Acrylic sealants

This type is used to fill joints and cracks between concrete joints during interior work. Acrylic sealants retain their elasticity for a long time, withstand strong vibration, are well coated with colorants, but do not have water resistance and weather resistance. They have good adhesion with concrete, brick, wood, plaster, etc. They do not contain highly toxic substances and do not cause obvious harm to health. Apply with a special gun, or directly from the tube. Completely hardens within 24 hours.

Polyurethane sealants

They are an elastic, adhesive, sealing mass that retains its elasticity for a long time. They are used for gluing and sealing any materials: metal, wood, stone, varnished sheet, plastic, ceramics, concrete. They have good adhesion and provide a strong bond that can withstand even strong earthquakes (up to 5 points). They contain harmful, caustic substances - they should not be allowed to come into contact with open areas of the skin.

Thiokol sealants

Designed for the manufacture of sealing pastes, which are used in the aviation industry, shipbuilding, electrical engineering, radio electronics and civil engineering. Usually these are two-component liquids mixed immediately before use. Under normal conditions (air temperature +15 0 - +30 0 С) they are completely vulcanized in 7-10 days.

Silicone sealants

The largest market share is occupied by silicone sealants, which are low molecular weight polydiorganosiloxane rubber with terminal hydroxyl groups as a crosslinking agent. The composition may include fillers and special additives to improve heat resistance, fire resistance, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, adhesion to various materials. The curing process occurs when the sealant comes into contact with environmental moisture to form a three-dimensional cross-linked structure. The chemical basis of curing is the reaction of hydrolysis and polycondensation of the terminal organofunctional groups of rubber.

Silicone sealants have a complex of unique properties: resistance to UV radiation; resistance to weather conditions, temperature extremes and almost any aggressive environment; excellent adhesion to most types of building materials, even without the use of primers (primers); frost and heat resistance (-50 0 - +200 0 С); wide range of temperatures of application (application) - -30 0 - +60 0 С.

According to the type of vulcanization, silicone sealants are divided into acidic and neutral. Acid sealants are cheaper, but cannot be used with materials that react with acid. In this respect, "neutral" sealants are more versatile, but also more expensive.

By application, silicone sealants can be divided into two groups - general and special purposes. The main share falls on construction grades intended for sealing and insulating joints in walls, roofing, for plumbing and greenhouse facilities, etc. Almost all, with rare exceptions, imported silicone sealants on our market cover this area of ​​application. Of the well-known domestic products, Pentelast-1100, Pentelast-1101, Pentelast-1102, Pentelast-1103 and Pentelast-1111 ("low-modulus" - with increased elasticity - up to

Currently, the market offers consumers a huge range of sealants, and understanding all this diversity is not so easy. In order to facilitate this process, we classify sealing materials according to their main characteristics.

By purpose, sealants are divided into: air or waterproof, combined (air and water protective) and special purposes (for example, sanitary sealants, which include a fungicide that prevents mold). Air or waterproof, as well as combined materials are used mainly at the joints and seams of buildings. According to the type of transition to the working state, two types of sealants are distinguished: non-curing and curing. According to experts, the former can only be used at joints that are not subject to deformation. Curing sealants, in turn, are divided into physically cured (drying) and chemically cured (cured under the influence of chemical agents).

Chemically cured sealants include silicone, polyurethane, modified silanes. And through physical curing, acrylic, bituminous and composite materials harden.

Depending on the content of fillers, chemically cured sealants are further divided into acid, neutral and alkaline curing materials. Acid sealants are the most versatile and cheapest, but they have a limitation in application - they should not come into contact with certain metals. The acetic acid released during the curing of this type of sealant causes corrosion. Due to their low cost and versatility, acid sealants are in the greatest demand. Neutral cure sealants are applicable on all substrates without limitation, but are somewhat more expensive.

By physical and mechanical properties, sealants are classified into elastic, plastic, elastoplastic and plastoelastic. Elastic have high elasticity (over 70%) and the ability to deform (over 20%). After curing under the influence of external forces, these materials can be deformed without irreversible consequences (stretch or shrink). Plastic sealants have no or very low elasticity (up to 20%) and low deformability (up to 5%).

After curing, external influence leads to their irreversible deformation or rupture. Elastic-plastic and plastic-elastic sealants have mixed or transitional properties.

Recently, more and more often natural materials are being replaced by synthetic ones. This trend affects all areas of our lives. So, new technologies have appeared for warming log cabins: if earlier caulking with tow, hemp jute or linen was used for these purposes, now the procedure called “warm seam” and performed with the help of sealant is becoming increasingly popular. We wrote about the pros and cons of both methods of sealing wooden structures in the article, and today we will talk about the sealant: properties, scope and its varieties.

This is an artificial polymer material that is vulcanized at a certain temperature to a rubber-like state. It is used as a means for filling gaps between parts of building structures.

It has a number of advantages:

1. Elasticity. The structure of the seam is not destroyed during the deformation of the building structure. The composition continues to seal the gap.
2. Excellent thixotropic properties. Allow to apply them on vertical and inclined surfaces, even at a negative angle.
3. chemical inertness. Most sealants do not react with other materials.
4. Reliable adhesion to wood, plastic, metal, ceramics, glass.
5. Various tinting of some types of sealants. Allows you to fill the seams, accurately matching the color of the composition.

In addition to the positive properties, sealants have several disadvantages.

Their number varies for each species:

• poor resistance to high humidity;
• destruction under the action of UV radiation;
• loss of elasticity from high temperatures.

Application area

It is determined by the factors and conditions in which the sealant will work:

1. For outdoor or indoor work.
2. The type of materials to be linked.
3. Changes in the size of the processed area. Will it increase or shrink under the influence of third-party factors.
4. Relative humidity of the air or direct contact of the composition with water.
5. A method of protecting a sealed seam. Will it be painted or not.
6. The intensity of the mechanical impact on the seam.
7. Admissible or unacceptable smell of sealant, the level of its environmental friendliness.

By readiness for use, they are single-component, two-component and multi-component. The first are immediately ready for use. Two-components contain a cementitious hardener. Multi-component consist of several elements that are supplied in a separate container and mixed immediately before application.

According to the type of base, acrylic, silicone, butyl, bitumen, polysulfide, polyurethane, siliconized sealants are distinguished. We examined the main types in the article, and here we will slightly supplement and expand this list:

1. Silicone. Manufactured from liquid silicone rubber. They are used in construction and decoration, including for sealing log houses, baths, windows and doors. Mildew resistant. Differ in high adhesion. Do not react with other chemical compounds. They have high elasticity - up to 800%. Silicone sealants are not destroyed by UV radiation. Operating temperatures from -30 to +60 °С. Frost-resistant, remain elastic in all weather conditions. The disadvantages include the high price and the impossibility of staining.
2. Acrylic. They are made from a mixture of acrylate polymers. Used for sealing seams and joints. They are widely used when joining floorboards, sealing seams in log cabins, installing windows and doors. They have medium elasticity, which means the use on inactive bases. Scope - indoors and outdoors. They have a high coefficient of adhesion. Acrylic sealants can be painted over.
3. Butyl. Made from polyisobutylene. They are mainly used for the primary sealing of double-glazed windows. They have adhesion to glass, plastic and aluminum, elasticity and resistance to UV radiation. High coefficient of vapor permeability. Among the shortcomings, one can single out a low tensile strength at low temperatures.
4. Bituminous. Made from modified bituminous polymer. They adhere well to wood, concrete, plastic and metal surfaces. They can fill voids and cracks in the roof, drainage systems. It is used to repair greenhouses. Shows good results in adhesion on wet surfaces. When heated, it quickly loses its insulating properties.
5. Polysulfide. Another name is thiokol. The composition is based on liquid polysulfide rubbers. Moisture resistant sealants for all types of construction joints. Often used in roof repairs. Does not collapse at temperatures from -50 to +150 °C. The service life is 15-20 years.
6. Polyurethane. Made from polyester resins. Recommended for structural sealing of building structures, skylights, roof joints, glazed roofs, ventilation systems. Due to its high adhesion, it can be poured directly into the seam. Well maintain differences of temperatures, without losing elasticity. The composition is not resistant to UV radiation.
7. Siliconized. Produced from a mixture of acrylate polymers with silanes. Scope - sealing of seams in wooden designs. Works equally well indoors and outdoors. Suitable for fine and coarse porous substrates. Often used when laying parquet and assembling furniture. Siliconized sealants are not destroyed by precipitation, UV radiation, temperature changes.

Compound

Each type of sealant, both for wood and for other surfaces, is made according to a special recipe, contains additives that determine its final properties. To understand the intricacies, below is a generalized composition:

• main binder. For acrylic - dispersion of polymers; silicone - siloxane rubbers; polyurethane - polyester resins;
• pigments;
• modifying additives;
• fillers (kerogen, perchlorovinyl resin, polyethylene and others)

"Master Srubov" - a reliable contractor and supplier

The company "Master Srubov" performs work on the interior and exterior of wooden buildings - houses, baths and other structures. We work in Moscow, the Moscow region and in the regions adjacent to it.

We are the official dealer of manufacturers of high-quality materials for processing log cabins, both domestic and foreign markets. Therefore, in our work we use only certified equipment and building materials.

All our brigades are formed from citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, we do not use the labor of illegal guest workers. Upon completion of the work after us, the site remains clean and tidy.

If you need to finish a wooden structure inside or outside, contact us and you will receive high-quality service and excellent results. You can contact us by any of the communication methods indicated on the page.

Sealants are vulcanizable compositions based on polymers (polysulfide or liquid silicone rubbers) designed to seal seams and joints between various types of surfaces.

The following main characteristics of sealants are distinguished:

• strength;
• resistance to deformation;
• adhesion to materials;
• shrinkage during curing (for curable sealants);
• elasticity;
• service life indoors and outdoors.

High-quality sealants must retain their physical-chemical and physical-mechanical properties throughout the entire period of operation, have good adhesion to the material from which the sealed structure is made, and not emit toxic substances.

Sealant classifications

By readiness for use, sealants are divided into:

• one-component (suitable for direct use);
• two-component and multi-component (requiring precise and thorough mixing of the components before use).

One-component sealing materials, in turn, are subdivided according to the chemical composition of the base. The following table shows the types of sealants, their composition, applications, advantages and disadvantages.

Separately, it is worth noting that - the most versatile of all listed. Taking into account the fact that they necessarily contain a vulcanizing component, they are further subdivided into two more types: acidic (during vulcanization, acetic acid with a characteristic odor is released) and neutral (amine, amide, oxime and alcohol). Sealants of both subspecies have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, acidic ones are cheaper than neutral ones, but they cannot be used to seal surfaces and materials that, as a result of reaction with acetic acid, form soluble salts (cement-containing materials, aluminum, marble, etc.). In this regard, neutral sealants are preferable.

By introducing additional components and additives, silicone sealants are given such properties as water resistance (aquarium sealants), heat resistance (motor), mold resistance (sanitary sealants with fungicidal additives).

Unlike one-component sealants that cure with moisture and air, two-component sealants are cured using a special catalyst that is stored separately from the base.

Guaranteed cure time is the main technical advantage of two-component formulations. In addition, they have better strength characteristics than single-component ones, are more environmentally friendly and cost less. The main disadvantage of two-component sealants is the possibility of errors in dosing and mixing of the components, which leads to a loss in the quality of the finished material in the seam. It should be noted, however, that the form of packaging of a two-component sealant with simultaneous portion-wise measuring of the components practically eliminates dosing errors. The quality of the mixed composition can be easily ensured visually - for this purpose, the components of the sealant have different colors.

Typical Applications for Sealants

Each type of sealant has the most typical applications. Thus, acrylic compounds are used for indoor sealing, but are not recommended for external sealing of windows, double-glazed windows and places exposed to water, solutions and other liquids.

For adhesive and sealing work in a biologically aggressive environment (toilets and bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools, showers, etc.), sealants with fungicidal (antifungal) additives are needed - they prevent the formation of mold on surfaces. However, such sealants cannot be used for products and materials in contact with food (except for those specially designed for this).

For the repair and manufacture of aquariums, only those that meet the increased requirements for tensile strength (at least 25 kgf / cm2), resistance to biologically aggressive environments and safety for living organisms are used.

For sealing joints in engines and gearboxes, finishing stoves and fireplaces, they are used with a working temperature of up to +300 ° C. They do not lose elasticity and do not collapse when heated, they are oil resistant and do not react with metals.

For sealing joints that are constantly exposed to ultra-high temperatures (up to +1500 ° C), there are special fire-resistant sealants.

Sealants, packaged in standard cartridges and foil tubes, are applied using special guns or a spatula. Materials in tubes are directly extruded onto the seam. Immediately after applying the composition, the seam can be shaped with a special spatula. The initial setting time of the sealant is from 10 to 30 minutes, complete solidification occurs within 24 hours.

To some materials, mainly plastics (polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, Teflon, PVC), the adhesion of the vast majority of sealants is insufficient. In this case, either specialized sealants for specific materials or primers are used. The latter create an intermediate layer between the surface and the sealant, providing a strong bond between dissimilar and initially incompatible bases.

Removal of sealants

Uncured sealants are removed with a cloth and special wipes soaked in solvent or water (depending on the type of sealant and the surface to be treated).

Polymerized compositions are removed only mechanically: solid - with abrasive materials and tools, non-cured - with a knife or scissors.

Storage of sealants

It must be remembered that after opening the package, the sealant cannot be stored for a long time, as it loses its properties as a result of loss of tightness.

Sealing materials are stored in a dry, cool place at a temperature of +5 to +30 °C. Silicone, butyl, bituminous and polyurethane sealants withstand short-term storage at temperatures down to -18 °C.

Replacing a kitchen sink, installing a faucet, bathtub, door and window frames is not complete without the use of sealants. These are special compositions based on polymers that are able to reliably fill gaps, cracks and voids, isolating them from external negative influences. Since there are a lot of areas for the use of such substances, compositions have been developed that optimally correspond to certain conditions. Before going to the store and buying, it doesn’t hurt to decide which sealant to choose, and what types of sealants generally exist. So you protect yourself from the advice of consultants that is not always correct and beneficial for you.

No. 1. Types of sealants

Sealants are a whole group of materials that are polymer-based compounds that have a pasty, viscous or tape consistency and are designed for protection and joints. Other properties are highly dependent on the composition. Sealants are used for sealing joints between sanitary ware and a wall, during installation, for sealing cracks between logs, and - and this is not all areas of application.

Sealants can be divided into:

• one-component;
• with two or more components.

One-component formulations more convenient, as they are immediately ready for use, and sealants with several components will first require mixing all the components in the required proportions.

According to the type of hardening, sealants are divided into:

The most important is classification by chemical composition:

No. 2. Acrylic sealants: properties and scope of use

Acrylic sealants are a mixture of acrylate polymers used mainly for interior work. Can be painted or varnished in any color.

Acrylic sealants are:

All types of acrylic sealants are characterized by such benefits:

• good adhesion to brick, concrete, wood, tiles and other surfaces;
• the ability to maintain the original properties in a wide temperature range (from -20 to +60 0 С);
• environmental friendliness and the absence of harmful fumes, so you can work with such sealants without personal protective equipment;
• resistance to ultraviolet rays;
• ease of operation;
• price. It costs 1.5-2 times lower than silicone sealants. The most expensive are transparent acrylic sealants.

Flaws:

• with prolonged exposure to low temperatures, elasticity is lost;
• in terms of moisture resistance, acrylic sealants are inferior to their counterparts, therefore, for rooms with a consistently high level of humidity, it is better to choose other compositions.

Acrylic sealants are usually sold in 300-500 ml tubes, applied directly from the tube or using a special gun. Already 15 minutes after application, they form a film, and finally harden after 24 hours.

Scope of application: filling joints and cracks in stone and concrete surfaces, boards, window and door frames, filling voids around communication pipes, sealing joints in and, less often in bathrooms.

Number 3. Siliconized sealants

No. 4. Silicone sealants: types and properties

Silicone sealants are universal formulations, which can be used in carrying out outdoor and indoor works, have excellent adhesion to almost all materials. In terms of performance, silicone sealant can be called a leader among analogues. The basis of such compositions is an organosilicon polymer (silicone rubber, up to 45%). Also may include dyes, giving the sealant a certain shade, fungicides that impede development, and mechanical fillers, which contribute to better adhesion to different types of surfaces. The composition often includes extenders of organic origin, which reduce the viscosity of silicone.

Silicone sealants are divided into:

One-component silicone sealants, depending on the chemical composition, are divided into the following groups:

• acidic. The composition contains acetic acid, as evidenced by the characteristic odor that is released during hardening. Acid silicone sealants can be used on wood, plastic, ceramics, but not suitable for processing metal, glass, marble, granite and cement-containing compositions. In most non-ferrous metals, such a sealant causes an accelerated rate of corrosion. The main advantage is the lower price;
• neutral sealants instead of acetic acid, they contain alcohol or ketoxime in the composition, due to which the versatility of their use is achieved. They can be used both for working with metal surfaces and with sanitary ceramics;
• alkaline sealants, produced on the basis of amines, are rarely used in everyday life and belong to special-purpose materials.

All types of silicone sealants are characterized by such Benefits:

Flaws:

• seams created using silicone sealant cannot be painted, but manufacturers offer compositions with ready-made shades, the range is sufficient;
• acidic compounds cause corrosion of metals, but there is only one way out - to use neutral compounds to work with metal surfaces;
• poor adhesion to the old layer of silicone sealant, so it will have to be dismantled, which can cause some difficulties.

Silicone sealants are used for interior and exterior applications. Can be used when installing doors, window frames, metal structures. Sanitary Silicone Sealant indispensable for sealing and sealing threaded connections in the water supply system. Special adhesive sealant can be used to work with glass products. Silicone compounds provide a high level of tightness against odors, water and noise.

Using such a sealant is no more difficult than acrylic. The surface must be clean, dry and free of grease. The composition is applied using special guns, it seizes in 30 minutes, hardens in 24 hours. Excess from the surface is wiped with a damp cloth, and they are washed off the hands with soapy water.

Removing old silicone sealant is not easy: you either have to gradually cut it off with a sharp knife, or use special chemicals that dissolve the sealant.

No. 5. Polyurethane Sealants: Benefits and Uses

Polyurethane sealants are very elastic and resistant to deformation, therefore they are often used to seal the foundation and. Can be one-component and two-component. The latter are mainly used in industry.

Main Benefits:

Minuses:

• when applied, it emits caustic toxic substances, therefore, when working with such a sealant, safety measures must be observed;
• insufficient resistance to high temperatures (above +120 0 C).

Polyurethane sealants harden under the influence of water, quickly seize, but we can talk about complete solidification only after 7-10 hours. The composition is applied from a tube or when using a gun, it does not flow from vertical surfaces, it gives zero shrinkage.

No. 6. Bituminous and rubber sealants

bituminous sealant is a pasty material made on the basis of a modified bituminous binder with the addition of special fillers that provide resistance to negative environmental factors. Rubber compounds are based on synthetic rubber

Bitumen and rubber sealants are indispensable when carrying out roofing works, used for fastening and other bituminous coatings, for fixing, and other insulating materials, also used for sealing cracks in the foundation and drainage system. In addition, both compositions can be used for sealing joints in rooms with high humidity and even for repairing rubber products.

In most properties, these two types of sealants are similar, which gives the right to talk about common benefits:

Minuses:

• it is impossible to carry out work on applying sealant at sub-zero temperatures;
• bituminous sealant cannot be painted, but rubber sealant can be painted.

No. 7. Butyl rubber sealants

Butyl rubber sealants are produced by the copolymerization of isoprene and isobutylene. The result is a non-hardening material, supplied in the form of mounting tapes and seals of various thicknesses and widths. Such tapes are used in the installation of roofing materials, for sealing interpanel seams, as well as in the installation of skylights.

Advantages:

• elasticity that is not lost over time;
• adhesion to concrete, metal, wood, glass, plastics;
• wide operating temperature range, from -45 to +150 0 С;
• the ability to repeat deformation distortions of roofing materials.

Flaws:

No. 8. Thiokol sealants

Thiokol (polysulfide) sealants are considered one of the strongest, most durable and expensive compounds. As a rule, such sealants consist of 2-3 components(base, curing paste and vulcanization accelerator), which are mixed in predetermined proportions before use. The resulting composition must be used within two hours, complete solidification occurs from several hours to a couple of days.

Advantages:

• high elasticity;
• the highest resistance to aggressive substances, gasoline, kerosene, oils, which allows the use of sealant at gas stations, laboratories, etc.;
• resistance to precipitation, UV rays, as well as to a wide temperature range (from -50 to +130 0 C);
• high adhesion to concrete, reinforced concrete and metal, which makes it possible to use the sealant in the repair of metal roofs;
• durability.

Flaws:

No. 9. What must be considered when choosing a sealant?

Naturally, before you go to the store, you need to clearly understand where and under what conditions the sealant will be used. If this is a bath, then you need a moisture-resistant composition, if the floor is wooden, then the sealant must be elastic and not contain solvents. Besides, pay attention to what is indicated on the packaging:

No. 10. Sealant manufacturers

- Sealant quality assurance. To be 100% sure of the high quality of the purchased composition, trust the products of large companies. Very well proven sealants of such manufacturers:

Carefully study the descriptions from the manufacturer on the packaging - it is worth spending a little time studying all the characteristics in order to avoid unnecessary expenses and unnecessary purchases or, even worse, a poor result.

Sealant is a building term. This material is needed every time when it comes to sealing various joints when installing tiles, windows and doors.

The main advantages of sealants lie in the wide ability to adhere to another material, the so-called adhesion, and in high elasticity. In addition, with temperature changes, sealants do not lose their qualities.

Sealant appears as a sticky and thick mixture of polymers, fillers and hardeners. It can fill all the cavities when applied to any surface, and under the influence of chemical reagents it hardens, forming a dense shell.

The general requirements for sealants are high adhesiveness, hydrophobicity, the ability to protect the surface from the harmful effects of the external environment, the aesthetics of the final result treated with this composition, strength and long-term operation, and resistance to various types of deformation. The vocation of the sealant is to simplify the construction process.

According to the composition and possibilities of use, sealants are divided into one-component and two-component. The former can be used without preliminary surface preparation and the sealant itself. In their composition, they have one active chemical substance. The second type cannot be used without preparation - it consists of two or more substances and is sold in parts, so they will need to be mixed before use.

Sealants used in construction differ from each other by the polymers that make up the composition. It is he who determines the purpose of the material. Thus, the following types of sealants are distinguished.

2. Types of sealants

2.1 Polyacrylic

Made from acrylic polymers. Among the advantages of this type, experts distinguish low cost, ease of use, high adhesion to materials containing minerals (wood, brick, various types of plaster and concrete). Thus, polyacrylic sealants are used for sealing sedentary joints. Examples of application: a gap between cracked boards, cracks in the walls.

2.2 Silicone

The main active substance of the sealant is a silicone polymer. Thanks to him, the sealant has the following advantages: long service life (over 35 years), high adhesion to wood, metal, ceramic and glass surfaces, water resistance. Applications: various types of surfaces both inside and outside the building.

2.3 Butyl

It is based on polyisobutylene - rubber of synthetic origin. Due to this, this type of sealant is recommended for use by specialists in certain areas, for example, when sealing double-glazed windows.

2.4 Polyurethane

This type of sealant has the following advantages: durability, strength, elasticity, relatively short hardening time (up to 1 hour). Polyurethane sealant is applied to a clean and dry surface. After contact of moisture with air, polymerization of the sealant occurs, and after an hour the seam hardens. After complete drying, you can paint it.

2.5 Bituminous (black)

The composition of this type of sealant includes a bituminous elastomer. In this regard, sealants have high adhesion and moisture resistance. Moreover, the latter quality is valid for 15–20 years of operation. The areas of application of bituminous sealants are very wide - these are all types of roofing, including the laying of bituminous tiles and roofing material.

Thus, it can be seen that all of the above types of sealants are specific and are used for a specific job. What if you need a universal composition?

Solving this issue, in 1987, a sealant was invented in Japan that combines the advantages of silicone, polyurethane and polyacrylic materials - based on an MS polymer. The modified sealant is universal: it can be used for all types of sealing work. In addition, the following advantages of the modified sealant are distinguished: environmentally friendly use, ease and safety of operation, high adhesion on various surfaces, paintability, gentle effect on the surface, durability and water resistance.

Summing up, it should be said that when choosing a sealant, one should clearly understand the front of the upcoming construction work. Depending on the type of work and select the composition. For example, if it is necessary to ensure the sealing of the roof, it is worth using a bituminous sealant, and if you need to seal gaps outside the building, silicone.