Heat Resistant Silicone Adhesive and Sealant

RTV silicone adhesives and sealants provide an excellent bond on a wide variety of surfaces. The tight flexible seal they create is resistant to high temperatures, water and most chemicals.

They are available in two part or one component systems. Two part systems have the glue and curing agent separate and must be mixed a short time before application in order to achieve the desired cure and physical properties.

Heat Resistant

Silicone adhesives are incredibly resilient and able to bond to a variety of substrates. They also provide excellent elasticity, making them an ideal choice for situations where unlike materials need to be tightly joined or have a secure grip. They are also chemically inert, which makes them safe to use around skin. The main ingredient in silicone is silica, a common form of sand found in quartz.

Heat resistant silicone is able to withstand extreme temperatures without losing its adhesive properties. This quality, combined with its resistance to tearing, abrasion and vibrations, make it ideal for high-wear applications like automotive engines and industrial gaskets.

Another reason for silicone’s high temperature resistance is its unique chemical structure. The backbone of silicone is formed by repeating chains of siloxane bonds (alternating silicon and oxygen atoms) that are tightly bound together, creating a highly stable formation. This, along with a low level of force between molecules, helps to make silicone extremely durable and resistive to thermal expansion and contraction.

When using a silicone adhesive that requires curing at a specific temperature, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. This will ensure that the adhesive cures in a timely manner, while maintaining its physical and chemical characteristics. Some silicone adhesives will need to be mixed with a curing agent before application, while others will require the glue and curing agent to be applied separately.

Flame Retardant

While there are many substances that can withstand high temperatures, few of them have the flexibility and durability of silicone. It also has the unique ability to withstand direct exposure to flames without degrading or weakening. This is what makes heat resistant silicone adhesives ideal for use in high-temperature environments.

This is why it’s a common ingredient in automotive gaskets, as well as industrial rubber components like ovens and heat resistant silicone adhesive stoves. The high-temperature resistance of silicone is partly due to its chemical structure. The backbone of a silicone molecule has siloxane bonds, which have alternating silicon and oxygen atoms. The highly-stable formation of these bonds is what gives silicone its heat resistance.

Another key characteristic of silicone is its transparency. It allows users to see what they’re doing while applying it, ensuring the application is done properly. This is why engineers and manufacturers rely on this durable glue for their most demanding projects.

To create a fire retardant silicone adhesive, it’s important to choose the right ingredients. Component (A) is preferably an alkenyl group-containing organopolysiloxane raw rubber capped at both molecular terminals with trimethylsiloxy groups and crosslinked by platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation. Component (B) is a conventional organic peroxide known to be suitable as a curing agent for silicone rubber compositions, such as benzoyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide or 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-t-butylperoxy hexane.

Moisture Resistant

One of the biggest selling points for silicone adhesive and sealants is that they are resistant to moisture, extreme temperatures and humidity. Unlike many other types of glues and adhesives, which may start to break down or become discoloured when exposed to these elements, silicone adheres and remains flexible and stable over a very wide range of conditions.

This makes them ideal for use in a variety of applications where they are likely to be exposed to moisture, the sun or temperature fluctuations. Examples include automotive gaskets, electrical components and plant maintenance. They are also commonly used to bind and seal metal, glass, ceramics, and most plastics.

The most common usage of silicone, however, is for home repairs and maintenance. From joining a shower screen to the wall through to sealing a crack in your gutter, it is a great go-to product for any DIY guru or tradie.

For the ultimate flexibility, you should look for a low modulus silicone. This means that it has more elasticity and can accommodate materials movement. Examples of such are Bostik 5CLM and V60. High modulus silicone, on the other hand, has a lower resistance and is more rigid and durable. This is often preferred when bonding materials that will be subject to vibration, such as pump and compressor gaskets or ductwork.

Chemical Resistant

Unlike other types of adhesives, silicones can stand up to high temperatures and moisture levels without wearing down. This makes them ideal for use in high-risk environments such as industrial settings and extreme weather conditions. They are also resistant to aging and UV radiation, making them a long-lasting material that can be used for a wide range of applications.

Because of their chemical resistance, silicones can withstand exposure to a variety of cleaners and solvents. They are also non-toxic and biocompatible, which means that they are safe for human contact. They are often used in medical settings as a bandage adhesive that creates a tight seal to protect against infection. They can even be used on wounds that are exposed to blood and other fluids.

Silicone adhesives are easy to apply because they don’t require any special tools or complicated techniques. You can open up a tube and use a caulk gun or putty knife to apply it to the surface, then let it cure heat resistant silicone adhesive in place. This process can be done as quickly and easily as possible, so it’s a great option for projects that need to be completed in a hurry.

There are several different kinds of silicone adhesives available, but you need to choose the one that meets your specific requirements. For example, if you need an adhesive that can handle high temperatures, choose a heat resistant RTV silicone. You can also find pressure sensitive silicones that have a low bond strength.