SI Group Solutions for AI Data Centers

Enhancing Data Center Resilience and Performance with SI Group Solutions

As cloud computing and AI adoption accelerates, the critical infrastructure and operations of data centers must be able to keep up with the demand. These complex facilities must meet rigorous performance standards for thermal management, electrical insulation, structural integrity, and long-term durability often under continuous operation. From polymer protection to structural performance, the SI Group’s advanced additives help manufacturers and builders enhance the durability, reliability, and efficiency of components used throughout the data center value chain.

Antioxidants

Data centers operate under demanding thermal loads, with continuous heat cycling from server racks, power distribution units, and HVAC systems. Polymer materials used in cable insulation, wire jackets, fan housings, and structural supports are vulnerable to oxidative degradation over time. SI Group’s phenolic and aminic antioxidants, such as WESTON™ and NAUGARD™, provide thermal oxidative stability to polymers like polyolefins (e.g., PE, PP), polyamides, and styrenics. These antioxidants extend the service life of:

 

• Cable jacketing used for low-voltage and fiber-optic routing
• Electrical connectors, fan blades, and motor housings made from PA66 or ABS blends
• Polymer-based power and energy storage

 

UV Stabilizers

Many critical data center components are housed outdoors, including HVAC units, power backup generators, and telecommunications interfaces. Polymer materials exposed to sunlight can suffer from photo-oxidative degradation, leading to embrittlement, discoloration, or cracking. SI Group’s LOWILITE™ UV stabilizers and light stabilizer blends (including HALS and UV absorbers) are designed to protect polyolefins, TPOs, and engineering thermoplastics used in:

 

• Weatherproof electrical enclosures
• UV-exposed HVAC ducting and louvers
• Plastic exterior panels on power equipment housings
• Weather-resistant telecommunications boxes
• Outdoor air handling unit housings
• UV-exposed cable conduits

 

POLYBOND™ Coupling Agents

Data center construction demands materials with excellent dimensional stability, strength-to-weight ratio, and flame retardancy. To meet these requirements, many manufacturers turn to mineral-filled or glass-fiber-reinforced polyolefins and TPOs for cable trays, conduits, wall panels, and rack enclosures. SI Group’s POLYBOND™ coupling agents are maleic anhydride-grafted polyolefins that enhance the interfacial adhesion between the polymer matrix and inorganic fillers or fibers. This improves mechanical properties such as:

 

• Flexural modulus for structural panels
• Impact resistance of protective housings
• Dimensional stability of load-bearing polymer parts

 

ROYALTUF™ Impact Modifiers

Data center facilities often operate in varied climates, including regions with sub-zero temperatures. Brittle failure of plastic components under cold shock can compromise structural integrity or cause service disruptions. ROYALTUF™ impact modifiers, based on rubber-modified styrenics, enhance the toughness and low-temperature impact resistance of engineering thermoplastics used in:

 

• Rack mounting brackets and support frames
• Server enclosures and snap-fit assemblies
• Cold-weather HVAC fan housings Shock-resistant panels in critical infrastructure
• Plastic parts in generators and switchgear glass-filled nylon, PPS, or PC
• Busbar insulation components fiberglass-reinforced polyester or epoxy-based thermosets

 

Conclusion

From thermal stability in electrical insulation to impact toughness in structural components, SI Group’s portfolio of antioxidants, UV stabilizers, POLYBOND coupling agents, and ROYALTUF modifiers empowers material engineers to build smarter, longer-lasting data center infrastructure. Contact us today to learn how our advanced additives and engineered materials can support your next data center project.