Deep-seated protection for surfaces
Surfaces have a hard time nowadays. Whether they are made of wood, plastic, or leather—their luxurious look and feel is expected to last a long time. The standards are the same, no matter their age or environmental influences. This is where SILIKOPUR® 8080 from Evonik comes to the rescue. The innovative coating system gives wood, plastic, and leather greater shine and functionality.
An all-purpose material good for surfaces and good for the environment
SILIKOPUR® 8080 can be diluted with water and dries fast and problem-free at room temperature. The surface of the dried coating films shines, giving expression to new properties. The haptics, which play an important role in plastic surfaces, are considerably improved. A car’s steering wheel, for example, should not just look good but feel good. The coating system also produces a nonstick effect that holds up to temperature fluctuations between minus 30 and plus 100° C.
Because Evonik works with silicone in formulating SILIKOPUR® 8080, surfaces are hydrophobic and very easy to clean. Protecting wood floors from wear and minimizing the creaking of leather round out the benefits of SILIKOPUR® 8080. And Evonik is also helping to protect the environment: Fluorine-based technology achieves the same results but at the cost of environmental damage. The new system eliminates this shortcoming.
The trick is to get the right mixture
SILIKOPUR® 8080 is a single-component, silicone-modified polyurethane dispersion. A solids content of about 33 percent and a low solvent content of about 5 percent are typical. Most of the time, and in contrast to common synthesis, a silicone building block is used instead of a polyester polyol. This is where Evonik’s experts come in. If the incompatible silicone is to be integrated into the polymer chain, the proportion of ingredients must be exactly right. If the selected silicone chain is too short, the product does not work. If it is too long, the coating film turns out dull.
Not just automotive applications
With SILIKOPUR® 8080, Evonik is supplying the needs of the automobile industry. Pleasant haptics is viewed as a plus for enhancing dashboards and steering wheels, and nonstick properties are in demand in seals for doors, windows, and trunk spaces. Leather also receives penetrating care from the new coating system. Light stability and UV resistance are two of the most important benefits. Elegant light-colored leather interior coverings will no longer yellow, and stains can be cleaned without a trace.
SILIKOPUR® 8080 makes leather shoes, clothing, and furniture permanently elastic, water-repellant, and easy to clean, even at low temperatures. An amazing secondary effect of the system is that leather stops creaking for a long time. Wood surfaces can also be protected against the ravages of time. When a parquet floor is coated with SILIKOPUR® 8080, it will hold up against red wine and ketchup stains for at least the duration of a party. Spills can be easily cleaned as many as four to five hours after a party.
