Shin-Etsu Silicones of America, Inc. has launched a new line of long-chain spacer type silane coupling agents that offer increased hydrophobicity and flexibility.
New to the coatings, adhesives and sealants industries, the KBM-1083 (olefinic functional) and KBM-4803 (epoxy functional) lines have eight carbons – creating more space between the reactive ends of the silanes. Typical silane coupling agents have three carbons separating the organic functional group from the inorganic silicon end. These traditional 3-carbon spacer silanes create a tighter, more rigid network than their 8-carbon counterparts.