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“As our customers place increasing emphasis on the sustainability of their
products and processes, many of them have ‘rediscovered’ silicones and what
they have to offer,” said Gregg Zank, vice president and executive director of
Science & Technology. “Dow Corning is responding with product innovations
that meet their sustainability needs, generating exciting results across
several industries.”
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In the United States, the power industry has been
searching for more efficient power transmission and distribution systems to
strengthen an overloaded, aging electrical transmission grid. One key to
improving these systems is the use of silicone products for both new high
voltage composite insulators, and for remediation of existing glass and
porcelain insulators. A natural insulator, silicone repels water – even after
long-term exposure to electrical discharge, pollution, weather and ultraviolet
light. The use of silicone for both new and existing high voltage insulators
thus helps to reduce power outages, blackouts and their associated social and
economic costs.
Sportswear manufacturers also turn to Dow Corning silicone products, relying on
them to enhance the quality and functionality of the latest high-performance
athletic gear. Swimmers wear goggles with a leak-free silicone seal to protect
their eyes from chlorine and water pollution. Cyclists depend on Dow Corning
silicone to deliver a quick drink from a pack that rests on their backs. While
cycling, riders simply bite lightly on a silicone valve to take a drink,
without losing precious time. Runners choose durable, non-toxic and washable
silicone shoe inserts to help reduce impact injuries. And athletes who
participate in all sorts of outdoor sports rely on silicone-based sunscreens
for a high sun protection factor (SPF) and increased waterproof and sweat-proof
capabilities. In all of these applications, silicones are working to provide
consumers with a competitive edge while protecting their health and
safety.
The water-repellent properties of silicone play an equally important role in a
new product for the construction industry. Dow Corning® SHP 50 Silicone
Hydrophobic Powder provides water repellency when mixed with cement-like
materials such as grout, stucco, mortar and insulating finishing systems. Such
materials, which are applied to building exteriors to significantly reduce
energy consumption, are more durable with the addition of this product. The
powder mixes in easily and contributes to a lower lifecycle cost for the users
of these materials.
A mention of product innovations wouldn’t be complete without including the new
class of materials that has sprouted within Dow Corning’s Specialty Chemicals
business. Called sugar siloxanes, these materials are produced by reacting
sugar-like molecules (called saccharides) with silicones, creating interesting
new properties. For example, liquid silicone can be converted into solids such
as powders, waxes and gums. Dow Corning scientists have evaluated these new
sugar functional siloxanes and see great promise for their use in diverse
applications, including hair conditioning, anti-wrinkling fabric care, liquid
bandages and other health and personal care applications. |
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