GE's NIAX additives improve continuous lamination for construction panels

GE Advanced Materials, Silicones has introduced Niax L-6630, L-6635 and L-6636 silicone stabilizers that help minimize the formation of surface defects during continuous lamination processes for "sandwich panels," i.e., polyisocyanurate (PIR) and polyurethane (PUR) rigid foam core metal panels. These Niax silicone stabilizers can reduce or eliminate the formation and growth of large gas bubbles, or "voids," between the foam and the metal substrate of the sandwich panels. Effective void reduction means less sensitivity to coil coating quality and to process variability and impacts line speed, expansion rate, reactivity, and foam thickness.

"Depending on usage level, Niax foam stabilizers are effective in various types of challenging processing conditions," said Alberto Melle, GE global marketing manager, urethane additives. "Our product range will allow formulators to find an additive best suited for a specific system. If metered directly on a separate line, these silicones can act as 'void control agents' by adjusting the addition level to actual requirements."

This range of silicones is the most recent addition to the innovative line of NIAX additives developed for the continuous lamination of PIR and PUR foams for sandwich panels.