Silicone-based adhesive composition is the best choice for reliable and durable fixing of parts, joining various surfaces. The composition dries quickly, is elastic, resistant to moisture and biological effects. It is versatile and easy to use, equally effective in household and industrial applications.
Description and properties of the glue
Silicone is high strength silicon based polymer... The properties of a material depend on its chemical composition. The key features are resistance to ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes, water repellency. Silicone based adhesive is able to bond homogeneous and dissimilar surfaces made of metal, ceramic, plastic, rubber or glass.
Composition and characteristics
The silicone mass is viscous and sticky. Its basic component is synthetic rubber... Also, the product contains:
- viscosity-reducing extenders;
- plasticizers to adjust the consistency;
- primers (fillers in the form of crushed quartz, chalk particles) that increase adhesion;
- strength amplifier;
- fungicidal and antiseptic additives;
- vulcanizer.
Additionally, the composition may contain coloring pigments... They give the glue white, gray, black or any other color. Such a composition is used to work with colored surfaces. Basically, the glue is transparent, sold in sealed tubes with a dispenser.
Polymerization occurs upon contact with air, under the influence of the moisture present in it.
Silicone based adhesives are available in the form of glue and sealant. The composition and properties of the products are largely similar, but there is a number of differences:
- consistency (glue is more liquid);
- the shape of the nozzles, the size of the tube;
- application features (a special construction gun is used for the sealant).
The choice of the composition depends on the purpose:
- Sealants are recommended to ensure a tight connection of surfaces of significant linear dimensions (glass structures, plastic pipes).
- The details of a small structure are fixed with glue.
Transparent silicone glue has a pasty consistency, it does not drip from the surface, tightly fills the pores and holes. Application does not require special skills, the work is within the power of a beginner. The product is safe for health, does not emit toxic substances.
Application area
Silicone adhesive widely used in everyday life... With its help, ceramic tiles are fixed during repairs, damper joints are sealed and cracks are closed, glass or plastic structures are assembled. The glue is popular for DIY crafts. It is used to join parts with a dissimilar surface, natural materials, fabrics, leather, knitwear, cardboard and paper.
Silicone compositions are popular due to their excellent performance in many industries:
- automotive industry (silicone gaskets, glass sealing), black composition is common;
- sealant in air conditioning systems and refrigerators;
- construction, installation of window structures;
- waterproof and non-toxic glue is used in the repair of aquariums;
- electronics - a product with insulating properties used for gluing electrical assemblies.
The elastic structure allows the use of compounds for fixing products subjected to vibration loading. The product with waterproof additives is recommended for rooms with high humidity (bathroom, toilet, swimming pool, kitchen).
Varieties of silicone glue
The main division of glue varieties occurs by composition, they are:
- One-component - intended for domestic use, ready to be applied to the surface.
- Two-component - consist of 2 parts, one of which is a catalyst. The material dries faster and more evenly, does not emit by-products. The two-component silicone adhesive is recommended for industrial use.
The chemical composition of one-component compositions affects the pH level, according to this indicator, they are classified into 3 groups:
- Acidic. During the curing process, acetic acid is released, so the glue is not recommended for metal surfaces, marble. The advantage of the product is its low cost.
- Alkaline.Heat-resistant, durable formulations containing silicon and amines. They are intended for outdoor use and areas subject to heat. They are rarely used in everyday life.
- Neutral. Includes alcohol or ketoxime, suitable for all surfaces. The connection turns out to be strong and elastic; of the minuses, a high cost is noted.
One-component silicone adhesive is made on the basis of siloxane or fluorosiloxane rubber. Polymerization of the composition occurs upon contact with air. So that the remainder of the product does not lose its viscosity, it is tightly closed.
Criterias of choice
Manufacturers offer a wide variety of silicone-based products that vary in performance, cost and size. When choosing a product, it is worth consideringb operating conditions, type of surfaces to be glued, scope of proposed work... The purpose of use and the purpose of the composition must coincide, otherwise a strong and durable connection will not work.
Types of silicone compounds:
- Car - applied as gaskets, has additives to increase resistance to oil and gasoline.
- For outdoor work - the composition is resistant to UV radiation, moisture and frost, suitable for gluing any materials (rubber, glass, wood, plastic). The presence of acid gives a characteristic pungent odor, does not allow the use of a metal cleaner.
- Sanitary - contains fungicides that prevent the growth of mold and other microorganisms, recommended for surfaces in contact with moisture.
- Aquarium - the absence of toxic components makes the composition safe for fish and other inhabitants of the reservoir. The manufacturer applies special markings to the packaging.
- Heat resistant - it is offered in the form of flexible sticks, during the work you need a thermal gun. When heated, the glue becomes viscous, easy to apply to parts.
- Universal - compositions are intended for any work outside and inside the premises.
Before buying, you need to read the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions for use.
Recommendations for use
Before using the composition, workers surfaces are cleaned of dust and degreased. Use alcohol or a special agent. The glue is applied after complete drying.
Procedure:
- Open the cap and put on a special dispenser or cut off the tip of the applicator, depending on the type of packaging.
- Apply glue to one of the surfaces with a layer of up to 20 mm and press down the second part. They must be fixed for 10-20 minutes.
- The protruding drops of silicone are removed with a spatula or damp sponge.
- It will take 24 hours for the composition to fully polymerize, so the operation of the item begins after the end of this period.
For a large amount of work, acquire construction gun. When squeezing the tube, care must be taken to avoid excessive leakage of the adhesive mass.
Manufacturers overview
It is worth paying attention to the following brands:
- Soudal - The Belgian company offers several lines of silicone-based universal and sanitary products. One-component formulations are available in transparent and colored.
- SOPRO - a German mark for more than 150 years in the building materials market. Its silicone sealant adhesives are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, have fungicidal additives, and are resistant to water and frost.
- Henkel - The German company produces the popular Moment glue, used for household and industrial purposes. The assortment includes universal and special (waterproof, super strong, quick fix, etc.) products.
- Jaba - silicone glue for the repair of aquariums. It dries quickly, is resistant to ultraviolet light, and is harmless to living beings. It can be transparent and black.
- Pentelast 1143 - universal one-component adhesive for professional use. The composition is heat-resistant, water-resistant, elastic, has high adhesion. Type B is recommended for metal surfaces.
