Research and Development

We focus our R&D on finding solutions to customer needs and responding to major social concerns such as the impending depletion of fossil fuels, climate and demographic changes, ever-scarcer raw materials, as well as environmental protection. WACKER pursues a twin-track R&D strategy – decentralized (at divisional level) and centralized for the whole Group. WACKER’s business divisions concentrate their research on:

  • Semiconductor technology (silicon wafers for semiconductor chips)
  • Silicone chemistry (silicone products, e.g. for the construction, automotive, electrical/electronic, textiles, cosmetics and medical sectors)
  • Polymer chemistry (dispersible polymer powders and polymer binders used e.g. in the construction and automotive industries)
  • Biotechnology (fine chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates)
  • Hyperpure polycrystalline silicon (raw materials for the semiconductor and solar industries)

WACKER scientists are working on around 150 research projects based on 40 technology platforms – frequently in collaboration with customers, universities and scientific bodies. Our R&D activities are supported by 17 WACKER technical centers worldwide. They liaise between sales offices and local production sites. At these centers, WACKER specialists customize products to regional requirements, taking account of, for example, climate, national standards and local raw materials.

Our centralized corporate R&D facility is the “Consortium für elektrochemische Industrie.” Its over 200 employees conduct research and lab work in five areas: catalysis and processes, functional materials, polymers, organic synthesis, and biotechnology. Research projects are identified groupwide by systematic monitoring and evaluation of technical and scientific developments.