Sealants serve an important role in building construction and home improvement projects. It prevents moisture and air penetration. So if you want to choose the right silicone sealant for the job, you will need to know exactly what you are looking for. In this article let’s earn more about various types of silicone sealants, its uses, advantages and limitations.
History of Silicone
Silicone polymers were first developed in the year 1930 as combined project by Dow Corning and General Electric Corporation, but it was in the mid-1950s when one-part silicone construction sealants entered the marketplace.
Silicone structural glazing began in the mid-1960s with glass mullions structurally bonded to external glass to rigidify the façade structure and increase daylight and transparency
Advantages
Silicone sealants offer many advantages, including:
- UV resistance
- Colour stability
- Adhesion to variety of construction surfaces
- Exceptional high movement accommodation
- Extreme temperature resistance
- High workability and flexibility over time
Silicone sealants designed for building and construction applications are formulated for moisture cure. Their cure rate depends upon the following factors:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Moisture
Types of Silicone Sealants
- High Modulus
- Low modulus
- Neutral cure
- Acetoxy cure
Low modulus sealants are stretchable. They are the best used for sealing glass wall assemblies, curtain walling etc. A low modulus needs only lesser force to stretch. Once cured it will have better elasticity and movement,
High modulus sealant is more rigid once cured. It is commonly used in sealing baths, sinks, glass to glass joints and shop fronts.
Neutral cure silicones releases alcohol such as methyl ethyl ketoxime when they cure, and has no smell and these substances are non-corrosive. Usage include roofing, industrial gaskets, HVAC, refrigeration and compressor pumps
Acetoxy cure sealant Derive their name from their release of acetic acid, which gives a strong vinegar kind smell while curing. Widely used in windows and door frames, kitchen back splashes, counter top sealing, bathrooms & bathtubs
Interglass Co LLC is a Certified Applicator for Dowsil Products by Dow Europe GMBH in UAE . Contact us today for more information on various silicone sealants, our representatives are there to help you in choosing the right sealant for your applications
