Wacker, a global chemicals producer, has developed specialty vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) copolymer dispersions under its Vinnapas brand that are ideal for formulating high-quality sealants for air ducts of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.

HVAC systems are popular in many countries all over the world. Electric blowers deliver hot or cold air, as appropriate, through an extensive duct network to individual rooms to bring them to the required temperature. These air ducts are commonly sealed to prevent exhaust air from escaping and so save energy costs.  

According to the study “Buildings sector: Energy Productivity in the GCC” by the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, cooling systems account for 50 to 70 per cent of the total energy consumption of the Gulf region. Poorly sealed HVAC air ducts contribute significantly to high energy consumption. Leaks in the ducts that transport the hot or cold air into individual rooms can add hundreds of dollars a year to utility bills.

Dr Schierhorn: Wacker’s VAE dispersions have a clear advantage

“Sealing of the metal ductwork is easy with the aid of flexible sealing compounds,” said Dr Martin Schierhorn, global strategic marketing manager for coatings and sealants at Wacker. “Polymer-based systems, for which Wacker has been supplying vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) dispersions as binders since 2009, are particularly suitable for this. They provide the water-based sealants with the necessary adhesion, stability and flexibility. In addition, Wacker’s VAE dispersions are heat-resistant and retain their outstanding adhesive properties even when exposed to high temperatures,” he added.

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS

Depending on applications and requirements, Wacker offers different Vinnapas grades that are suitable for the formulation of sealants. With the right grade, the finished formulations show excellent bonding, even to difficult substrates such as PVC and metal. The various Vinnapas grades furthermore possess high filler acceptance.

Pokkakkillath: Wacker’s VAE dispersions are also ideal for formulating caulking compounds

Compared to alternative binders, Wacker’s VAE dispersions have a clear advantage, Schierhorn claimed.

“The VAE can be produced from a range of different raw materials. One possible starting material is natural gas, the price of which is virtually constant compared to that of crude oil. This allows Wacker to offer the customers price stability. There is growing demand for the implementation of simple energy-saving measures, such as sealing ventilation ducts,” he stated.

GREAT MARKET-POTENTIAL

Wacker’s VAE dispersions are also ideal for formulating caulking compounds based on calcium carbonate or similar fillers, according to Rafeek Pokkakkillath, who works as a technical development manager (Construction Chemicals) across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. 

“The dispersions lend the compound the necessary flexibility and ensure that the sealant retains its adhesion and provides reliably tight joints, even under heavy loading. Unlike other systems, the VAE-modified version can create a stable bond between two different surfaces, for example, sealing the seam between a wooden baseboard and gypsum-based drywall. The same applies to wooden trim work like chair rails and crown moldings. Another big advantage is that VAE can also be painted,” Pokkakkillath said.

In the long term, however, Wacker wants to try and open up further applications as well. The team is currently testing formulations with VAE dispersions for assembly adhesives that are suitable for installing drywall, for example. Wacker’s binders serve as ideal bonding agents between gypsum plasterboards and timber frames, Schierhorn said.

The globally-active chemical company has some 13,800 employees and recorded annual sales of around €4.9 billion ($5.76 billion) in 2017. It has a global network of 23 production sites, 21 technical competence centres and 50 sales offices.

Wacker set up a local subsidiary (Wacker Chemicals Middle East) in Dubai back in 2000 and has been operating its own sales office there since then. A technical centre has been available to regional customers and partners since 2002. In 2009, Wacker moved to the Dubai Silicon Oasis technology park: spanning nearly 13,000 sq m, the new location houses technical labs as well as the offices of Wackers’s subsidiary for the Middle East sales region. In spring 2010, Wacker further established a local branch of its international training and competence center, the Wacker Academy, at its technical centre Dubai. From Dubai, the subsidiary serves customers from the UAE, the Middle East and Africa.

Currently, Wacker Chemicals Middle East has a working staff of 48 employees in Dubai. Its key markets are the construction, coatings, paints, adhesives, energy and textile sectors.