History
Pioneer and innovator
Silane terminated polyethers (STPEs) were already introduced on the market about 40 years ago by Kaneka.
As a pioneer, Kaneka launched the first commercial product, Kaneka MS Polymer™, in 1978 in Japan.
While the early products were mainly used in low elastic modulus construction sealants, Kaneka has been developing a growing portfolio of innovative materials, paving their way to various markets and applications.
Milestones
In 1978, the first Kaneka MS Polymer™ grades were launched for application in low and high elastic modulus sealants. Eight years later, in 1986, the blending of Kaneka MS Polymer™ with random silylated polyacrylates or epoxies was introduced. The latter opened up new markets, as the acryl-modified pre-polymers showed enhanced UV-stability, weather resistance, and improved adhesive properties, while the epoxy blends combined the elasticity of STPE with the typical high strength and water resistance of epoxies.
In 1997 and 2003, silane terminated polymers with an alternative backbone, polyisobutylene, and polyacrylate, were developed and launched onto the market. These polymers enabled better chemical and thermal resistance and gas tightness.
In 2004, the more reactive trimethoxysilyl-(TMS) Kaneka MS Polymer™ technology was introduced, enabling the development of faster curing products.
In 2009, the blending of these Kaneka MS Polymer™ and random silylated polyacrylates was the logical sequel for this faster curing technology.
In 2012, based on many years of experience and Kaneka’s pursuit of innovation, the high-strength Kaneka MS Polymer™ technology was launched.
Four Kaneka MS Polymer™ production plants worldwide
Worldwide, Kaneka has four production plants for Kaneka MS Polymer™, located in Belgium, Japan, the US, and Malaysia.
In early 2019, Kaneka Belgium's MS Polymer™ production capacity was extended by fifty percent by installing a third state-of-the-art production line.