The use of silicone glue in everyday life is all that a master needs to know

In construction, repair find use various means and materials. Silicone glue is a universal silicone-based compound, popular among craftsmen. Due to its high reliability and excellent quality, it is also used in a number of industries - for example, in the automotive industry for fastening automobile windows and sealing parts. It is worthwhile to consider in more detail the properties, the principle of action of the material, the procedure for working with it.

Content:

• Silicone Glue - Description
• The difference between glue and sealant
• Composition and properties of glue
• Types and features of funds
• How to choose glue - tips
• Work with glue
• Popular brands and price

Silicone Glue - Description

What is silicone? It is an organosilicon high-strength polymer, a chemical compound of high molecular weight type. In appearance, liquid silicone looks like resin; synthetic rubber is used to create it. It was invented in the middle of the XX century, now it is used very widely. The most popular products based on it are glue and sealant. In the manufacture of adhesives, in addition to silicone, other substances are used, called target additives, fillers.

What can be glued with this tool, where is it used? Composition with silicone is perfect for gluing:

• ceramics;
• metal;
• plastics
• rubber;
• glass products;
• paper;
• aluminum;
• tile

The scope of use of silicone is so wide that it is impossible to list all directions. In industry, dishes are made from it, kitchen utensils, for example, sets of baking dishes, pastry bags. Silicone can seal bathtubs, window glazing, it is indispensable in cosmetology, medicine.

Actually silicone adhesives are used to repair equipment, electronics, radio products, for crafts. But the most popular tool in everyday life, at a construction site, for repairing premises, especially where increased moisture resistance of materials is needed.

The difference between glue and sealant

There is no significant difference between the means, so sometimes glue is referred to as glue-sealant. Characteristics, price, basic composition are also similar. But next to additives and texture, they can vary. Usually the sealant is thicker, the glue is flowing. There are differences in the form of release, type of bottle, nozzle, because each material has its own purpose. Glues are usually packaged in small tubes, they can be applied without a gun. To work with sealant you need a construction gun.

Sealing joints that are long, sealing windows, pipes, walls, structures made of plastic, glass is carried out using sealant. But gluing the tile masonry, gluing corners, dishes, shoes, applying to the self-adhesive adhesive tape for the bath is carried out by glue.

Composition and properties of glue

Up to ½ of the composition of the material is represented by artificial rubber. Most builders prefer to use clear glue, but there are white, black, and even brighter shades on sale, depending on need. According to GOST, the tool may include other components:

• plasticizers;
• extenders;
• fungicides, antiseptics;
• catalysts (curing accelerators);
• thixotropic additives.

Most home care products are sold as a one-part formulation.Only a number of professional adhesives are sold as two-component complete with a hardener. Due to the properties of silicone, the adhesive joint after hardening becomes frost-resistant - it retains quality even in cold temperatures (up to -40 degrees). Also, the resistance of the seam is high with high temperature exposure - up to +200 degrees.

On sale there are a number of compositions for use at higher, lower temperatures (extreme). At what temperature the material melts, it is indicated on the package. Some have a melting point above 300-400 degrees.

Silicone adhesives are waterproof, this ability allows you to reliably seal dishes, aquariums, apply to glass. The glue is minimally electrically conductive, rather, it can be called an isolate - it almost does not conduct electric current. Other weld properties:

• fortress;
• elasticity;
• resistance to the action of UV rays, radiation;
• long preservation of color, transparency;
• repulsion of dust, dirt;
• lack of oxidation.

Only high-quality glue is truly moisture resistant, has the other listed properties. If the manufacturer included cheap silicone, poor plasticizers in the composition, the service life can be reduced several times. It is convenient to use silicone material, it is moderately thick, while flowing into the smallest pits, cracks. The product is non-toxic, safe for humans, unlike the popular Moment glue from Henkel. Skills for gluing products are not required, the work is very simple. The material dries quite quickly.

Types and features of funds

The rubber in the adhesive may be siloxane, fluorosiloxane. The polymerization of any of them comes from contact with air, as a result of which the product acquires a bond with the surface, becomes solid, but elastic. In order not to harden ahead of time, silicone glue, like superglue, or “liquid nails”, is produced in an airtight container.

All silicone-based products are divided depending on the components included in the composition, pH level into the following types:

1. Acidic. Their cost is the least high, but not all types of materials can be glued with them. Strongly not suitable for metal - they can cause corrosion. Delicate types of materials such adhesives can corrode at all.
2. Alkaline Contain substances such as silicon, amines, are the most heat resistant. Due to the ability to withstand high temperatures, they usually have only a special purpose, it makes no sense to carry out work in everyday life.
3. Neutral It is with these means that you can glue any known materials, the connection will be very strong, durable. Among the minuses, you must specify a high price.

Many adhesives contain antiseptics, then they can be glued in places susceptible to decay, colonization of mold. Also, the differences in funds consist in the application method, form of release, volume, how much they cost, which company produces them.

How to choose glue - tips

To choose the right adhesive, it is important to carefully read the instructions for use. You should make sure that this particular material is suitable for a specific type of surface, which is always indicated by the manufacturer. For example, if you have to glue metal products, you need to make sure that there are no acids in the composition. On the contrary, if you need to seal the seams on the tile between the wall and the bathroom, it is better to buy an acid type glue. Subsequently, it is easier to remove and update using a remover (silicone cleaner).

When repairing plumbing, most prefer to purchase a white sealant, while transparent material is better for fabric, paper, household appliances, and kitchens. In general, there are several types of adhesives, you need to buy the most suitable:

1. Aquarium (glass).Non-toxic, safe for plants, animals, allows gluing corners and joints in aquariums. Not afraid of water, ultraviolet, highly reliable.
2. Sanitary. It includes antiseptics, fungicidal additives, therefore it is indicated for use in the bathroom, sanitary facilities, kitchens, as well as where humidity is often increased.
3. Automotive. It is a sealant for joints and gaskets in engineering, automobiles.
4. High temperature. Before application, the product is placed in a heat gun, where it is heated, after which it is applied to the surface. The glue is suitable for repairing furnaces and other products where exposure to high temperatures is assumed.
5. For outdoor use. Such tools are suitable for the repair of various products in the air. They are very resistant, do not respond to precipitation, temperature changes.

There are also universal silicone adhesives on sale. They can stick almost any material, they perfectly insulate electricity, protect from moisture. Such funds are most often purchased for repairs, crafts.

Work with glue

How to use silicone adhesive? Difficulties with the repair of various products will not arise, even a beginner will cope. But labor efficiency will depend on the quality of foundation preparation. It is important that the base is dry, clean, smooth. It must be degreased before work, this will help improve the quality of adhesion. It is possible to degrease the surface using any suitable means - washing solution, special composition. After degreasing and drying, the edges of the joints can be pasted over with paper tape, so you can avoid blemishes, blots, the layer will be applied evenly.

Further, the procedure is as follows:

• cut off the nozzle of the glue, if it is sold in a small tube, or open the cap (it is better to use a special dispenser for glues, it will not allow excess funds to come out);
• when working on a large area, you should buy a glue gun;
• apply the material to one of the fastened surfaces and fix them or lay an adhesive seam;
• surfaces should stick in 10-30 minutes, as indicated in the instructions;
• You can fully operate the product after a day, during this period polymerization will occur.

An increase in room temperature by 5 degrees from room temperature accelerates polymerization by half. The thickness of the adhesive layer of more than 20 mm does not make sense, since in the depth of the seam, the product will not harden. Excess glue should be removed immediately with a cloth or spatula.

Popular brands and price

The cost of funds is usually in the range of 200-500 rubles per package of 330-500 ml, the price depends heavily on the manufacturer. Glue in a package of 10-30 ml is much cheaper - in the range of 20-100 rubles.

The following are well-known brands sold in stores:

1. RTV 118Q. It is a food glue that can come in contact with food and not cause harm to health. It is used mainly for gluing utensils, ceramics, in everyday life it is useful for repairing remotes and other rubber products. Withstands temperatures up to +260 degrees.
2. Jaba. An excellent tool for aquariums, harmless to living creatures, plants. You can glue glass, ceramics, seal small leaks.
3. Loctite 5699 Neutral Gray. It is used for the manufacture of gaskets, they can stick hard flange bases, seal molded cases, vehicle transmissions.
4. Pentelast 1143 Multifunctional acid glue, has exceptional strength, is suitable for all materials except metal.
5. DoneDeal. Heat-resistant silicone adhesive sealant, used in car repairs, withstands vibration, high temperatures, humidity, chemicals.
6. "Autohermesil." Oil-resistant, water-resistant glue, sold in volumes of 70-160 g and 5-8 kg. Used for gas tank, engine, bodywork, radiators, can be used in the cooling system.

With careful use of the products, the glue line will last for many years, but, if necessary, it can always be replaced with a new layer of the product.