To understand silanes, first we have to take a look at silicon, the second most abundant element on earth.  Silicon is the main ingredient found in common sand and rocks and will bond tenaciously to other inorganic materials such as glass and steel.  When a certain type of reactive molecules is attached to silicon it will also bond tenaciously to organic polymers.  These properties make silicon ideal for formulating a staggering range of functional chemicals. 

Monomeric silicon chemicals are known as silanes, the building blocks of silicon chemistry.  A monomer is simply a basic group of molecules (e.g. silicon bonded to three other atoms or molecules) that can join together to form polymers.  Polymeric silicon chemicals are known as siloxanes. 

A silane that contains at least one carbon-silicon bond (CH3-Si-) structure is known as an organosilane.  By blending the chemistry of silicon with the chemistry of carbon, it is possible to create chemicals with unique properties and superior performance characteristics.  

The Silane Advantage

Organosilanes are used in a wide range of industrial applications including as coupling agents and adhesion promoters, as well as hydrophobizing agents.  When formulated as water repellents and surface protection they create an envelope of protection that extends the life of substrates for years in challenging environments. Potential benefits include:

• Excellent water repellence
• Long-term durability
• UV stability
• Depth of penetration
• Water vapour permeability
• High dilution capability and stability
• Clear, uniform, neutral appearance

The Protectosil® Advantage

Protectosil® brand water and stain repellent silanes can be used in solvent-free, solvent- or water-based systems to provide the formulating flexibility needed to meet VOC and ease-of-use requirements. These silane-based water and stain repellents are available for use in formulations that penetrate a broad range of substrates, including:

• Poured-in-place or pre-cast concrete
• Concrete block
• Sandstone/granite
• Brick/tile/grout
• Wood
• Gypsum/perlite
• Limestone/marble

Protectosil® silane-based water repellents Benefits of protection include:

• Reduced efflorescence
• Reduced freeze-thaw damage
• Chloride ion resistance to deter corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete structures
• Preservation of aesthetics

Learn how Protectosil® protects building investments from water ingress and pollutants that degrade mineral surfaces and cause corrosion at our site.  MONJU supplies and trains the application of Protectosil® products worldwide.