Acoustic Products Technology Reaction Mechanism Characteristics Applications References Innovations Technology Sika's scientists and engineers are experts in noise and vibration control. Working as a team, they are developing innovative solutions to address customers' acoustic needs and provide effective and economical ways to improve interior sound quality. Sika designs and manufactures a number of such products: - SikaBaffle® products are expandable thermoplastic or rubber-based parts. They offer a complete seal against water, dust, air, and prevent noise from propagating through the vehicle space frame.
- SikaReinforcer® products are injection-molded, expandable, structural adhesives, which improve the stiffness, strength and crashworthiness of the vehicle.
- SikaDamp® products are lightweight, elastomeric, constrained layer vibration damping treatments that can be die-cut to any shape or size for any application.
- SikaBarrier® products are provided in either a self-adhesive mastic or thermoplastic plug that can be applied in any area of vehicle assembly to block airborne noise from penetrating through body apertures.
- SikaSeal® products includes hot melt, thermoplastic, thumb grade, pump able and extruded materials to for sealing, preventing corrosion and stopping water migration.
- SikaFoam® products are two-component, polyurethane, acoustic or structural foams which completely fill body cavities, blocking wind and engine noise.
- Sikaflex® elastic bonding products offer an economical and innovative alternative to mechanical fasteners.
 top
Reaction Mechanism
Most of our products expand because of the heat-induced decomposition of chemical blowing agents. Others expand when a low boiling-point solvent in the carrier is exposed to high temperatures and expands. In the case of SikaFoam®, the foaming process is managed by carefully controlling the amount of water added to the system. Water, catalyzed by special amines, reacts rapidly with part of the isocyanate in the system, generating carbon dioxide in situ for the expansion process. top
Characteristics
With the diversity of our acoustic products, Sika can offer the best solutions to our OEM customers. Sika's core competence in this sector allows us to provide: - high-performance products to create a quiet and comfort environment inside a car interior;
- structural bonding products to reduce concerns about fatigue, durability, crashes or impacts;
- innovative engineering design, which means we can consult with our customers during concept stage and recommend a cost-effective way to achieve the desired acoustic performance;
- professional testing and analytical services, including the use of our world-class Acoustic Testing Facility (ATF) to validate and optimize product performance under actual operating conditions.
top
Applications
Sika acoustic products are aimed primarily at the automotive market. However, these products are now being accepted into the appliance market as well. Our technical expertise and acoustic experience not only allow us to produce and supply our customers with high-performance products, but also enables us to design and provide technical solutions to solve our customers' problems. top
References
Sika acoustic products are globally approved at most automotive companies, including: DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Toyota; BMW, Honda, Nissan, Audi, Fiat, Volvo, Land Rover, Renault, and Volkswagen, among others. Some material highlights in the past few years: - 1992: Introduction of SikaBaffle 240. A joint patent is obtained with Dupont for this product, which is revolutionary in its high expansion capabilities and 3-dimensional design.
- 1999: Introduction of SikaReinforcer as structural reinforcement to DaimlerChrysler vehicles.
- 2000: Introduction of 2nd generation SikaBaffle SB-240 and SB-243.
- 2001: Approval of SikaSeal 751 by DaimlerChrysler for its minivans.
- 2002: Commercialization of SikaDamp® 630 for automotive and appliance markets.
- 2002: Addition of SikaFoam® to the acoustic product line.
- 2002: Addition of SikaBarrier® plugs to acoustic product line.
top
Innovations
SikaDamp® 630
Our new lightweight damper provides our customer with “best-in-class” acoustic performance, weight and cost compared to other products in the market. SikaSeal® 751
A heat-activated thermoplastic sealer, it bonds and seals floor pans to seat anchor cavities for DaimlerChrysler minivans. It has excellent adhesion to e-coat. SikaSeal® 754
Our newest thermoplastic sealer seals the body drain holes after the application of an anti-corrosion e-coat. This sealer stops noise, dirt, moisture and other environmental debris from coming into the interior of a car. SikaBarrier® 600
These thermoplastic barrier plugs can be customized into shapes to plug any size hole in a vehicle passenger compartment. They can also be supplied in a sheet, providing a PVC-free alternative to acoustical barriers.
|
