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At this year’s East African Coatings Congress (EACC) in Nairobi, the Munich-based Wacker Group is presenting novel polymer and silicone products for innovative easy-to-clean applications. For the first time in the region, Wacker is showing the dispersions of the Primis SAF 9000 series: These novel binders have a special composition that is both oleophobic and hydrophobic, making walls or concrete and stone floors resistant to many different types of stains – from coffee and red wine to coloured pencils. The new binder Silres BS 6920 for the impregnation of cement-bound substrates is based on the Group’s alpha-silane technology. The solvent-free product provides concrete and flowing-screed floors with excellent stain protection and is very easy to process. The EACC takes place from June 13 to 14 in Nairobi, Kenya.
"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,” said 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-levelling flooring compounds and concrete floors. The two products Primis SAF 9000 and Prmis 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 coloured pencils. Just adding 10–20% 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 minimises 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 at https://youtu.be/_3EkloVTaUI
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 optimised 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 24hr 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 colour 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 tyre 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 centres and museums.
