Sika developed and launched several innovative new sustainable solutions in 2021, including the following:
AUTOMOTIVE: NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE POLYURETHANE HOT MELT ADHESIVE FOR INTERIOR BONDING WITH A MONOMERIC ISOCYANATE CONTENT BELOW 0.1%
The use of reactive polyurethane hot melt adhesives is a versatile route for interior bonding with regards to efficiency in terms of space, investments, and product handling. On the other hand, conventional reactive PUR hot melt adhesives have some limitations with regards to free monomer isocyanate content, which leads to hazard labeling with restrictions in application and use. In the automotive market, OEM and OES customers demand solutions with very low free monomer isocyanate content. Adhesives with a free monomer isocyanate content below 0.1 % are not subject to labeling restrictions with regards to hazardous substances. With the newly developed SikaMelt®-832 Sika offers a high performance and label-free solution for automotive interior applications. The product stands out with high initial and final strength, good adhesion and temperature resistance, combined with a fast curing speed and excellent emission results, perfectly meeting customer demand.
E-MOBILITY: NEW SILICON-FREE GAP FILLER SOLUTION FOR EFFICIENT HEAT TRANSFER
The accelerated shift to electric motors comes with a need for new product technologies for battery assembly. Gap fillers or thermal conductive adhesives enable efficient heat transfer from the battery modules to the cooling circuit, making sure that overheating of the battery cells is prevented and the longevity and performance of battery cells can be improved. In addition, a new type of semistructural adhesives for bonding of the battery frame structures will be required to allow efficient and less costly production processes. With SikaBiresin®-TC 465, a two-component liquid resin based on silane-functionalized polymers, Sika has developed a new silicon- free gap filler that allows the combination of efficient heat transfer and excellent application properties. Despite the high content of thermal conductive fillers, the low-viscous material exhibits low resistance against compression. This allows fast positioning and installation of the cell modules using low forces, preventing warpage and damage of the battery box during assembly.
REFURBISHMENT: NEW WATER-BASED PLATFORM WITH BIO-BASED RAW MATERIALS FOR CONCRETE PROTECTION COATINGS REDUCES EMBODIED CARBON FOOPTRINT
Sika develops water-based protective coatings by using alternative, bio-based raw materials to reduce the product’s embodied carbon footprint. In 2021, a new water- based platform for concrete protection coatings has been developed. The first product of this new range, Sikagard®-5500, is developed for use on reinforced concrete. The product contains a reduced amount of fossil-based raw materials and moves the formulation towards bio-based raw materials such as biogas or bio-naphtha which are manufactured from renewable feedstock. This new development reduces the product's embodied carbon footprint by approx. 30% compared to traditionally formulated water-based concrete protection coatings and has an improved performance at the same time by meeting the most stringent crack bridging parameters at temperatures down to -23°C.
ROOFING: NEW BITUMINOUS MEMBRANE THAT HELPS TO KEEP THE AIR CLEAN
Among the components of air pollution, nitrous oxides, commonly referred to as NOx, is a group of highly reactive gases which are emitted in the air from fuel engines, power plants, and off-road equipment. With SikaShield® Pure-Air, Sika has introduced a new bituminous cap-sheet membrane which can be easily integrated into any Sika roofing system, either for new constructions or renovation. Its advanced bituminous technology allows to trap and remove nitrous oxides released by the exhaust gases of the vehicles or industries, reducing smog, thus helping to improve the air quality of cities or industrial areas. The slates on the surface are coated with titanium dioxide, which acts as a catalyst and is activated when UV radiation from the sun hits the particles. The NOx compounds are removed from the atmosphere by reacting with the surface and the water vapor in the air, resulting in nitric acid (HNO3) which is removed from the membrane surface by rain. The wash-out regenerates the catalyst function of the membrane for a new cycle and lasts for the entire life of the roof.
WATER-BASED SEALANTS AND ADHESIVES WITH A MILD AND LONG-LASTING MICROBIOLOGICAL STABILIZATION
Sika’s construction adhesives and sealants typically do not contain solvents and feature very low VOC emissions. Furthermore, they do not require surface pre-treatment with activators or primers, which are usually solvent-based technologies. A major part of Sika’s water-based adhesives and sealants product portfolio does not contain reactive monomers or hazardous substances in relevant concentrations and is therefore not classified and labelled as hazardous. Protection against microorganisms to prevent growth of bacteria, mold, and algae is essential to ensure a long service life. The typically used preservatives have a skin sensitizing potential. Substitution and avoidance of these types of preservatives is therefore a key focus at Sika. One of Sika’s latest innovations is the SikaSeal®-106 Construction, a permanently elastic construction sealant. Its good adhesion to most construction materials makes it especially suitable for a variety of interior and exterior sealing applications.
ADHESIVE SYSTEMS: NEW Purform® TECHNOLOGY WITH VERY LOW MONOMERIC ISOCYANATE CONTENT AND ULTRA-LOW VOC EMISSIONS
Sika has successfully started the rollout of a new polyurethane technology, which is launched under the Purform® brand. The Purform® technology enables the development of sealants and adhesives with a unique combination of high performance, sustainability, and safety safeguards for users. New properties, as for example adhesion on plastics without any pre-treatment, allow customers to simplify their processes and reduce the material consumption. The high durability of Purform® sealants and adhesives also makes them last longer. With a total monomeric isocyanate content below 0.1% and ultra-low VOC emissions, Purform® products already now comply with the upcoming REACH regulations for monomeric isocyanates and set a new standard in terms of users’ and consumers’ safety. In 2021, Sikaflex ®-11 FC Purform®, a general all-purpose sealant, and Sikaflex ® Pro 3 Purform®, a floor joint sealant for professional users, have been introduced to the market.