Wacker Silicones has developed a one-part silicone sealant for structural glazing and double-glazing applications which boasts a number of advantages.

The new Elastosil SG 20, launched in May this year, completes the firm's range of alkoxy-based structural glazing products.

"With this technology, only odourless alcohol is set free during curing," says a spokesman for the Germany-based manufacturer. "This innovative silicone adhesive has outstanding mechanical properties, cures at room temperature and possesses an extraordinarily broad bonding spectrum for all kind of material surfaces.

"Elastosil SG 20 is neutral curing and ready to process. It is ultraviolet (UV) and weather-resistant."

Wacker Silicones holds a leading position in silicone markets worldwide with a portfolio of more than 200 different products.

Its two-part SG system Elastosil SG 500 system has proven itself on a number of high-rise glazing applications all around the world including some of the tallest buildings in Istanbul, Turkey, such as Isbank corporate headquarters which was completed last year.

Elaborating on the project, the spokesman says: "The Isbank's headquarters, one of Turkey's tallest towers at 181 m, is flanked by two smaller towers (34 storeys high) that provide office space for other companies. The entire building complex houses offices, an 800-seat auditorium for employees, and a shopping mall open to the public.

"The facades of the tallest tower's upper floors are structurally glazed. Horizontal, aluminium ceiling sections on the facades particularly emphasise the unified look of all three towers. As Turkey is prone to earthquakes, aluminium was used for the facade framework. The architects also used the structural glazing technique inside the building and in the construction of the auditorium's portico - with glass as a design element."

Other recent major projects which used Elastosil SG 500 include Korteks' 32-storey corporate headquarters and the Odin Plaza office complex which comprises three independent buildings.

Elastosil SG 500 is designed for machine application and is neutral curing, says the spokesman. It is UV and weather resistant and features high mechanical strength.

Wacker Silicones products are of high quality and offer maximum safety in all aspects. Their special properties include high tensile strength, tear resistance and elastic recovery and low volume shrinkage on curing.

To enhance its services for the structural glazing sector, Wacker Silicones also offers a structural glazing project service "as a response to the increasing distinctiveness of the buildings and facade projects," says the spokesman.

He continues: "Innovative uses of new silicone sealants for facades and windows are in demand; but there is also a growing need for technical support in project planning and execution. At our Glass Competence Centers (GCCs), we develop new products and processing technologies, test known structural glazing methods and use the results to optimise our technical service and project service.

''The specialists at our Glass Competence Centers provide project service and support for structural glazing projects on all continents - from planning through to execution. We place great importance on interdisciplinary cooperation with our partners in the glass industry and with curtain-wall manufacturers.

"Each structural glazing project is individually tested and approved at one of our GCCs in Germany, Singapore and China. The customer usually receives design approval and information for joint dimensioning within three working days, and the laboratory report within the specified time. Work can then begin on bonding the elements."

Wacker Silicones gives a 10-year warranty on tested and approved projects, he adds.