Naphthenic Specialty Oils Offer Advantages for Sealants
Naphthenic specialty oils provide benefits in terms of their suitability as a replacement for silicone fluids in formulations and their ability to reduce microbial growth in silicone sealant joints.
Appreciated for their thermal and chemical stability, silicone sealants are used extensively in the construction industry. Silicone is in short supply globally, however, and sealants represent only one of many products using it as an ingredient. Yet, so far, none of the major silicone suppliers have announced significant capacity extensions.
When we also consider expectations of surging demand from developing countries, it seems realistic to predict supply shortages for silicone persisting in the long term. In addition to the continued strong demand, the tight global supplies of silicone are driving up prices, making producers of silicone-based products eager to find compatible and cost-effective alternatives.