Introduction
The adhesive and sealant industry is always changing, with new materials appearing to solve the shortcomings of conventional solutions. Silyl Modified Polymers (SMPs) are one of these innovations that are gaining popularity the fastest because of their special qualities and better performance than traditional adhesives like polyurethanes and silicones.
While silicone and polyurethane adhesives have been the go-to solutions for many years, they each have limitations. Silicone adhesives offer excellent elasticity and weather resistance, but they can lack adhesion to certain substrates and may not be paintable. Polyurethanes, on the other hand, provide strong adhesion to a wide range of materials and can be painted, but they can be less flexible and more susceptible to UV degradation. Silyl-modified polymers (SMPs) aim to overcome these limitations, combining the strengths of both silicone and polyurethane adhesives into one powerful product.
Silyl-modified polymers (SMPs) are silane-terminated polymers that contain silyl groups (–SiR₃) attached to their polymer backbone. These silyl groups confer SMPs with special qualities and superior performance than those of traditional materials, such as polyurethane adhesives and silicones.
Property Advantages of Silyl-modified Polymer Adhesives
SMPs are a class of hybrid polymers that combine the strengths of silicones and polyurethanes. They possess the elasticity of silicones alongside the strong adhesion and fast cure rates of polyurethanes. This synergistic combination translates to several key advantages over traditional options:
As illustrated in the earlier diagram, SMPs possess a unique balance of three key properties: flexibility, mechanical strength, and versatility, making them a compelling alternative to traditional adhesives.
1. Flexibility: SMPs exhibit flexibility due to their polymer backbone. This is crucial in applications where materials expand and contract due to temperature changes. Their flexibility allows for movement and stress absorption without compromising the bond.
2. High Bond/Mechanical Strength: The silane groups in SMPs react with moisture and are tailored for specific materials, creating strong bonds to a wide variety of substrates, even without primers. This translates to high mechanical strength, meaning the adhesive can withstand significant force applied to the bond without breaking.
3. Versatility: SMP adhesives can adhere to diverse materials like metals, plastics, wood, glass, and concrete. This versatility makes them suitable for various applications in construction, transportation, and other industries. Their ability to bond to a wide range of materials eliminates the need for multiple adhesives for different projects.
Potential Applications of Silyl-modified Polymer Adhesives
The versatility and superior performance of SMP adhesives and sealants open doors to a wide range of applications across various industries Including:
Automotive: SMP is renowned for its exceptional adhesive qualities, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors. It is widely used in the automotive industry for its sealing and bonding capabilities. SMP ensures high durability and structural integrity which is needed in these applications.
CAPLINQ’s BS-7000 Series (V8) is an excellent quality elastic adhesive based on Silyl Modified Polymers (SMP). It is tested according to DIN6701, has excellent resistance to UV, weather, and temperature, and is free of solvents, isocyanates and silicone.
Marine: SMP is a widely adopted sealing and bonding material used for its adhesive properties, flexibility, and resilience to harsh marine environments. SMP ensures high durability and structural integrity which is needed in these applications.
Rail Transportation: SMP is used for rail applications for its high resistance to the environment and adhesive strength. These characteristics mixed with its high longevity ensure high uptime which is critical for these applications.
CAPLINQ’s BS-7000 Series (V3) is a Silyl-Modified Polymer (SMP) adhesive specially developed for the mass transit industry, which complies with interior and exterior sealing requirements for all design and operation categories as described in EN45545.
Silyl Modified Polymers represent a significant leap forward in adhesive and sealant technology. Their unique combination of properties offers unmatched performance, versatility, and sustainability compared to traditional options. As research and development continue, we can expect SMPs to play an even greater role in shaping the future of various industries. Please check our range of SMP products offered and contact us for any technical inquiries.
