Selection Index
Water-Based Silicone Emulsions: Selection Guide & Formulations
Bottom Line Up Front: MESIL® Water-Based Silicone Emulsions are non-ionic, solvent-free active polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) dispersions featuring ~50% non-volatile content. Stop guessing your formulations. Read the logic tree below to select the precise grade for architectural waterproof coatings or mineral wool insulation.
How to Select the Right MESIL® Emulsion?
Your base material dictates the formulation. Use the following logical framework to select the exact emulsion grade for your engineering requirements:
You are formulating for glass wool, rock wool, or expanded minerals (perlite).
Select MESIL® BS 6150E.
Its ultra-low viscosity (~150 mPa·s) guarantees deep substrate penetration. It is highly water-dilutable and perfectly compatible with phenol resin binders without causing agglomeration.
You are manufacturing waterborne architectural paints, coatings, or plasters.
Select MESIL® BS 6340E or BS 6042E.
These parallel grades are engineered for surface protection. They deliver a massive “water beading effect” while ensuring excellent water vapor permeability (breathability) and anti-blocking processing performance.
Engineering Specifications Matrix
A direct, cross-grade comparison of physical parameters to integrate into your production specifications.
| Test Parameters | BS 6150E (Insulation Grade) | BS 6340E / 6042E (Coatings Grade) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Milky White Emulsion | Milky White Liquid |
| Emulsifier System | Non-ionic | Non-ionic |
| Non-Volatile Content | ~50 wt% | ~50 wt% |
| Viscosity (25°C) | ~150 mPa·s | Optimized for Paint Formulations |
| pH Value | ~5 | ~6.5 |
| Diluent | Water | Water |
Industrial Application & Dosing Guidelines
1. Mineral Wool & Insulation (BS 6150E)
Applied via spraying during or shortly before the binder application. Individual tests are required to define the necessary quantities based on the dried final product weight:
- Rock Wool: 0.05% to 0.2 wt%
- Glass Wool: 0.1% to 0.3 wt%
- Expanded Perlite: 0.2% to 0.4 wt%
- Expanded Clay: 0.1% to 0.2 wt%
2. Architectural Coatings (BS 6340E / 6042E)
Incorporated in undiluted form to waterborne masonry paints and plasters during or after their production. Provides strict environmental resistance without solvents.
- Formulation Guideline: Recommended dosage is 1.0% to 3.0 wt% on total formulation.
Packaging, Logistics & Shelf Life
Standardized parameters for procurement and warehousing.
- Storage Environment: Must be stored at or below 35°C in original, unopened containers to prevent demulsification.
- Lead Time: EXW preparation typically within 7-14 days upon order confirmation.
Formulation FAQs: Expert Troubleshooting
Why utilize a non-ionic emulsifier for these systems? Engineering Answer: Non-ionic emulsifiers lack an electrical charge. This absolute neutrality guarantees superior chemical stability and prevents coagulation when mixed with complex water-based architectural paints or phenol resin binders. How does BS 6340E provide water repellency without trapping moisture? Engineering Answer: The reactive polysiloxane creates a microscopic network that lines the substrate pores rather than sealing them. This significantly reduces surface tension to repel liquid water (beading effect), while the open micro-pores allow gaseous water vapor to escape, ensuring structural breathability. Can MESIL BS 6150E be diluted with water prior to spraying? Engineering Answer: Yes. It is engineered for high water-dilutability. With its ultra-low viscosity (~150 mPa·s), it disperses rapidly into water and binder solutions. Continuous stirring is recommended during dilution to ensure homogeneity before application.