Aluminum alloy windows and doors are widely used in modern architecture due to their elegant appearance, strength, and corrosion resistance.
However, aluminum’s high thermal conductivity is an inherent drawback — it causes heat to pass quickly in summer and escape rapidly in winter, turning windows and doors into a major source of energy loss.
Studies show that windows and doors account for over 30% of a building’s total energy consumption, and a significant portion of that heat escapes through the metal profiles.
So, how can we retain aluminum’s benefits while reducing heat transfer? This is where the thermal break strip comes into play.
In this article, we will explore the common challenges faced by thermal break strips and reveal PA66 GF material solutions to enhance the durability, surface finish, and processability of PA66 GF thermal break strips — driving aluminum window efficiency.
One Strip That Defines Energy Efficiency and Durability
Though small and often overlooked, the thermal break strip — that slender black band embedded within aluminum frames — is the core technology that determines the energy efficiency, comfort, and lifespan of aluminum windows and doors.
When the thermal break strip performs poorly, several problems can arise:
1. Reduced Energy Efficiency: High thermal transmittance leads to hot summers, cold winters, and increased heating/cooling costs.
2. Structural Risks: Thermal expansion mismatch can cause deformation, water leakage, or seal failure.
3. Shortened Lifespan: UV exposure and humidity cause embrittlement and functional degradation over time.
4. Decreased Comfort: Noise, condensation, and cold radiation greatly impact user experience.
In short, one small strip determines not only window quality but also the overall energy efficiency and comfort of a building.
Advancing Thermal Break Strips: Innovations in Materials and Processes
Currently, most thermal break strips are made of PA66 GF25 (Nylon 66 with 25% glass fiber), along with about 10% functional additives to enhance performance and processability.
However, differences in material formulation, structural design, and production technology define each manufacturer’s competitive edge. Details are as follows
• Material Optimization
Use of high-quality PA66 resin and chopped glass fiber achieves a strong balance of mechanical strength and dimensional stability.
Integration of weather-resistant modifiers enhances UV protection and aging resistance, extending service life.
• Structural Design
Innovative multi-cavity, dovetail, and T-shaped locking structures improve both mechanical bonding strength and thermal insulation efficiency.
• Manufacturing Process
Advanced co-extrusion techniques and precision molds ensure uniform fiber distribution, smooth surface finish, and precise dimensions — critical for sealing and assembly performance.
As green building standards and energy-efficiency regulations continue to rise, innovation in thermal break design and materials is becoming an invisible advantage for window and door manufacturers.
Those who excel in every detail are redefining energy performance through high-efficiency thermal break technology.
SILIKE: Silicone Additives Empower Material-Level Solutions for High-Performance Thermal Breaks, Enhanced Surface Finish, and High Extrusion Speeds
As a pioneer in silicone-based polymer modification, SILIKE provides all kinds of high-performance siloxane additives, silicone masterbatches, polymer additives, and surface improvement modifiers technologies that enhance the durability, processability, and stability of PA66 GF systems used in thermal break strips.
1. Improve Durability & Weather Resistance
SILIKE’s silicone-based plastics additives significantly boost wear and scratch resistance, extending lifespan even in severe outdoor environments.
2️. Enhance Processing Flow & Surface Quality
Silicone lubricant-dispersing agents reduce friction, improve fiber distribution, and enable smoother extrusion, eliminating the exposure of floating fibers, enhancing consistent surface quality and dimensional precision.
With deep expertise in silicone–polymer engineering, SILIKE silicone-based additives and production aids help manufacturers overcome nylon limitations — achieving the perfect balance of energy efficiency, durability, surface quality, and processing stability.
FAQ
Q1: What is a PA66 GF25 thermal break strip?
A thermal break made from Nylon 66 reinforced with 25% glass fiber — offering high mechanical strength and low thermal conductivity for aluminum windows and doors.
Q2: Why does a poor-quality thermal break reduce window efficiency?
Inferior strips conduct heat, deform under thermal stress, and degrade quickly, leading to energy loss and a shorter lifespan.
Q3: How do silicone additives improve PA66 GF materials?
SILIKE silicon-based plastics additives enhance flowability, surface finish, abrasion resistance, and extrusion speed— resulting in more durable, stable, and efficient thermal break strips.
Want to improve the extrusion speed, surface finish, and lifespan of your PA66 GF25 thermal break strips?
Contact SILIKE for PA66 GF modification and silicone-based performance additives solutions.
Tel: +86-28-83625089 or via Email: amy.wang@silike.cn. Website: www.siliketech.com
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Company Name: Chengdu Silike Technology Co., Ltd
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