The silicone joins the glass panes at the corners and fills in the microscopic porous spaces between the glass fibers, preventing water from passing. This sort of waterproofing technique has also been used on boats and submarines — not just on windows, but on the joints of interconnected parts that are often partially or entirely submerged in water. Industrial uses commonly include sealing liquid vats or transport containers to prevent leakage, to keep fluids in rather than out.
In construction, silicone sealants are frequently used as coatings for building materials. They are also utilized to close gaps in plumbing and fixtures, and to create watertight masonry structures.
More common uses can range from technology to personal devices. Waterproof silicone has been used to manufacture multiple-shaped devices, particularly those with sensitive electronic components that require a flexible, molded waterproof casing.
As a type of rubber, it exhibits standard elastomeric properties, such as high flexibility and tensile strength. When used in waterproofing, it is usually room temperature vulcanized and can undergo a chemical reaction to form resin in a substrate without the presence of alkaline or silica.
This allows silicone rubber to effectively waterproof very porous surfaces, such as those made of natural stone and wood. Some of the other defining characteristics of silicone rubber include:. Although it is less prone to deterioration than silane and siloxane, silicone rubber also penetrates surfaces to a shallower depth, meaning its waterproof seal only adheres to the surface of a product or structure.
For information on other plastics topics, consult our additional guides or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform where you can locate potential sources of supply for over 70, different product and service categories, including suppliers of recycled plastics , nylon plastics , PVC plastics , scrap plastic , raw plastic , to name a few.
Guides Share:. Select From Over , Industrial Suppliers. Receive Daily Industry Updates. Search Over 6 Million Products. Thomas uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Statement and our Terms of Use. Sometimes individuals may use it to try and level surfaces in their home.
Water-resistant silicone sealants are ideal for repairing areas around sinks and other areas where water is frequently found. Silicone sealants are commonly used to bind surfaces such as plastic, metal, and glass together.
For example, aquariums are often sealed with silicone. Windows are often sealed to frames with silicone adhesive since it is weather resistant. Since silicone can keep its adhesive properties when temperatures are high, it is commonly used in automobiles, electronic devices, and appliances. Often silicone adhesives will be used as a bonding agent for parts in car engines, such as a car gasket.
In appliances and electronic devices, silicone is used to seal cables and sensors into place. While all silicone sealants have the same basic adhesive properties, some sealants are designed for specific applications. Therefore, knowing what you will be using silicone sealant for will make it easier to determine if you need a specialized sealant. Individuals who are working with objects that get extremely hot should consider purchasing a high temperature silicone sealant.
It is also resistant to aging, vibration, and shock. Therefore, this type of sealant is perfect for binding objects, such as valve covers, thermostat housings, and fuel pumps in automobiles. It can also be used for some industrial purposes, such as sealing various gaskets, cable insulation, and ductwork. Electrical Grade Self-Leveling silicone is another great silicone sealant. It does not contain acetic acid or any other corrosive chemicals. Furthermore, it is highly resistant to weathering, moisture, the sun, and extreme temperatures.
0コメント