Silicone sealants have to meet high requirements: They must not become brittle, must be tear-resistant and should not yellow over time. To achieve best results, low-viscosity base oils of the highest quality are needed. These special products are an important component of silicone sealants and are used as so-called extender oils. The following article explains which quality characteristics are important and how quality is ensured during the manufacturing process.

Silicone sealants are important materials for professionals and craftsmen in the building industry. There is hardly a joint or crevice that is not filled with silicone sealant. The typical quality features are high - tear-resistant, water-repellency and colour-fast. An important contribution to this is made by the low-viscosity base oils used for this purpose, more precisely the Pilot^® extender oils from Haltermann Carless. We spoke with Jan Boerrigter, Commercial Manager for Middle Distillates, and asked him how Haltermann Carless provides technical advice to manufacturers of silicone seals in the development of formulations, the new hydrogenation plant and individual supply chain concepts.