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Sika

Last updated February 10, 2026
80
Innovation Areas
3,042
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Sika Research Landscape: Recent R&D and Innovation Focus Areas

This landscape reveals what Sika is actively researching on recently. It organizes signals from patents into clusters of real scientific and technical questions being explored, showing where Sika is repeatedly investing effort, building knowledge, and reducing uncertainty. The result is a forward-looking view of strategic intent , often visible months or years before it appears in products, partnerships, or financial disclosures of Sika.

What are Sika's key R&D focus areas?

Automated logic constraint mapping

(2)problems

Unstructured temporal data streams create high computational overhead and latency in real-time classification. These innovations utilize hybrid neural architectures to automate pattern recognition and data orchestration.

Spherical calcined bone crystal morphology

(3)problems

High carbon intensity and poor conductivity in traditional cementitious materials limit structural performance and sustainability. These innovations engineer the thermal activation and conductive additive integration to reduce emissions while enabling functional electrical properties.

Slag-based hydraulic binder activation

(2)problems

Low reactivity in steel and blast furnace slags limits their use as primary cementitious materials, which is mitigated through precise mechanical grinding and alkali metal silicate activation. This transformation of industrial waste into high-strength inorganic binders reduces clinker costs and carbon tax exposure.

Synchronized 3d scanning data transmission

(2)problems

Latency in 3D data transmission causes spatial misalignment and processing bottlenecks, which these methods mitigate through dynamic frame rate adjustment. Precise synchronization between the scanner and processor ensures data integrity during high-speed spatial capture.

Spatial texture mapping and scanning

(2)problems

Inaccurate 3D mapping and path planning lead to material waste and collision risks during automated fabrication. These innovations utilize high-density spatial data algorithms to ensure precision in laser-guided reconstruction and cutting.

Thermoplastic barrier seal adhesion

(3)problems

Substrate delamination and water ingress at concrete interfaces lead to structural degradation. These innovations engineer the mineral-binder and filler ratios to ensure chemical bonding and mechanical interlocking with cementitious surfaces.

Lignocellulosic mineral binder plasticizers

(2)problems

Toxic hexavalent chromium and high energy consumption during grinding increase operational costs and regulatory risk. These innovations utilize specific organic polymers and wood extracts to chemically reduce chromium and improve mechanical processing efficiency.

Sulphurite hardening accelerator additives

(2)problems

Slow hydration kinetics in geopolymer binders delay structural setting and increase mold-turnover costs. Engineering the particle size and surface area of calcium hydroxide additives triggers rapid mineral phase precipitation to accelerate hardening.

Surface hydrophobized recycled mineral aggregates

(2)problems

High porosity in recycled aggregates leads to excessive water absorption and poor workability in concrete. Surface treatment with hydrophobizing agents stabilizes moisture demand to ensure predictable structural performance.

Low monomeric diisocyanate polyurethane formulations

(3)problems

Residual monomeric isocyanates pose significant health risks and regulatory hurdles in polyurethane production. Engineering the polymer backbone with linear isocyanate-functionalized chains and polymeric plasticizers reduces free monomer content while maintaining material flexibility.

Residual monomeric diisocyanate concentration

(2)problems

Slow green strength development in hot melts leads to assembly slippage and production bottlenecks. Precise control of the isocyanate-to-polyol ratio and moisture-triggered crosslinking density ensures rapid structural integrity and thermal stability.

Self-healing elastomeric roofing membranes

(2)problems

Thermal expansion and wind uplift cause mechanical failure at roof-to-edge transitions. These innovations utilize self-adhering multi-layer interfaces to ensure structural continuity and moisture sealing.

Explosion-proof pulverulent material injectors

(3)problems

Inconsistent hydration and premature setting in large-scale additive manufacturing lead to structural failure and nozzle clogging. This technology controls the precise mixing ratio and delivery timing of two-part cementitious materials to ensure structural integrity.

Curable polymer binder rheology

(3)problems

Inconsistent material flow during additive manufacturing leads to structural defects in complex components like roof drains. Precise control of the binder's curing kinetics and viscosity ensures dimensional stability and mechanical integrity.

Ettringite-modifying polycarboxylate dispersant copolymers

(4)problems

Uncontrolled ettringite formation and clay swelling cause structural cracking and binder instability in mineral compositions. These polymers chemically neutralize phyllosilicates to maintain volumetric integrity and prevent material failure.

Single-layer bonded waterbar seal

(3)problems

Permeation through substrate interfaces causes structural degradation and electronic failure. This lever utilizes full-surface bonding to eliminate moisture ingress pathways.

Scroll compressor exhaust geometry

(3)problems

Inconsistent air-to-fuel ratios and moisture levels lead to inefficient combustion and poor air quality. These innovations utilize mechanical intake geometry to stabilize fluid delivery and environmental output.

Mechanical attrition grinding kinetics

(2)problems

High-volume construction waste disposal incurs significant landfill costs and raw material procurement risks. These innovations utilize controlled grinding and mechanical separation to reclaim high-purity mineral aggregates for reuse.

Aldimine-functionalized polyurethane crosslinking chemistry

(2)problems

Premature polymerization in moisture-cured systems leads to poor shelf life and surface defects, which is mitigated by engineering blocked amine functional groups. These latent crosslinkers prevent uncontrolled viscosity rise while ensuring rapid curing upon environmental exposure.

Amine epoxy resin adducts

(2)problems

Petrochemical-derived curing agents suffer from high carbon footprints and volatile pricing. These innovations utilize bio-sourced amine structures to engineer sustainable, high-performance crosslinking networks.

Structural body joint reinforcement

(2)problems

Vehicle assembly complexity and weight increase when using numerous small components, which is mitigated through integrated large-scale frame casting and joining. This approach reduces manufacturing steps and improves structural rigidity for crash safety.

Unstable system order reduction

(3)problems

Static UI assets limit user personalization and increase storage overhead for multiple variants. These innovations employ dynamic coloring and custom file import logic to generate unique interface elements programmatically.

Biomembrane interference affinity enrichment

(2)problems

Inconsistent post-translational modifications lead to batch rejection and reduced therapeutic efficacy. These innovations stabilize glycan profiles through metabolic pathway engineering and high-resolution mass spectrometry feedback.

Linolenic acid lipid formulation

(3)problems

Thermal degradation and microbial contamination during processing compromise the potency of bioactive injections. These methods stabilize botanical extracts through controlled solvent extraction and terminal sterilization to ensure pharmaceutical-grade purity.

Conductive polymer earthing networks

(3)problems

Uncontrolled electrostatic discharge causes equipment failure and safety hazards in industrial environments. These innovations engineer specific resin-filler matrices to ensure predictable surface resistivity and slip resistance.

Hermetic fluid closure sealing mechanism

(2)problems

High-viscosity fluids resist flow and cause significant product loss during discharge, which is mitigated through specialized internal container geometries. These structural modifications reduce residual waste and lower transport energy requirements.

Non-aromatic urea epoxy accelerators

(3)problems

Delamination of electrical steel sheets during high-stress processing causes motor failure, which is mitigated by engineering the cross-linking density and wash resistance of the epoxy matrix. This ensures structural integrity in harsh manufacturing environments without requiring complex multi-part mixing.

Polyurethane cementitious hybrid matrix

(2)problems

Surface defects and poor workability in industrial flooring lead to high labor costs and structural failure. Precise control of the three-component chemical stoichiometry prevents gas entrapment and blister formation during the curing process.

Fifo fallback data compression architecture

(2)problems

High-resolution spatial data for land planning creates prohibitive storage costs and bandwidth bottlenecks. These innovations utilize specific compression and decompression algorithms to reduce file size while maintaining analytical integrity.

Mechanical insulation attachment interfaces

(3)problems

Thermal bridging and structural detachment at joint interfaces compromise building energy efficiency. These innovations engineer the mechanical attachment points to ensure secure, continuous thermal barriers.

Near-field docking telemetry architecture

(1)problems

Manual alignment errors in autonomous charging systems cause connection failures and energy loss. These innovations utilize precise proximity sensing to ensure high-efficiency power transfer between mobile cabinets and vehicles.

Multi-axis interferometric position calibration

(2)problems

Geometric deviations in magnetic scales and spherical components introduce measurement inaccuracies that increase scrap rates. These innovations utilize specialized calibration devices and shape-deviation measurement methods to ensure high-precision dimensional stability.

Precision automated mechanical fastening

(2)problems

Manual positioning errors in complex automotive welding sequences lead to structural misalignments and high scrap rates. These innovations utilize automated error-proofing fixtures and synchronized control systems to ensure dimensional precision across multi-station lines.

Mechanical material containment assemblies

(3)problems

Manual separation of heterogeneous biological or mineral mixtures leads to inconsistent yields and high labor costs. Integrated weighing and mechanical processing units automate phase isolation to ensure precise volumetric recovery.

Acetal plasticized silicone curing system

(2)problems

Premature curing and high viscosity during application lead to material waste and equipment downtime. These innovations engineer the polymer backbone and moisture-reactive sites to ensure shelf stability while maintaining high mechanical strength upon activation.

Yarn tension and breakage sensors

(3)problems

Inconsistent fiber tension during high-speed spinning causes yarn breakage and equipment downtime. These mechanisms stabilize the fiber path to ensure uniform textile quality.

Dual-chamber pressurized dispensing valve

(2)problems

Premature curing and uneven mixing in two-component pressurized systems lead to nozzle clogging and wasted product. These innovations engineer the internal flow geometry and orifice distribution to ensure precise stoichiometric blending at the point of discharge.

Bio-based filler mortar rheology

(2)problems

Premature curing in lightweight mortars leads to high material waste and poor bond strength. These innovations engineer the chemical hydration rate to maintain workability without sacrificing final setting speed.

Piezoelectric liquid level sensing

(2)problems

Inaccurate fluid state monitoring in high-pressure reactors leads to process instability and equipment failure. These innovations utilize gravitational and vortex-based sensing to ensure precise phase separation and foreign entity detection.

Automated pneumatic thermal actuation

(2)problems

Mechanical friction and vibration in motorized sofa frames create acoustic discomfort and perceived low quality. These innovations optimize driving mechanism geometry and stamping precision to minimize operational noise.

Two-part polyurethane polymer network

(2)problems

Sagging and inconsistent flow during application lead to structural bond failures and wasted material. Engineering the thixotropic response in two-part systems ensures precise bead placement and immediate green strength.

Two-component polyurethane elastomer network

(3)problems

Premature curing and pigment instability in high-performance coatings lead to short shelf lives and application defects. Engineering ketone-functional crosslinking sites within the polyurethane backbone extends the processing window while maintaining final mechanical strength.

Automated ceramic finishing kinetics

(2)problems

Manual tile installation leads to inconsistent spacing and high labor costs due to alignment errors. These mechanical interfaces standardize cutting and grouting geometry to ensure uniform joint integrity.

Calcium sulfoaluminate inorganic mineral binders

(2)problems

Uncontrolled porosity in inorganic binders leads to structural failure and inconsistent thermal insulation. Precise chemical stabilization of the calcium sulfoaluminate phase ensures uniform pore distribution and mechanical integrity.

Liquid-based cytological smear processing

(2)problems

Manual inspection of adhesive bonding in construction is prone to human error and inconsistent quality standards. Automated pixel-level classification of glue morphology ensures structural integrity and reduces rework costs.

Thermo-reversible crosslinked polyolefin network

(2)problems

Thermal degradation and fire risk limit the use of adhesives in high-temperature environments. These innovations integrate flame-retardant chemical additives and protective coatings to maintain structural integrity under thermal stress.

Nitroxide mediated gradient copolymer binders

(2)problems

Poor workability in alkaline binders results from rapid particle flocculation and inconsistent hydration. These innovations utilize specific copolymer architectures to control steric stabilization and flow behavior.

Transdermal osmotic solute flux

(3)problems

Irritation and inconsistent absorption during mucosal delivery reduce user compliance and efficacy. This system utilizes a sodium chloride stabilized carrier to control nicotine release kinetics and improve tolerability.

Polycyclic scaffold molecular derivatives

(2)problems

Off-target metabolic effects and poor binding affinity in thyroid hormone pathways lead to systemic toxicity, which is mitigated through precise stereochemical control of polycyclic scaffolds. Engineering these specific chiral arylpropionic structures ensures selective receptor activation while reducing adverse side effects.

Non-crosslinked thermoplastic polymer blending

(2)problems

Rigid polymer matrices suffer from brittle failure and poor impact resistance under mechanical stress. These compositions engineer specific polymer chain interactions to increase structural flexibility and durability.

Viscoelastic mineral binder matrix

(2)problems

Standard rigid flooring transmits impact noise and fire risks through structural vibrations. This composition engineers the internal damping properties of the mortar to dissipate acoustic energy and provide thermal insulation.

Epoxy functional expansible foam matrix

(2)problems

Thermal bridging and heat transfer through structural gaps increase energy loss and material fatigue. Engineering the expansion ratio and pore structure of these materials creates a high-performance thermal barrier that maintains structural integrity under temperature fluctuations.

Expandable graphite rubber matrix

(2)problems

Uncontrolled thermal expansion in sealing or damping components leads to structural failure or leakage under heat stress. Engineering the specific expansion ratio of the rubber matrix ensures precise volumetric filling and mechanical integrity during thermal cycling.

Latent single-component epoxy expansion

(2)problems

Premature activation of expandable resins leads to shelf-life degradation and hazardous outgassing. This technology engineers the chemical latency of the curing and foaming agents to ensure stability until thermal triggering.

Polyaldehyde polycyanoacetate crosslinking network

(2)problems

Slow curing at ambient temperatures delays production cycles and increases energy costs. This specific chemical stoichiometry enables rapid room-temperature solidification without external thermal activation.

Multistage membrane filtration and concentration

(2)problems

Oxidative degradation of marine by-products during extraction reduces oil purity and market value. These innovations utilize integrated refining and storage architectures to maintain chemical stability during concentration.

Stereoselective multi-step organic synthesis

(3)problems

Inefficient multi-step synthesis of complex pharmaceutical precursors increases production costs and impurity profiles. These innovations optimize specific esterification and salt-formation pathways to ensure high-purity yields of acitretin and montelukast precursors.

Expandable structural reinforcement inserts

(2)problems

Structural integrity in hollow body cavities is compromised by vibration and acoustic leakage. These inserts utilize controlled expansion to seal and stiffen internal geometries for improved crashworthiness and NVH performance.

Structural reinforcement insert geometry

(2)problems

Vehicle frame instability and crash energy mismanagement lead to structural failure under load. These innovations utilize specialized end cap configurations to secure reinforcing members and ensure predictable energy dissipation.

Bio-based viscoelastic damping polymers

(2)problems

Standard acoustic treatments fail under thermal stress or storage constraints, leading to delamination and fire risks. These innovations engineer the material stack and adhesive chemistry to maintain structural integrity in extreme environments.

Delayed action chemical curing agents

(2)problems

Premature solidification during application of high-viscosity thermal interfaces causes equipment downtime and assembly defects. Precise chemical inhibition of the curing reaction extends working time while maintaining high filler loading for heat dissipation.

Ergonomic fluid delivery interface

(4)problems

Fragmented hardware architectures lead to high integration costs and poor user feedback loops. These innovations standardize the mechanical and electronic coupling between specialized tool heads and power-delivery handles to ensure consistent operational performance.

Integrated compression molding actuation

(2)problems

Inconsistent wall thickness and surface defects in pipe production lead to high material waste and structural failure. These innovations control the mechanical alignment and flow distribution within the molding apparatus to ensure dimensional precision.

Alkylborane-initiated surface pretreatment

(2)problems

Surface energy inconsistencies on inert substrates lead to poor coating adhesion and material failure. These innovations stabilize chemical activators to ensure uniform wetting and bonding integrity.

Modular fire barrier expansion joints

(2)problems

Structural thermal movement causes catastrophic fatigue and joint failure in infrastructure. Modular interlocking components provide scalable displacement control and structural continuity.

Cross-linked aqueous cementitious polymer

(2)problems

Standard water-based adhesives suffer from freeze-thaw instability and poor shear resistance during application. These innovations engineer the polymer-cement interface to maintain low viscosity while ensuring high structural stiffness after curing.

Bilateral wristband neuromodulation interface

(2)problems

Unauthorized access to wearable medical data creates significant security risks and regulatory liability. These innovations mitigate this by engineering hardware-integrated identity verification protocols.

Textile reinforced polymer matrix

(2)problems

Structural failure and thermal bridging in lightweight panels compromise building safety and energy efficiency. These innovations integrate structural reinforcement directly into a hardened inorganic foam phase to ensure mechanical integrity without sacrificing fire resistance.

Equipotential electrostatic discharge shielding

(2)problems

Material failure in pipelines and footwear stems from undetected structural fatigue, which is mitigated through specialized nondestructive and flexural load testing. Precise control over stress-simulation parameters ensures product reliability and prevents catastrophic field failures.

Aerial cable tensioning mechanism

(3)problems

Improper load balancing and shaft clearance deviations lead to mechanical failure and safety risks. These innovations engineer precise weight distribution and spatial tolerances to ensure operational stability.

Endoscopic modular interface architecture

(1)problems

Mechanical failure and surface friction in flexible medical and recreational lines increase safety risks and operational wear. These innovations engineer specific braided or extruded sheath geometries to provide high-tensile durability and low-friction protection.

Modular power distribution interconnects

(2)problems

Mechanical failure and light discontinuity occur when rigid lighting components are forced into complex signage contours. These innovations utilize bendable substrates and modular power connections to maintain circuit integrity in non-linear form factors.

High-carbon fatty alcohol emulsions

(2)problems

Residue-prone contaminants on delicate textiles and leather lead to permanent substrate damage and odor retention. These formulations engineer specific chemical affinities to displace lipids and microbes without compromising fiber integrity.

Deformable accommodating intraocular lens mechanics

(2)problems

Static lens designs fail to restore dynamic focus, leading to permanent visual degradation. These innovations engineer flexible haptic-optic interfaces to translate ciliary muscle force into precise refractive changes.

Acrylic hydrogel structural sealant

(2)problems

Corrosion in reinforced concrete leads to structural failure and expensive manual replacement. These innovations utilize a reactive hydrogel delivery system to chemically arrest oxidation within hardened cementitious matrices.

Low-density multilayered thermal coatings

(2)problems

Thermal degradation and weight-induced stress compromise the integrity of offshore drilling components. This material architecture integrates low-conductivity films with high-strength diamond composites to mitigate heat transfer and structural fatigue.

Lifsi polymer electrolyte interface

(1)problems

Hazardous byproduct formation and low conversion rates in fluorination reactions increase production costs and safety risks. Precise control of the catalytic synthesis environment ensures high-purity gas yield while minimizing toxic waste.

Polycarboxylate ether dispersed epoxy grout

(1)problems

Standard mortar systems suffer from poor adhesion and brittle failure under stress, which is mitigated by engineering the amine-polymer interface for better dispersion. This chemical modification ensures consistent structural integrity and chemical resistance in high-performance construction materials.