added silicone products that take advantage of the technological expertise and know-how Shin-Etsu has cultivated over the years in order to help customers solve various issues.
