Wacker's K show plans highlight sustainability, global growth

Wacker Chemie AG.will present new silicone products at K 2022, the 22nd international trade fair for plastics and rubber set to take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, Oct. 19-26.

With the theme of "Thinking Beyond," Wacker's focus will be on silicone applications in electric vehicles, energy generation, medical technology and plastics processing. Specifically, Wacker will offer silicones that have been produced using biomethanol; self-adhesive products for polycarbonate hybrid parts; additives and polymer binders; and a new resin for heat-stable molded parts.

"Silicones are extremely versatile and can be tailored to certain requirements very well, facilitating the development of new solutions and, in many cases, of significantly more sustainable products and technologies," said Robert Gnann, president of Wacker Silicones business division. "With the global expansion of our production capacities for solid and liquid silicone rubber, we want to offer the best- possible support to key sectors such as the energy, automotive and medical technology fields, which depend on high-value materials like silicones."

Wacker will present at Booth A10 in Hall No. 6 in Düsseldorf, the company said.

As stated, EVs will take center stage, as modern electric cars contain components with up to four times more silicone than conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

"For example, thermally conductive silicone compounds ensure that the heat generated by the battery and power electronics can dissipate unhindered, which considerably increases the performance of such components and extends their service life," Gnann said.

Sustainability will be another tenet of K 2022.

"If we want to meet the climate targets agreed upon, we have to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years," Gnann said. "This will only be possible if we consistently make use of the opportunities afforded by high-performance materials, such as silicones, for the development of sustainable technologies."

Wacker products to be unveiled or promoted at K 2022 include Elastosil eco (made from methanol derived from plants rather than fossil materials); Vinnex eco (homopolymers, co-polymers and terpolymer additives based on polyvinyl acetate and compatible with bio-polyester); Elastosil LR 3078 (self-adhesive LSR on polycarbonate); and Powersil Resin 700 (solvent-free phenyl methyl silicone resin binder).

Wacker recently announced more than $107 million in capital investments that will increase both LSR and HCR capacity across the globe.

"These investments will particularly focus on high-value specialty silicone grades, which industry urgently requires for the development of innovative products and technologies," Gnann said.

LSR expansions are planned in Burghausen, Germany; and in Adrian, Mich. HCR expansions are planned in India, Japan and the Czech Republic.

Wacker plans to increase HCR capacity at a site in Zhangjiagang, China, by 2024.

In addition, Wacker plans to increase production of fumed silica—for both captive use and for sale—in China as well.

"While our competitors are increasingly withdrawing from this market, we will systematically invest in new capacity," Gnann said. "We have a clear goal: we want to become the No. 1 in high-consistency solid silicone rubber."