Rethinking silicone coatings: Using polymer architecture to eliminate VOCs

Rethinking silicone coatings: Using polymer architecture to eliminate VOCs Ring polysiloxanes offer a promising route to VOC-free silicone coatings without compromising performance; Anne Ladegaard Skov and Cody Brian Gale from the Technical University of Denmark explain. Silicone coatings account for approximately one-third of the global coatings market. This market share can be attributed to the desirable properties exhibited by silicone coatings, including water repellency, chemical, thermal, and UV stability, as well as flexibility even at low temperatures. This combination of unique properties enables silicone coatings to be utilized across multiple industries, including construction, defence, marine, and aerospace. They have become deeply embedded in modern life, protecting critical infrastructure, electronics, and offshore structures. However, like many classes of coatings, silicones face increased scrutiny regarding their environmental impact.