Before the invention of silicone sealants, the seams were filled with homemade mastics, all kinds of putties, bitumen compounds that were not able to satisfy all the requirements. When this new material entered the market, various repairs were simplified, and their quality increased.
For reference
The structure of the silicone sealant resembles a viscous mixture, which is excellent for sealing joints and cracks, gluing and sealing parts and different areas. After surfaces are coated with this material, they gain protection against the negative effects and penetration of moisture.
The main varieties of silicone sealants in composition
Silicone neutral sealant is classified by component composition. In the manufacture of it can add different substances. For example, a plasticizer makes the material flexible, while a vulcanizer gives it viscosity. Rubber acts as the basis, and the tenacity of the composition with the surface is provided by the primer.
The manufacturers managed to achieve durability thanks to the amplifier, but the mixture acquires color after adding filler. Silicone neutral sealant can be one-component or two-component. The first variety is most often used in repair and construction, while two-component mixtures are intended for use in industry.
On sale you can find alkaline, acid and neutral sealants. The first are mixtures of special purposes, and amines act as their basis. If you have before you the composition, which is indicated by the letter "A", then you should know that this sealant is acidic, it has a low cost and is universal in operation. In the manufacture of acetic acid acts as the basis, the smell of which is released during the hardening of the mass. The disadvantage of such mixtures is incompatibility with non-ferrous metals, since they accelerate corrosion processes. It is not recommended to use acidic sealants with marble elements, as well as cementitious materials that contain alkaline ingredients. Silicone neutral sealant is combined with surfaces that are made of any materials, this is due to the component composition, which is based on alcohol or ketoxime.
Classification of neutral sealants by fillers and additives
When choosing a particular type of sealant, you should pay attention to the additives that are used in the manufacture of these compounds. To date, 4 types of additives are distinguished, among them:
- dyes;
- mechanical fillers;
- extenders;
- fungicides.
Pigments are added during manufacture, therefore, after drying, the mixture does not stain. Mechanical fillers guarantee adhesion of the mass to the surface. If we are talking about mechanical additives, then chalk and silica dust should be included here. The extenders in the case of sealants are of natural origin, and they are necessary to reduce the viscosity of silicone. Fungicides destroy fungus and mold. It is possible to expand the use of neutral sealant, given the nature of the additive.
Neutral Silicone Sealant Reviews
Silicone neutral sealant has some features: it is soft and elastic. Despite this, very durable materials such as silicon, quartz and sand are used in the manufacture. The copolymers that make up are made from them. Consumers highlight a number of advantages using neutral silicone sealants, namely: the ability to stretch, a high degree of strength, resistance to sunlight, high adhesion, heat resistance, resistance to natural factors and biostability.
Users argue that the ability to stretch allows the use of these compounds on moving joints. Due to the high degree of adhesion, such mixtures can be used between elements of glass, ceramic, metal, wood and plastic. After drying, silicone neutral transparent sealant can be exposed to aggressive detergent components, while it does not lose its properties. If it is a heat-resistant variety, that it will be able to maintain its characteristics even in the temperature range, which varies from -50 to +300 ° C.
For the reason that these mixtures perfectly undergo the influence of external factors, they can be used not only inside but also outside the premises. After application, you can not be afraid that bacteria or mold will appear on the sealant itself or adjacent surfaces.
Negative reviews
Sealant silicone neutral silicone has, according to users, and some disadvantages. Among them are the following:
- inability to use on wet surfaces;
- lack of staining;
- insufficiently high adhesion of narrow polypropylene plates.
It is not possible to paint the surface of the sealant after it hardens when the mixture contains a large amount of organic substances. But insufficient adhesion can also be noted between the plates, which are made of polyethylene, polycarbonate or fluoroplastic. According to users, the solution to the problem may be the purchase of more expensive sealant, which is intended for professional use.
Overview of Moment's Silicone Neutral Sealant
Sealant "Moment" silicone neutral is odorless, and can be applied at temperatures ranging from +5 to +40 ° . Heat resistance varies from -40 to +150 ° . At break, the composition lengthens by 200%, and its density can vary from 0.98 to 1.00 g / cm 3 . With absolute elongation , the elastic modulus is 0.3 MPa. The mixture is well exposed to moisture, and the film after application at a temperature of +23 ° C is formed after 15 minutes.
The curing rate at fifty percent humidity is 2 mm per day. This neutral white silicone sealant is designed to seal and install mirrors, ventilation systems and freezers. It is not recommended to use the mixture on natural stones or for sealing aquariums.
Cost
On sale today you can find silicone neutral sealants in a wide range. The most popular is TYTAN Professional, which will cost you 165 rubles. The mixture may be gray, brown, black, colorless or white. If we are talking about the universal composition of PUTECH, then you will have to pay 123 rubles for it.
Conclusion
Neutral silicone sealant, the price of which was mentioned above, can be used in the automotive industry, construction or for special operations. A universal composition, for example, can be used for minor repairs at home. It can be used when sealing and gluing lamps, moldings or headlights.
But the silicone automobile sealant, which is most often black, is intended for the replacement of gaskets in the vehicle. For a short time, such a mixture can be affected by temperatures up to +300 ° . When applied, the composition does not flow, and during operation does not lend itself to aging.