The WACKER Group is presenting two new impact modifiers for composites—GENIOPERL® W37 and GENIOPERL® W38—at JEC World 2026, the international composites show taking place in Paris, France, from March 10 to 12. These products represent a new generation of silicone-based additives designed to significantly enhance the mechanical performance of thermosetting resins.
Impact modifiers play a crucial role in improving the shock and impact resistance of composite components. In this context, WACKER developed GENIOPERL® W37 and GENIOPERL® W38 to optimize the durability and performance of thermosetting resins such as epoxies and vinyl esters. Their tailored molecular structure, based on functional silicone building blocks, promotes efficient phase separation and forms nanoscale elastomeric domains within the resin matrix. Consequently, the additives increase matrix toughness and help prevent composite materials from breaking under impact.
Enhanced Performance with Sustainable Design
Both modifiers support demanding applications in composites, adhesives, and coatings where mechanical reliability, fatigue resistance, and strong low-temperature performance are essential. At the same time, WACKER incorporated sustainability considerations during development by significantly reducing the cyclics content in both products.
Furthermore, GENIOPERL® W37 and GENIOPERL® W38 disperse easily, remain compatible with organic resin systems, and deliver reliable performance even at low dosages. Manufacturers can process them using simple stirrers or rotor-stator systems without negatively affecting mechanical strength, viscosity, or heat resistance.
GENIOPERL® W37 improves impact strength particularly in low-temperature environments. The recommended dosage ranges from 2 to 8 percent by weight of the unfilled resin-hardener system. Similarly, GENIOPERL® W38 enhances low-temperature impact resistance and additionally contains defoaming additives, making it especially suitable for casting processes conducted under reduced pressure.
POWERSIL® Resin 710 for High-Temperature Applications
In addition to the new modifiers, WACKER is highlighting POWERSIL® Resin 710, a silicone resin compound designed for heat-resistant molded parts. Manufacturers can process this material using compression molding, pressure gelation, or injection molding techniques. Molded components made from POWERSIL® Resin 710 meet thermal class R standards and can withstand temperatures of up to 220°C for extended periods.
As per the press release, the material offers an alternative to high-temperature polymers such as PTFE and PEEK. It provides strong electrical insulation, mechanical durability, and UV stability while remaining solvent-free and easy to process due to its low viscosity.
Additional Highlights for the Composites Industry
At JEC World 2026, WACKER is also presenting several high-performance materials for composites manufacturing. These include SILRES® silicone resins for enhanced insulation and flame retardancy, HDK® pyrogenic silica for rheology control, VINNAPAS® low-profile additives to minimize shrinkage and improve dimensional stability, and GENIOSIL® organofunctional silanes that promote adhesion and enable effective treatment of fillers and fibers.
