Advanced-SiMP is a high-performance silyl-modified polymer that possess the inherent advantages of SiMP adhesives (isocyanate and solvent free, low VOC emissions and no need of primer application) with radically improved mechanical performance. This unique combination of properties will lead Advanced-SiMP to be used for joining structural pieces of vehicles in an efficient and sustainable manner. Based on our own polymer backbone structure with the addition of fillers, we have developed a solution with comparable mechanical properties to those of PU.
Very importantly, Advanced-SiMP allows to omit the surface preparation step at the production stage which, at the same time, implies important savings of cost and time compared to current solutions. The polymer obtained can be hard and tough like a resin or elastic and flexible like a rubber, thus finding application as both sealant and adhesive (hybrid adhesive).
Advanced-SiMP will be the first SiMP adhesive with high mechanical properties (tensile strength above 9 MPa, elongation 300%) allowing it to be used as a structural adhesive, thus competing with current solutions based on PU, the most consumed adhesive by the automotive industry, and satisfying at the same time the need of lower environmental and health effects.
There are therefore two global objectives to be achieved during the execution of this project: industrially produce Advanced-SiMP according to the standards of our customers and establish a commercial network that ensures the successful commercialization of Advanced-SiMP after the project.
One important aspect that has changed during the execution of the project and in particular starting from the beginning of the second period of reporting is the commercial strategy. We have been forced to deeply revise the original idea, targets and objectives in terms of reference market and strategies due to the pandemic situation.
If in terms of project development we obtained the possibility to postpone the project for a duration of 10 months, in terms of target markets and sectors we have decided to significantly enlarge the operative area of application of the product. Consequently, if in terms of technical, mechanical and rheological features of the product the initial objectives are exactly those defined initially, in terms of area of applications the product will move from the priority application related to the glass bonding, assuming the value of “Universal and Highly technological Elastic Bonder” for all the 3 main market sectors (OEM, BTR and Aftermarket) plus the additional General Industry Market (like white industry, marine, heavy industrial equipment).
At the end of this journey, we can say that we have achieved the main objectives we set ourselves. currently we can count on a product in an advanced stage of testing and approval by important European and international companies. We have defined a first product alongside which we plan to create a whole range of adhesives based on the innovative Advanced SiMP technology. on a technical and production level, a state-of-the-art industrial plant was created and perfectly integrated into a fully automated production plant.
