Introduction, Functions and Classification of Silane Coupling Agents
1. Introduction to Silane Coupling Agents
Silane coupling agents can build a “molecular bridge” at the interface between inorganic and organic materials, joining two materials of very different natures to improve the performance of the composite and increase bonding strength. This property was first applied in glass-fibre reinforced plastics (GFRP), where the silane coupling agent serves as a surface treatment agent for glass fibres, greatly improving the mechanical, electrical and ageing resistance of the composite — an importance that has long been recognised in the GFRP industry.
The uses of silane coupling agents have now expanded from glass-fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) to the surface treatment of glass fibres for glass-fibre reinforced thermoplastics (FRTP), the surface treatment of inorganic fillers, as well as sealants, resin concrete, water-crosslinkable polyethylene, resin encapsulation materials, shell moulding, tyres, belts, coatings, adhesives, abrasive materials (grinding stones) and other surface treatment applications.
2. Functions of Silane Coupling Agents
2.1 Surface Treatment
Silane coupling agents improve the bonding between glass fibres and resins, greatly enhancing the strength, electrical, water resistance and weather resistance of glass-fibre reinforced composites. Even in the wet state their effect on the mechanical performance of composites is remarkable. The use of silane coupling agents on glass fibres is now widespread; this application accounts for about 50% of total silane consumption, with vinyl silanes, amino silanes and methacryloxy silanes being the most widely used grades.
2.2 Filled Plastics
Silane coupling agents may be used to pretreat the surface of the filler or added directly to the resin. They improve the dispersion of fillers in the resin and their adhesion to it, improve the compatibility between inorganic fillers and resins, enhance processability, and raise the mechanical, electrical and weathering performance of filled plastics (including rubber).
2.3 Tackifiers for Sealants, Adhesives and Coatings
Silane coupling agents increase their bonding strength and resistance to water and weather. They can often solve the long-standing problem of materials that are difficult to bond. The mechanism by which silane coupling agents act as tackifiers lies in the two kinds of groups they contain: one group can combine with the substrate material to be bonded, while the other group combines with the polymer material or adhesive, forming strong chemical bonds at the bonding interface and greatly improving bonding strength.
Silane coupling agents are generally applied in three ways: first, as a surface treatment agent for the substrate material; second, added to the adhesive; and third, added directly to the polymer material. From the standpoint of maximising effectiveness and reducing cost, the first two methods are preferable. Between the inorganic and organic interfaces, a bonding layer of organic matrix – silane coupling agent – inorganic matrix can be formed.
3. Zoory Silane Coupling Agent Product Range
| Product Code | Product Name | CAS No. |
|---|---|---|
| KH-550 | γ-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane | 919-30-2 |
| KH-551 | γ-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane | 13822-56-5 |
| KH-553 | Modified amino silane coupling agent | 58160-99-9 |
| KH-602 | N-(β-Aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane | 3069-29-2 |
| KH-792 | N-(β-Aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane | 1760-24-3 |
| KH-1170 | Bis(γ-trimethoxysilylpropyl)amine | 82985-35-1 |
| KH-1171 | Bis(γ-triethoxysilylpropyl)amine | 13497-18-2 |
| KH-560 | γ-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane | 2530-83-8 |
| KH-561 | γ-Glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane | 2602-34-8 |
| KH-1770 | Bis(γ-trimethoxysilylpropyl)amine | 10217-34-2 |
| KH-1771 | Bis(γ-triethoxysilylpropyl)amine | 3388-04-3 |
| KH-7180 | γ-Glycidoxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane | 2897-60-1 |
| KH-1003 | Trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane | 429-60-7 |
| KH-1005 | Poly(methyltrifluoropropyl)siloxane | 63148-56-1 |
| KH-350 | n-Octyltriethoxysilane | 2943-75-1 |
| KH-360 | Methyltriethoxysilane | 2031-67-6 |
| KH-370 | Methyltrimethoxysilane | 1185-55-3 |
| KH-580 | Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane | 16415-12-6 |
| KH-151 | Vinyltriethoxysilane | 78-08-0 |
| KH-171 | Vinyltrimethoxysilane | 2768-02-7 |
| KH-172 | Vinyltris(2-methoxyethoxy)silane | 1067-53-4 |
| KH-173 | Vinylmethyldimethoxysilane | 16753-62-1 |
| KH-1706 | Vinyltriisopropoxysilane | 18023-33-1 |
