WACKER, in collaboration with Chinese specialty silane producer and JV partner SICO Performance Material, has inaugurated a new Application Development Center (ADC) for organofunctional silanes in Jining, China. This strategic facility aims to accelerate innovation and strengthen WACKER’s specialty silicone business in the region.
Advanced Facility for High-Performance Additives
The 2,300-square-meter center houses several state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to developing high-performance additives for the plastics, coatings, and adhesives industries. The ADC also serves as a vital interface between research, technical support, and production, enabling seamless integration of development work with SICO’s production and scale-up resources located nearby. The integration allows for the rapid market launch of new products, meeting the growing demand for specialty silanes in China. Investments in the facility total a mid-six-figure euro sum, reflecting WACKER’s long-term commitment to the region.
Focus on High-Margin Specialty Silanes
Tom Koini, President of WACKER’s Silicones business division, stated, “As a provider of innovative silicone specialties, this development center marks a key milestone for our business in China. Our focus is on high-margin specialty silanes, where demand is continuously rising. This investment, together with our partner SICO, strengthens our presence and commitment to the region.”
Specialty silanes, including organofunctional silanes, are used as:
*Adhesion promoters for high-performance adhesives, sealants, and coatings
*Binders for composite materials
*Additives to enhance plastics
These silanes improve the mechanical and chemical properties of products, driving rising demand in high-tech sectors.
Enhancing Innovation Through Collaboration
Kevin Qu, General Manager of SICO Performance Material, emphasized, “We can now pool all of our silane expertise at the ADC. From chemical product properties and supply chain matters to process engineering and market trends, this know-how will help us develop forward-looking innovations for our customers. This marks a new chapter in our joint venture.” The center allows WACKER and SICO to provide enhanced support for customers in developing and marketing innovative products, reinforcing their position as leading specialty silane manufacturers in China.
Broad Applications Across High-Tech Sectors
The ADC focuses on additives, adhesion promoters, and stabilizers based on organofunctional silanes and functional silicone fluids. These specialty silanes enable the formulation of high-quality adhesives, sealants, coatings, and plastics, which are critical in sectors such as:
*Electromobility
*Electronics
*Power engineering
*Telecommunications
*Industrial coatings
As per the press release, experts at the center bring extensive knowledge in production and process engineering, ensuring that innovations are not only scientifically advanced but also scalable for industrial applications.
Laurent Morineaux, head of the Energy & Industrial Business Unit at WACKER’s Silicones division, and Kevin Qu, SICO Performance Material’s General Manager (fourth and fifth from left) were among those who attended the opening of the WACKER SICO Application Development Center in Jining, China. (Source: WACKER).
