Do you know that the beautiful façade of Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai, the world’s third tallest hotel, has been built using silicone sealants?
When it comes to durability, reliability and modern construction techniques, silicone sealants do not have any substitute. Silicone-based chemicals and adhesives are used in various other industries such as aerospace, electronics, healthcare, paint and coatings, paper and film, rubber goods, textile, leather and many other industries.
Before understanding the three most effective uses of silicone sealants, let’s understand what exactly these are.
What are Silicone Sealants?
Silicone sealants are used in modern construction and manufacturing. As they are a powerful adhesive and are very flexible, silicone sealants offer effective construction and manufacturing solutions. Silicone sealants are usually less effective than adhesives in their raw form. However, once these sealants are professionally used and cured, their efficiency cannot be superseded.
A variety of silicon sealants are used in advanced engineering and manufacturing as they are impervious to high temperatures, weather changes and air pressure.
Different Types of Silicone Sealants
A large variety of silicone sealants are available in the market depending on your requirement. When we say that silicone sealants need to be handled and cured efficiently, we are referring to the right sealant for your project.
One common type of silicone sealant is the two-mixture solution. This product is more suitable for first-time users. You need to mix the two given products as per instructions. As soon as you reach the desired consistency, the silicone sealant starts becoming thicker and dry. Therefore, you need to mix it only when you are ready to apply it.
Another type is the ready-to- use silicone sealant, which starts becoming dry as soon as it is exposed to air. This type of sealant should be opened only when you need to use it. Some types of silicone sealants offer features that are specifically required for a particular project. For example, pressure sensitive silicone sealants have been used in the construction of the world famous Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai. You can browse the different types of silicone sealants through online retailers such as EVT Sealants who have a range of silicone sealants for numerous industries and uses. Comparing products will enable you to see how they differ in purpose.
3 Effective Uses
1. Building Construction
In construction, silicone sealants can be used to seal gaps in joints and seams. The adhesive property of silicone sealants remains equally effective on all types of construction materials, including stone, metal and glass. In construction designs, silicone sealants help prevent the effects of different temperature, air pressure, heat and other weather changes. In residential construction, electrical circuits and wires are protected by finishing the circuit area with a silicone sealant. These are equally useful in areas or
buildings which have a high risk of fire or short-circuit.
The adhesive and temperature resistant properties of silicone sealants makes them durable for applying in areas that are exposed to water, such as wet rooms, kitchens and bathrooms. Silicone sealants are effective on metal and wood also, which is why these are now actively used in furniture, automotive and industrial construction.
Good building construction not only requires filling gaps, but also includes protection from harmful chemical compounds in the environment such as UV radiation, corrosion, heat and moisture. For this, silicone sealants are the best products as they are flexible and heat and water resistant. This allows for innovative engineering and modern construction.
2. Aircraft and Spacecraft Construction
In aviation and aerospace construction, silicone sealants have provided the industry with a large variety of options. Aviation construction companies use silicone sealants to protect black boxes and electric wires. These sealants are also used in the assembly of vent ducts, hydraulic switches, engine gaskets,fuels tanks and wings. The gaps in doors, windows, overhead bins and the edges of wings are efficiently sealed using silicone sealants.
3. Transportation
Silicone sealants have revolutionised the transportation industry by providing maximum durability, efficiency and resistance to heat and other such conditions. Silicone sealant coatings are used on the exterior of buses and cars to protect the body from UV radiation, moisture, corrosion, salt, rain, wind and abrasion. In transport engineering designs, silicone sealants are used in car seats, interiors and dashboards to maximise cushioning. These are also used to protect shock absorbers and maximise their load bearing capacity.
Silicone sealants are also used in a wide variety of car parts, including spark plug boots, ventilation flaps, radiator hose and seal, shock absorbers, ignition cables, hydraulic bearings, air bags, engine gaskets and various other parts.
Silicone sealants are now commonly used in a wide range of industries including electronics, automotive, construction, aerospace and industrial assembly. This is because silicone sealant products can be easily applied, offer great flexibility along with airtight and watertight sealing options.