Curing mechanism of single component silicone sealant
Single component building silicone sealant is mainly a condensation type silicone rubber, and its curing mechanism is that it can undergo condensation reaction upon contact with atmospheric moisture, cross-linking into an elastic body. The curing process involves contact with moisture in the air, gradually solidifying from the surface to the interior.
Factors affecting curing speed
The curing speed of single component building silicone sealant is related to its own formula, as well as the humidity and temperature of the environment, and the diffusion speed of moisture in the adhesive layer.
01 Environmental temperature
Because the curing process of sealant is a chemical reaction process, the temperature of the environment has a significant impact on its chemical reaction rate (curing rate). The higher the ambient temperature, the faster the curing speed will be. In general, when the temperature is below 15 ℃, the curing speed of the sealant will significantly decrease. For single component sealant, the complete curing time under low temperature conditions will be much longer. You should also feel the difference in curing speed between building sealants in summer and winter.
02 Environmental humidity
During the curing process of sealant, water molecules play a crucial role in its chemical reaction. For single component sealant, its curing process requires absorbing moisture from the air, so within an appropriate humidity range, the higher the humidity in the atmosphere, the faster the curing speed will be; The lower the humidity, the slower the curing speed. Especially in the dry seasons of autumn and winter, the decrease in environmental humidity will prolong the complete curing time of single component sealant!
03 Surface area of sealant in contact with air
Single component sealant is greatly affected by the contact area with air, especially when applied to sealant joints on non porous substrates such as glass, metal, etc. Only one side of the sealant can come into contact with air, and the other three sides in contact (such as glass, aluminum, and gasket materials) are basically impermeable. At this point, the larger the effective contact area between the sealant and air, the more moisture it can obtain, and the faster the curing speed will be.
04 Ventilation environment
The sealant should be placed under ventilated conditions. In a completely enclosed environment, the small molecular substances released during the curing reaction of the sealant will gradually accumulate, and their concentration will rise to a certain extent, which will prevent further curing reaction and ultimately lead to insufficient curing of the sealant, failing to achieve the optimal performance of the sealant. Meanwhile, if the water consumed by the reaction is not replenished, its solidification will slow down. Therefore, the construction environment of sealant must ensure ventilation, and it cannot be in a completely sealed environment during the curing process.
05 sealant formula itself
In addition to external factors, the curing speed of silicone sealant is also closely related to the formula. GuFeng Technology is committed to providing safe and healthy alcohol based environmentally friendly sealants for our customers, and continuously innovating and researching to improve the curing speed of alcohol based sealant products, meeting users' demand for rapid curing of alcohol based environmentally friendly sealants. So far, the curing speed of multiple alcohol based adhesive products under GuFeng Technology has been significantly improved:
Golden Storm Kitchen and Bathroom Mold Proof Glass Sealant
Color Storm Mildew Proof Edge Sealing Beauty Sealant
GF-698 Advanced Quick-drying Acid Glass Sealant
GF-881 Integrated Ceiling Quick Installation Adhesive
GF-1633 Low Temperature Super Fast Drying Type Silicone Weathering Adhesive
The curing speed is not only a time scale for chemical reactions, but also a protective process for building safety. From the microscopic world of molecular cross-linking to the macroscopic scene of skyscrapers, GuFeng Technology has always deconstructed and solidified codes with a scientific spirit.
If you have any questions about sealant, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Company website: www.gfkjgs.com