An introduction to silicone adhesives

The world of adhesives and glues can be tricky to navigate. Despite being a fairly simple task, there are hundreds of products available to choose from. For larger projects/repairs, some adhesives have now overtaken screws and nails as the preferred choice. One popular group is silicone adhesives.

What are silicone adhesives?

Silicone adhesives are water-resistant polymers that are made primarily of silica. Silica is a natural compound comprising silicon and oxygen. Silicone adhesives can be used to join a range of materials, including ceramics, glass, wood, metals, and rubber.

How do they work?

Silicone adhesives have a liquid form and gel-like consistency when they are first applied. They need to be left to dry/cure for a period of time – usually at least 24 hours. As they set, the texture becomes more rubber-like and forms a bond that is robust, durable, and water/heat-resistant.

Properties of silicone adhesives

Silicone adhesives have a number of properties that make them appealing for multiple applications. These include:

– Good bonding strength

– Resistance to moisture

– Chemical and thermal stability

– Biocompatibility

– Non-toxicity

– Low flammability

Applications of silicone adhesives

Silicone adhesives are used across multiple industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, transportation, and construction.

Examples of where silicone adhesives can be used include industrial ovens, electronics, windows, lighting fixtures, pipes/vents, HVAC systems, refrigerators, and vehicle exteriors/interiors.

Experts in metal bonding adhesive

Metal-to-metal bonding is critical in numerous industries, including electronics, engineering, and automotive. There are some innovative and specially designed adhesives for this purpose, such as CT1.

Types of silicone adhesives

There are several different types of silicone adhesives. The main ones are:

– High-temperature silicone adhesive: able to endure temperatures in excess of 315°C. Resistant to aging and vibrations.

– Room temperature vulcanising silicone adhesive: a gentle adhesive offering a cushioned texture. Often used for electrical insulation. Starts curing immediately.

– Silicone rubber adhesive: able to create a watertight seal. Durable, and often used in marine settings.

– Fluorosilicone adhesive: resistant to various chemicals. Adheres to a variety of substrates.