JEC World 2026: Wacker Presented New High-Performance Additives for Composites

Why It Matters

These innovations give composite manufacturers a low‑dosage, sustainable route to higher impact resistance and high‑temperature performance, reducing reliance on costly engineering polymers.

Key Takeaways

• New silicone impact modifiers boost thermoset toughness.
• Genioperl additives work at 2‑8% dosage.
• Reduced cyclics improve sustainability of modifiers.
• Powersil Resin 710 resists up to 220 °C.
• Alternative to PTFE and PEEK for high‑temp parts.

Pulse Analysis

Wacker’s debut at JEC World underscores a strategic shift toward silicone chemistry for next‑generation composites. By leveraging functional silicone building blocks, the Genioperl line delivers phase‑separated elastomeric domains that dramatically raise impact strength without compromising viscosity or cure schedules. This approach aligns with industry demands for lighter, tougher structures in aerospace, automotive, and wind‑energy sectors, where failure under dynamic loads can be catastrophic.

The technical nuance of Genioperl W37 and W38 lies in their low‑dosage efficacy and tailored molecular architecture. Operating between 2 and 8 percent by weight, they form nanoscale domains that remain stable even at sub‑ambient temperatures, a critical advantage for cryogenic applications. W38’s foaming‑reduction additives further streamline vacuum casting processes, while the reduced cyclics content reflects Wacker’s commitment to greener chemistry, minimizing volatile organic compounds and enhancing recyclability.

Powersil Resin 710 expands the portfolio into the high‑temperature arena, offering a silicone‑based alternative to traditional polymers like PTFE and PEEK. Its solvent‑free formulation, low viscosity, and dual curing options (peroxide or catalyst) simplify compression molding, pressure gelation, and injection molding of components that must endure up to 220 °C. This capability opens new opportunities for electrical insulation, UV‑stable parts, and heat‑resistant tooling, potentially reshaping supply chains that previously depended on expensive engineering plastics.