Silicone sealants act and feel like gel adhesives, but are in liquid form. They are formed with different types of chemical bonds and are resistant to external chemicals, moisture, and weather. Silicone sealants remain stable in high and low-temperature conditions.
Curing is an essential part of applying high-temperature silicone sealants. For this process, the temperature range should be between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The minimum time duration for the curing to complete is 24 hours. This time may increase depending on the thickness of the applied layer.
In this blog, you will find out a detailed guide on high temperature silicone sealants.
Different types of silicone sealant
The commonly used silicone sealant types include high modulus, low modulus, neutral cure, and acetoxy cure. Low modulus offers higher elasticity with minimal force for stretching, while high modulus provides greater rigidity.
Acetoxy silicones cure faster, emitting a vinegar-like odour, but they exhibit poor adhesion to plastics, glass, or aluminium. Neutral alkoxy sealants, releasing alcohol during curing, adhere well to various materials but have a longer curing time.
For non-porous surfaces like glass and glazed tile, acid-cure silicones excel but may corrode metal and etch some plastics. Opt for neutral-cure silicones when working with metal or wood for better compatibility.
Uses of high temperature sealant
High-temp silicone sealant has a wide range of applications across numerous industries.They are often used in the automobile industry, since it’s resistant to the high temperatures. Silicone sealant is used in the engine gaskets, valve covers, axle housings, water and oil pump seals, timing chain covers, and many more.
Silicone sealants is also used in the variety of craft projects as it has high flexible capabilities. It is capable of bonding together glass, tile, metal and woods. A high temp sealant can act as a powerful adhesive in the construction projects. Silicone sealant has applications in bathrooms and kitchens, creating a tidy seal around sinks, showers, and bathtubs, preventing mildew residue. Its versatility extends to windows and doors, ensuring an airtight seal, resisting air infiltration, and remaining weather-resistant.
How to use high-temperature silicone sealant?
There are numerous dos and don’ts when using high-temp silicone sealant. Some of them are:
- Ensure surfaces are both clean and dry before application.
- Cut cartridge nozzles at a 45-degree angle for the desired bead size.
- Apply sealant using a caulking gun, tooling immediately within a 5 to 10 minute window.
- This sealant is suitable for overhead or sidewall joints without sagging.
- When bonding materials, apply adhesive, combine surfaces, and apply pressure for full contact
- Apply sealant in temperatures as low as -85°F, ensuring a dry and frost-free surface.
- Drying time is approximately 30 minutes, with full curing within the first 24 hours.
- Never mix with other chemicals; wear protective eyewear during application.
- Avoid skin contact and inhalation of fumes; keep out of children's reach.
- Store the sealant between 40°F and 90°F after use; clean application equipment with warm water.
Conclusion
In this blog, you observed all about high-temp silicone sealant, its application, uses and some dos and don’ts. High-temperature silicone sealants are effective and efficient in the construction and automobile industry, where they are cured under high temperatures. The wide range of uses and applications of silicone sealants makes them suitable for a whole lot of tasks. Silicone sealants offer 100% waterproof seal wherever applied.
Silicone sealantsmay have a strong, enduring odor and require a significant amount of time for complete curing. However, they offer versatility in glass assemblies. Although pure silicone isn't paintable, it maintains flexibility across temperatures, ensures waterproofing, provides strong bonding, and inhibits mildew growth.
There are a certain set of instructions that you need to follow while working with the high-temp silicone sealant. First and foremost, make sure that the surfaces on which the sealant is going to be applied should be entirely clean and dried out. Pressure needs to be applied on both the surfaces for full contact. Optimal for sealing and bonding, industrial silicone boasts formulations tailored for diverse needs: electrical grade, low-odor, paintable, and high-temperature variations. Its versatile applications span over plumbing, refrigeration, HVAC, and both commercial and residential sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the silicone melting point?
Silicone melts at the temperature of 1414 degree celsius (2577.2 degree fahrenheit).
What do you mean by silicone heat resistance?
Heat resistance is one of the notable properties of silicone sealant which makes it widely preferable for numerous applications across industries.
What is silicone sealant used for?
Silicone sealant is used to bond two materials like glass, metal, ceramic, plastic, and concrete together.
What is the disadvantage of silicone sealant?
One major disadvantage of using silicone sealant is tear strength. It has a very poor tear strength.
How long does 100% silicone last?
An efficient silicone sealant will last for good 10-20 years, depending on the quality and its usage.