High Temperature Resistant Silicone Adhesive and Sealant
High Temperature Resistant Silicone Adhesive and Sealant
Silicone adhesives and sealants are able to withstand high temperatures, resist chemicals and adhere to different surfaces. They also create flexible bonds and have excellent elasticity.
This remarkable property is partly due to the highly stable chemical structure of silicone’s backbone. It is also due to the coiled arrangement of molecules and low levels of force between them.
High Temperature Resistant
Unlike other types of adhesives, silicone is extremely flexible and can hold together in a wide range of temperatures without breaking down or degrading. It also stands up well to the elements and resists chemicals including water. In fact, some types of silicone can withstand direct exposure to flames.
Silicone has a very low thermal conductivity. This is important because heat passes through it much more slowly than it does through other materials like metal or concrete. This means that the bonding area stays relatively cool while still retaining its strength and structure. This is called high temperature resistance and can be a valuable asset in some applications where the bonding areas will be exposed to peaks of heat and/or continuous elevated temperatures.
High temperature resistant silicones are often used in automotive engine environments where vibration and constant heat will be present. They are typically used to seal the valve covers, water and oil pump seals, axle housings, fuel pumps, ignition systems and other components. They are also often found in industrial applications such as glues for gaskets, heating system ductwork and humidifiers.
These products can be applied to many heat resistant silicone adhesive different surfaces, including metals and most types of glass. They are also very easy to clean up after application, which makes them very versatile. Most types can be tooled up to 24 hours after application, though curing may take longer depending on the thickness of the application.
High Strength
Whether it’s high heat or cold, silicone adhesives and sealants have the ability to maintain their strength. The temperature resistant qualities make this type of glue ideal for objects that will be exposed to extreme temperatures. High-temperature silicones are also able to cope with vibration and movement. They’re able to keep their structure under these conditions and are more resilient than regular caulking products.
If you’re looking for a specific temperature-rated silicone adhesive, Master Bond offers a wide variety of different grades to choose from. For example, their HT 200 can handle ongoing exposure to 90degC or short-term spikes up to 140degC. This grade is grey, has excellent adhesion to a variety of materials and can be powder coated.
The best way to use a silicone adhesive is to ensure heat resistant silicone adhesive that the surface is clean and dry before applying. Remove any existing sealant using a putty knife or similar tool, and then wipe the area with mineral spirits to remove any remaining residue. The surface should then be completely dry before applying a new bead of sealant with a caulk gun.
Always make sure that you use a non-corrosive sealant for your project. Some types of silicone are flame retardant, meaning that they’ll act as a barrier to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. This is useful for projects like repairing appliances in a home, or to create a fire-proof seal for pipes or electrical components.
Low Conductivity
Many areas of manufacturing rely on adhesion to keep their components in place. Silicone can handle a lot of heat, and it has a low thermal conductivity so that it transfers the heat slower than metals. This allows manufacturers to safely handle the parts they need without worrying about them becoming too hot and damaging them.
Heat resistant silicones are also tough materials that resist degradation from extreme temperatures. They can withstand temperatures as high as 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and they remain stable at lower temperatures, too. This makes them ideal for sealing items in factories that produce a wide range of products with different temperature requirements.
Several different types of heat resistant silicone adhesives are available, depending on the specific needs of your project. For example, MG Chemicals is an authorized master distributor of Momentive RTV silicone products (formerly known as GE Silicones), which are formulated to offer a variety of features. These include consistency, flame retardancy, outgassing, thermal conductivity, and more.
Another type of silicone adhesive that is suitable for extreme temperatures is conductive silicone adhesive. These products feature a flexible, conformable bond line that can stretch, bend, expand and contract, while still maintaining an electrically conductive seal. They are designed for bonding dissimilar materials in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive and pharmaceutical production.
Flexibility
Many industrial adhesives emit harmful fumes when they’re applied, but silicone is non-toxic. Engineers rely on it for its long lifespan and the ability to endure a variety of extreme temperatures and environments.
Heat resistant silicones can also bond with a wide variety of surfaces and materials, including ceramic material. They are often used in automotive applications to seal valve covers, water pumps, axle housings and fuel pump covers; to glue ceramic and glass insulation to metal studs and plates; and for sealing ductwork with dissimilar substrates. Some versions of this type of silicone are acid-cure and work best on non-porous siliceous surfaces like glass, glazed tile and clinker; while others are neutral-cure and can be used with metals or plastics without risk of corrosion.
In addition to being able to withstand high temperatures, some silicones are also abrasion-resistant and flexible. This makes them a good choice for areas that will experience repeated movement, vibration or shock. Fluorosilicones are more durable than regular silicones and are resistant to solvents, oils, chemicals and fuels. They also have excellent mechanical properties and can be molded or drilled, painted or sanded once cured. These types of silicones are available in two part systems that require the glue and curing agent to be mixed together, UV cured versions that need exposure to ultraviolet light or pressure sensitive versions that adhere to surfaces with a slight amount of contact pressure.