Thermoplastic Silicone Elastomer Combines the Best of Both MaterialsThermoplastic Silicone Elastomer Combines the Best of Both Materials

Originally Published MPMN October 2004

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Thermoplastic Silicone Elastomer Combines the Best of Both Materials 

Hybrid material offers a property profile not seen before in either thermoplastics or silicones

Susan Wallace

Munich, Germany–based Wacker Silicones has developed a new process for manufacturing a silicone compound. The resulting product, called Geniomer, has unique properties and characteristics.

It is a polydimethylsiloxane urea copolymer that contains both hard and soft blocks of material.

Its unique property profile stems from the combination of inorganic and organic components. A silicone forms the basis of its soft segment, which is responsible for the product’s elasticity. An organic group builds the corresponding hard segment, which offers strength and heat stability.

Wacker uses a physical curing process instead of the traditional catalyst-based technique. Because no catalysts are used, the polymer has no byproducts or organic volatiles. It has very high purity. These characteristics make it ideal for use in medical applications such as tubing.

Available in several grades, Geniomer is paintable, and has good slip and release properties, low temperature flexibility, and high tensile strength.

Working closely with its customers, the company is currently running a project to open up new markets and application fields for thermoplastic silicone elastomers. Potential uses range from process aids for plastics, such as polypropylene, or other materials.

Wacker Silicones
3301 Sutton Rd.
Adrian, MI 49221
517/264-8637 (P)
517/264-8175 (F)
[email protected]
www.wacker.com

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