A chemical substance known as a sealant forms a mechanical seal. Both DIY and Industrial sealants are primarily used to plug gaps, fissures, joints, and other areas that could otherwise allow liquids, gas, or other undesired material to seep in.
Many sealants, unlike adhesives, are still flexible and do not lock two pieces together; as a result, mechanical fasteners may be necessary to keep the components in place.
Some sealants, however, can serve as both an adhesive and a sealant.
Types of Industrial Sealants
They are available in a variety of forms, including liquids and pastes. Mechanical fasteners assist in joining the mated parts in these situations. There are currently over 35 different kinds of industrial sealants available.
In this article we will discuss the 5 most popular industrial sealants available in the market:
1. Phenolic industrial sealants:
Phenolic industrial sealants are the only sealants available as liquids, powders, or films, and they adhere strongly to plywood, building materials, and other appliances.
2. Epoxy sealants:
When you need strength and longevity, epoxy sealants work well. They are typically provided as two-component systems consisting of a resin and a hardener.
3. Polymer-based sealants:
Typically, they undergo thermal, anaerobic, or ambient temperature curing. These sealants produce permanently flexible seals, making them ideal for mobile joints.
The polymers utilise the moisture in the air to cure and create a durable, flexible seal at the joint. Polymer sealants are perfect for use on joints that endure repetitive motion or fluctuating temperatures.
4. Silicone industrial sealants:
Silanes and siloxanes are hydrolyzed and polymerized to create silicone sealants.
It is common industry knowledge that industrial silicone sealant is among the simplest and most reliable sealants to use in construction and industrial settings.
Silicone is inorganic, resistant to sunlight, and extremely durable, but its pigments eventually deteriorate. It cures at ambient room temperature.
Additionally, it is waterproof, making it a popular option for sealing housing and building joints, electrical sockets, wires, and joints that must meet fire safety standards.
5. Acrylic industrial sealants:
These powerful industrial sealants are flexible, paintable, odourless, and impenetrable to foreign particles.
Typical applications of Acrylic industrial sealants include sealing window trim beads, painting interiors, and sealing areas without tubs or showers in kitchens and bathrooms.
Acrylic sealants have a high level of resistance to environmental deterioration. However, acrylic sealants are vulnerable to chemical deterioration.
Different Industrial Sealants, Different Material Compatibilities
When a sealant is placed on a substance that is not compatible with it, the material may deteriorate and the joint may not be sealed off.
- Porous surfaces: Porous surfaces work best with sealants that have high viscosity or a gel-like consistency. For porous materials, silicone, polymers, and epoxies are the best sealants to use.
- Concrete: The building material used to make walls, buildings, and other structures is concrete. Concrete joints are typically sealed with polymer sealants.
- Metal: Silicone and polymer-based sealants are typically used to assemble metal connections. With regards to iron, aluminium, steel, and iron compounds, silicone is quite compatible.
- Ceramics: Ceramics are non-metallic oxides and nitrides with high melting and boiling points. Epoxy, silicone, and acrylic sealants can be used to seal off ceramic surfaces.
- Textiles: Silicone-based sealants work best when applied to textiles.
- Plastics: Plastics are manufactured, synthetic, or organic materials made from polymers. The best sealants are silicone and polymer.
3 Tips to choose the best industrial sealant
- Adapts to high and low temperatures –
High-quality sealants are capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from minus-85 to 599 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-65 to 315 degrees Celsius).
Some sealants have a higher burn resistance than others, particularly silicone sealants, which adhere to UL flammability standards and are particularly resistant to burning under fire conditions.
Ensure you select a sealant that can perform at the highest temperature you require, and offers a secure and flexible hold at lower temperatures.
- High resistance to weather and other erosive matters –
Choose sealants that have high resistance to ultraviolet rays, radiation, and weather, which can cause low-quality sealants to crack, crumble and become brittle over time.
- High sealing and bonding strength –
A high-strength industrial-grade sealant must be able to adhere to a wide range of industrial materials, such as glass, ceramics, wood masonry, and metals.
Conclusion
Hopefully reading this blog has helped you gain some clarity on the subject of choosing the ideal sealant for industrial application.
If you still need more information about the sealant that meets your requirement, contact us now. We have a team of experts ready to assist you with any sealant needs you may have.