MUNICH/MEXICO CITY - Munich-based chemicals group WACKER has expanded the service portfolio at its technical center in Mexico City. The local facility now comprises applications technology and test equipment for polymer dispersions needed as binders for architectural coatings and adhesives. The expansion not only enables WACKER to help its local customers develop new and tailor-made products for the region, it also encourages the exchange of know-how and promotes internationally recognized quality standards in Latin America.

The expansion has focused on vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE) dispersions used as binders for low-odor indoor paints, durable outdoor coatings and sustainable waterborne adhesives. This measure will help WACKER to further bolster its position as a globally leading producer and supplier of VAE dispersions.

The enhanced technical center will now support customers in the paint, coatings and adhesives sectors in the development of new products and applications for regional markets that provide locally available raw materials, and address climate and environmental conditions and regional requirements. The new labs are equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation meeting international standards. Testing capabilities range from optical and rheological property measurements of VAE-enhanced paints such as gloss, reflectance, viscosity or sag resistance, to physical qualities of paints and adhesives, like density, solids content or thermal stability. Additionally, the technical center has installed a new UV chamber to analyze color fading and weathering behavior of polymer-modified exterior coatings.