TAGS: Polyurethane Adhesives Sealants
Sika, manufacturer of adhesives and sealants for the building sector and automotive industry, has developed a new polyurethane technology, which it is launching onto the market under the Purform® brand.
Increased Performance with Benefits
The new polymers will first be integrated into Sika's top seller Sikaflex®, as well as into liquid applied membranes. This innovation brings important benefits for customers: the products have an improved performance profile, are even more enduring, and have a strong sustainability profile. Investments in the associated production facilities were recently made at the Düdingen site, Switzerland.
Polyurethanes have many different applications in the construction sector and automotive industry. For example, polyurethane-based joints are used in the weather-resistant sealing of facade elements on buildings, or to affix building components in infrastructure expansion or interior finishing with adhesives. These high-performance solutions are also used in the bonding of body components and battery systems for electric vehicles.
Using the Purform® technology, Sika will supply customers with products with high performance line complying with the upcoming stricter REACH regulations for enhanced health and safety safeguards for users.
Process Efficiency with Stress Cracking-free Bonding
Sika products that use Purform® will offer customers major advantages. These include the process efficiency brought by less surface preparation with a simultaneous improvement in adhesive properties. The new technology also makes reliable, stress cracking-free bonding of plastics possible, and delivers the best compatibility with sensitive surfaces, such as natural stone. Products using the new technology will be extremely weather-resistant and can withstand exposure to UV light outdoors for considerably longer due to their high durability. The products will also be more sustainable.
The next generation of polyurethanes will be produced at the Düdingen site, which is home to one of Sika's largest manufacturing plants in Europe. By investing in this expansion, Sika is securing jobs in Switzerland over the long term.
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With the development of the new Purform® technology, our experts have created a further growth platform for Sika, with which we can expand our leading position. In line with our principle 'more performance, more sustainable,' we are rigorously implementing our Strategy 2023 from the viewpoint of sustainable, high-performance innovations. With our future-oriented solutions, we are the market leader and enable sustainable construction and transportation," said Frank Höfflin, chief technology officer.
Source: Sika