General Purpose Silicone
General Purpose Silicone is a one-part, acetoxy cure silicone sealant which bonds to many surfaces and provides a flexible, high strength waterproof seal. It contains a fungicide to prevent the growth of mildew, black mould and bacteria.
Polysiloxanes are unique “inorganic” polymers whose molecules consist of chains of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms. Their physical properties, resistance to water and oxidation, and biocompatibility make them valuable in diverse applications.
Uses
A silicone sealant is used to bind surfaces together. This can be done with a wide variety of materials including plastic, metal, and glass. It is also weather resistant and has anti-fungal properties. It is often used in construction jobs as a caulking material or for pointing around windows and doors.
It adheres to cultured marble, ceramic tiles, most paints and many plastics. It is ideal for use in areas that could be exposed to the elements, such as basements, attics, and siding. This product is easy to clean and dries quickly.
It is a medium modulus, one-component acetoxy cure, non-sag caulking and sealing material that dries to a tough rubbery solid upon exposure to atmospheric moisture. It withstands high temperatures and vibration, has excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates without the need for priming and is weathering, ozone, fungus and chemical resistant. It is not suitable for copper, brass (and other copper-containing alloys), galvanized steel or zinc. It is not recommended for food contact applications. This product is available in a wide range of standard and custom colors.
Temperature Resistance
One of the most common questions we get here at Viking Extrusions is what temperatures silicone can withstand. The answer is that it depends on the specific type General Purpose Silicone of silicone sealant you are using and the temperature(s) it will be exposed to.
In general, silicone can withstand very high temperatures without melting. This is a very impressive characteristic, especially compared to other polymers such as polyurethane or nitrile which begin to melt at much lower temperatures.
If silicone is subject to extreme temperatures for an extended period of time, the material will slowly begin to degrade. It will first lose its flexibility and become more brittle, then it will finally crack and eventually combust. The combustion process releases volatiles which can help slow the reaction.
If you want a silicone that can withstand very high temperatures, choose one that is rated as such. There are also a variety of different types of silicone sealants available such as low modulus, neutral cure, or acetoxy. The different types have their own advantages depending on what you need the sealant for.
Moisture Resistance
Silicone sealants and caulks create strong bonds that are water-resistant. This makes them ideal for projects in areas of the home that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They also work well to mitigate concrete expansion in these areas.
Some silicone adhesives are designed to be able to withstand very low temperatures. This is achieved by adding organic groups, such as methyl or phenyl, to the Si-O bonds of the silicone molecule. These organic groups provide a wide range of useful properties including resistance to weathering, ozone and UV radiation.
This type of silicone has the advantage of allowing for a wide range of applications without having to be specially formulated. General purpose silicone is often used for compression moulded and extruded products. It is normally required to be post cured in order to enhance physical properties. It is available in a variety of colors to match customer specifications.
Chemical Resistance
Solid silicones can handle a variety of chemicals including oxidizing agents, oil, lubricants and petroleum products. They are also resistant to salt and most cleaning agents. They do not deteriorate with exposure to UV radiation, hot air or oxygen ozone, and they can be compounded to meet specific chemical resistance requirements.
Several types of FDA silicone rubbers meet food and pharmaceutical applications. These elastomers are peroxide-free and compliant with Title 21 regulations about rubber implements that can be safely used within food applications.
Ja-Bar’s Series 1130 Fluorosilicone Rubber Continuous Sheets are similar to silicone sponge sheets but offer greater resistance to crude oil, jet fuel and similar substances that commonly touch electrical, petrochemical and commercial aviation equipment. They are available in a variety of thicknesses and widths for maximum design flexibility.
HT-820 Medium Silicone Foam is lighter in density than general purpose and soft silicone foam materials but packs more tensile strength and tear resistance. It is an ideal choice for sealing electronics, outdoor communications and lighting enclosures. HT-840 Extra-Firm Silicone Foam is the firmest of BISCO’s silicone foam materials. It excels in situations that require high closure force gaskets and can withstand extreme temperatures without failing or melting.
Durability
Unlike other sealants that can crack and deteriorate over time, silicones move flexibly with structures as they expand and contract. This allows them to absorb shocks and vibration, while protecting against the effects of weathering, UV rays and other harsh conditions. This durability makes them suitable General Purpose Silicone for a wide range of applications, from sealing high-rise buildings and housing to marine environments.
This acetoxy cure silicone sealant reacts with atmospheric moisture to form a tough, durable elastic seal. It has excellent primerless adhesion to most smooth, non-porous substrates including glass, tiles, ceramics, aluminium composite panels and coated surfaces, as well as impregnated or varnished wood. It also contains a fungicide to prevent the growth of bacteria, mildew and black mould.
It’s ideal for sealing door and window frames, stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic and plastic baths and showers, kitchen and bathroom fixtures and fittings, as well as ductwork. It also resists aging and weathering, thermal cycling and vibration, making it perfect for demanding industrial use. It’s also safe to use in meat and poultry plants, meeting USDA and CFIA requirements.
