24
SILICONE SEALANTS MANUAL PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY CREATING TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS

Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    4

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

SILICONE SEALANTS MANUALPERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

CREATING TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS

Page 2: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

EXPECT AS MUCH FROM A SILICONESEALANT AS YOU DO OF YOURSELF:THE BEST

2

Where to Find WhatIntroduction 3Applications 4Benefits 6Joint Design 8Work Steps 10Types of Joints 12RTV-1 Silicone Sealants 20Standards and Quality 22WACKER at a Glance 23

Page 3: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

WACKER Silicone Sealants

– General-purpose and tailored solutions

– Broad application range– Consistently high quality– Easy to process– Technical support

Versatile Silicone SealantsThere are things that make you wonderhow you ever managed without them. Prime examples are silicone sealants,which have developed into indispens-able, versatile products for an extremelybroad application range over some fiftyyears. Whether on building sites, in thefield of sanitary applications and fittings,window construction, metal or plasticconstruction, in the household or DIYsectors – silicone sealants are usedeverywhere. They seal joints reliably and ensure the weatherproof joining ofstructural components. At the same time,silicone sealants prevent constructionelements locking together. They con-tribute to long-lasting quality, obtained in a particularly quick and easy manner.

WACKER Represents QualityNothing is perfect. That is why WACKERis constantly improving its siliconesealants. Today’s high-tech siliconesealants have to meet the strictest specifications: optimum adhesion, extreme aging resistance to outsideinfluences, and long-term functionality.As a user, you particularly benefit from the fact that WACKER RTV-1 silicone sealants are ready to process,which makes them especially easy, economical and time-saving to use.

We’re Here to Help You!As a globally leading manufacturer ofsilicone sealants, WACKER has extensivetechnological expertise in general-purposeand tailored solutions. For over fifty years,the company has invested strongly inR&D, so that a wide range of time-tested,innovative silicone sealants is now atyour disposal. Our fully integrated siliconeproduction, based on a reliable rawmaterials supply, is the foundation for theconsistently high and dependable qualitystandard. You can equally depend onour global presence, comprehensiveadvice and technical support. Weexpect not just our products to standout, but also our overall performance.

This manual is designed to help you get the best work results, because itcovers key information on the appli-cations, processing and properties ofWACKER silicone sealants. If you haveany further questions, please contactour technical service team.

3

Ap

plic

atio

ns

Page 4: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

1 Housing2 Windows and glazing3 Sanitary applications and fittings4 Roofing and roof plumbing5 DIY

WACKER silicone sealants can be usedboth inside and outside:– Facade joints– Natural stone joints (important: to

avoid staining, choose the sealant tomatch the type of natural stone)

– Construction profile glass joints– Connection joints between the

construction material and functionalelements

– Connection joints in cellars– Movement joints in garages– Outdoor floor joints for balconies,

roof terraces, patios– Indoor floor joints between the floor

covering and wall– Indoor corner butt joints where walls

meet

In windows and glazing, different materi-als, with different properties, come intocontact with one another. WACKER silicone sealants are suitable for everyapplication:– Perimeter sealing– Window sealing– Roof glazing– Greenhouse glazing– Swimming pool glazing– Joining of display windows– Fire safety glazing

IN THESE AREAS, SILICONE SEALANTSARE ABOVE ALL ONE THING: INDISPENSABLE

Building construction Windows

4

Page 5: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

WACKER silicone sealants for sanitaryapplications are tailored to withstand thestresses from moisture, and mechanicaland chemical effects. The products areresistant against mold growth. They aresuitable for:– Joints between wall and floor– Joints in the corners of walls– Joints between sanitary fittings, wall

and floor (e.g. washbasins, bathtubs,showers and toilets)

– Joints in the kitchen (such as at walls,floors, work surfaces and cookers)

The roof is another place where differentmaterials such as masonry, sheet metalor copper meet. WACKER has thereforedeveloped silicone sealants exactly tailoredto variable adhesion characteristics.Applications include:– Joints between the roofing and any

abutting components– Joints on pipe passages

The unique benefits of WACKER siliconesealants come to the fore in a wide rangeof DIY applications:– Renovation work– Car repairs– Sealing for boat construction, on boat

decks and at portholes– Bonding of glass panes for the con-

struction of small aquariums

Sanitary applications Roofs/roof plumbing Hobbies/DIY

5

Ap

plic

atio

ns

Page 6: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

Excellent Properties

– Easy to process– Optimum adhesion– Weathering and aging resistant– Resistant to UV and radioactivity– Tailored mechanical values– High elasticity and good

elastic recovery– Good chemical resistance– High heat resistance– Microbial resistance

It’s All About PerformanceSilicone sealants are the reliable way toseal joints against the elements. At thesame time, they cushion movementsbetween parts resulting from temper-ature changes, humidity, shrinkage ofconstruction material, sound, wind andother mechanical shocks. That is whyyour silicone sealant should offer all-outquality. Providing customized propertiesfor permanently flexible compounds,WACKER RTV-1 silicone sealants arecold-curing one-component siliconerubber grades for very high performancein every respect. These sealants are certified worldwide to comply with allimportant standards and regulations.

The Ingredients Are CrucialWACKER silicone sealants are made only from top-quality raw materials. They include: – Silicone rubber polymers– Silicone plasticizers– Silicone crosslinkers– Silicone adhesion promoters

– Reinforcing fillers (e.g. pyrogenic silica)

– Non-reinforcing fillers, such as silicates and chalks, depending on the application

– Optional additives such as emulsifiers,pigments, fungicides

Three Curing Systems WACKER’s ready-for-use silicone sealantis introduced as a paste, is non-slump,does not sag, and cures directly in thejoint. Curing (drying) is triggered byatmospheric humidity. Initially an elasticskin is formed on the surface. Curingthen spreads inwards until an elasticrubber is obtained. There are three different systems, which each dependon the crosslinker used in the RTV-1 silicone sealant:– Acidic systems release acetic

acid upon curing– Neutral systems release alcohol

or oxime – Aqueous systems release water

YOUR PROOF OF UNCOMPROMISINGQUALITY: WACKER SILICONE SEALANTS

Curing rate

y

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

00

Curing rate of silicone sealant rises with atmospheric humidity

Time [mm]

Laye

r th

ickn

ess

[mm

]

2 4 6 8 10 12 x

40 °C/100 % r.h.

23 °C/50 % r.h.

50 °C/15 % r.h.

5 °C/30 % r.h.

6

Page 7: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY
Page 8: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

8

THE MOST IMPORTANT FIRST: DESIGNING JOINTS

Key Criteria

– Appearance– Tensile and compressive forces

and shear loads– Dimensional changes– Sealant’s movement capability

Things to Watch Alongside visual aspects, the design ofjoints must include structural and pro-cessing considerations because only if the design specifications have beenimplemented properly can the sealantfunction in the long term, too. A siliconesealant is intended to seal the joint fromoutside influences while simultaneouslycushioning movements by adjacent ele-ments. In other words, the sealant mustcompensate tensile, compressive forcesand shear loads between the joint sur-faces. This will depend on the reliableadhesion of the sealant to the joint sur-faces and avoidance of three-sidedadhesion, since this prevents movementsof the material and damages the joint.The joint surfaces themselves must bestable and firm so as to absorb forces.

How to Calculate Joint Dimensions Only correctly dimensioned joints function properly. When designing thewidth, depth and configuration of jointsand when choosing a sealant, alwaystake account of dimensional changes in construction elements produced for example by temperature changes.Fixed factors are available for calculatingthe dimensional changes experienced by different construction materials. Also, do not neglect the sealant’s move-ment capability. Example: if a 5-mm jointmoves 5 mm, this is 100 % of the width,whereas if a 25-mm joint moves 5 mm,the change is 20 %.

* Nominal design dimension** Min. size at start of joint sealing*** The quoted volumes apply to the final state.

The volume change of the joint sealant must also betaken into account.

Joint spacing

Up to 2 m

2 to 3.5 m

3.5 to 5 m

5 to 6.5 m

6.5 to 8 m

Joint width

Nominal size* b mm

15

20

25

30

35

Joint width

Min. size** bmin mm

10

15

20

25

30

Joint sealant depth***

d mm

8

10

12

15

15

Joint sealant depth***

Dimensional tolerances mm

±2

±2

±2

±3

±3

Recommendations for outer wall joints between in-situand/or prefabricated concrete elements with closed joints,as well as unplastered masonry and/or natural stone inaccordance with DIN 18 540.

Page 9: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

9

General– Joint width : joint depth = 2 : 1– Chamfer the edges of concrete ele-

ments to a > 10 mm. This preventsadhesion of the sealant on all sides of the joints.

– Masonry construction elements mustbe produced with completely filledjoints.

– Smooth off the masonry joints to produce a flush surface.

– In special cases, such as dark walls,increase the values given in the tableby 10–30 %.

Temperature changes cause constructionelements to move. This alters the jointdimensions. The elastic silicone sealantin the joint compensates for thesemovements.

The sealant must adhere well to the surfaces that are being joined. The resultant tensile, compressive and shearforces must not cause the sealant todetach from the joint surfaces.

ba

d

t

Joint dimensioning Compressive and tensile forces Shear forces

a chamfer

b joint width

d sealant depth

t depth of sealing system

Silicone sealant

Backing material

Pro

cess

ing

Page 10: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

PERFECT JOINTS DEMAND CARE:STEP BY STEP

Surface CleaningThe joint flanks (adhesive surfaces) mustbe dry and free of grease and dust.Remove loose plaster, dirt, old paintcoats, seals, impregnations etc., as theyimpair the silicone sealant’s adhesion and curing.

PrecautionsUpon curing, RTV-1 silicone sealantsrelease small amounts of acetic acid,oxime or alcohol, which evaporate. Donot inhale the fumes over a long periodor in a high concentration. Make surethere is adequate ventilation. If the eyes or mucous membranes come intocontact with uncured silicone rubber,rinse well with water to prevent inflam-mation. Cured silicone rubber can behandled without any health risks. Pleaseconsult the detailed information in ourproducts’ DIN-compliant material safetydata sheets. They are available fromWACKER sales offices.

Preparing JointsCarefully mask off the joint edges ofsensitive materials such as marble andclinker brick. In many cases, it may benecessary to treat the joint surfaces with a primer to ensure optimum adhesion of the silicone sealant. This treatment will be determined by the actual substrate and sealant.

Important:– Match the primer, sealant and con-

struction material to each other. – Always prime porous mineral materials

beforehand.– Apply primer just to the joint surfaces

but not to the material’s surface; this will prevent possible staining.

For further information, please consult our “EXCELLENT SILICONE SEALANTS:PRIMERS” product data sheet.

Inserting Backing MaterialInsert backing material securely and to an even depth. This ensures compliancewith the necessary, uniformly convex jointdepth (see Table on page 8). This stopsthe sealant from adhering to the jointbase or being overstretched as a result of three-sided adhesion. To offer suffi-cient resistance during introduction andsmoothing of the sealant, the backingstrip diameter must be about 25 % widerthan the joint width. Closed-cell smooth-surface polyethylene (PE) backer rodshave proved effective.

Key properties of backing material:– Compatibility with sealants– Not water-absorbent– Free of substances that inhibit sealant

adhesion (oil, bitumen, tar)

Clean surface with a cloth Mask joint edges Insert backing material

10

Page 11: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

Applying Silicone SealantWACKER RTV-1 silicone sealants areapplied manually or by machine. Use ahand gun or compressed-air gun forcartridges, and hydraulic extruders forlarger drums.

Important:– Stay within the primer’s prescribed

open time (flash-off time).– Introduce sealant evenly and without

bubbles.– Apply sealant into vertical joints

from top to bottom. This preventscondensation water or rain water from collecting.

– Processing temperature: from 5 to 40 °C

Smoothing a JointPress the sealant and smooth it so as tomake good contact with the surfaces tobe joined.– Avoid using tooling agent if possible.– The tooling agent must be neutral.

It may not stain the sealant or adjacentelements. Nor may it leave behind anyfilm so as to prevent diagonal cracksforming when the sealant expands.

Removing Masking TapeAfter the preceding steps, remove themasking tape. Joint sealing is complete.Remove any cured or uncured siliconerubber residue on the surfaces as fol-lows.

Removing Silicone Rubber– Use a spatula, paper or a cloth to

remove uncured silicone sealant.– Use a solvent such as white spirit,

methylethyl ketone or ethanol to wipe off the residue. Follow safetyinstructions.

– Clean processing equipment beforethe silicone rubber cures.

– Leave the cured silicone sealant toswell in solvent, then remove itmechanically.

Apply sealant from a cartridge Smooth the sealant Remove masking tape

11

Pro

cess

ing

Page 12: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

WITH THE RIGHT TECHNIQUE, YOUR JOINT SEALING WILL FIT: PERFECTLY

Incorrect butt joint: Unfavorable three-side adhesion

Correct butt joint: Unimpeded expansion movements

Butt JointsThe silicone sealant must be able to movefreely so as to ensure the flexibility of thejoint. To allow unhindered compensationof tensile and compressive movementsbetween the joint surfaces, the sealantmust only be securely bonded to thelateral surfaces.

The lateral joint surfaces must satisfystructural, functional and processingdemands. For optimum sealing, usethe correct technique for each type of joint. Also keep to the processingguidelines for the sealant in use.

In the lower joint section, the sealantmust retain free movement. To avoidunfavorable three-sided adhesion, insertPE backer rods or a PE release film inthe event of flat joints before jointing.Use the sealant to spot-bond the filmstrips to the substrate at fairly largeintervals.

12

Page 13: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

Incorrect connection joint: Sealant sags unfavorably

Correct connection joint: Backing material gives the sealant grip

Incorrect shear joint: Sealant adheres on 3 sides and sags

Correct shear joint: Backing material for correct sealing

Connection JointsConnection joints are formed by tri-angular chamfered edges. The two surfaces to be bonded meet at an edge.It is important that these surfaces do not meet deep within the joint and thatthe sealant cannot sag. You can avoidthis by inserting PE backer rods into thetip of the triangular chamfer. Then youcan make the joint.

Shear JointsThe surfaces in shear joints move parallelto one another. This may cause three-sided adhesion of the sealant and causeit to sag deep into the joint. To achieveoptimum joint sealing, insert PE rods asbacking material before jointing. Thejoint thus stays in the correct shape andis sealed reliably, and the elements canmove freely.

There are many applications for thethree types of joints mentioned above.Over the following pages, we will pre-sent a few examples.

13

Pro

cess

ing

Page 14: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

ONLY PROFESSIONALLY MADE SANITARY JOINTS FUNCTION PROPERLY:PERMANENTLY

WACKER silicone sealants have idealproperties:– High resistance to water and

water vapor– Resistance to mildew thanks to

fungicidal grades– Good resistance to chemicals and

considerable aging resistance– Excellent abrasion resistance– Large range of colors

Correct DesignThe major criteria for designing andimplementing sanitary joints are:– Correct joint arrangement

and dimensioning– Matching colors– Avoidance of insufficient sealant

volume– Avoidance of incorrectly executed

triangular chamfers and three-sidedadhesion

– Matching the sealant to the joint materials to avoid adhesion problems(example: metal or acrylic bathtubsexpand to different extents)

Bathtub connection joint with backingmaterial – version 1

Bathtub connection joint with backingmaterial – version 2

Silicone sealants in bathrooms andkitchens must not only compensate for movements between structuralelements. They also have to meet a variety of different demands.Functional and long-lasting sanitaryjoints therefore require specialty sealants and a professional jointingtechnique.

14

Page 15: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

Correct Triangular JointJoints that undergo just slight move-ments can be designed as triangularjoints. These include connection joints in vertical corners of washrooms andconnection joints to washbasins andtoilets.

Correct Border Joints between theFloor and WallJoints between the floor and walls oftenundergo considerable movements dueto construction subsidence or shrinkageof, for example, the screed. Whendesigning this kind of joint, always usebacking material to avoid three-sidedadhesion.

The structural design does not, however,always make this possible. Simple trian-gular joints are formed instead. In this case, be careful not to exceedthe sealant’s movement capability,otherwise adhesion losses may occur.

Floor/wall joint as border joint withbacking – version 1

Floor/wall joint as border joint withbacking – version 2

15

Pro

cess

ing

Triangular joint with adhesion on all sides,without backing

Page 16: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

FOR ALL-ROUND WEATHERPROOFWINDOW JOINTS: HOW TO DO IT

Window/masonry connection

High PerformanceThe silicone sealant in the window areahas to endure extreme load at all times.This includes substantial temperaturechanges, variable weather conditionssuch as sunshine, rain, snow and frost,wind pressure and considerable move-ments between structural elementsmade of different materials. The sealanttherefore combines the functions ofweatherseal, seal and bond.

When choosing the sealant, make sure it is tailored precisely to these demands.If work is done professionally, you willobtain high-performance joints of lastingquality.

Window sealing – glass/frame bonding

The window sector involves a greatmany forms of sealing. As a result,some of the demands to be met by a sealant vary enormously. An idealcombination of useful propertiesmakes WACKER silicone sealantssuitable for all key applications:

– Connection joints between thewindow frame and masonry

– Sealing between glass and frame– Sealing and bonding of aluminum

windowsills– Profiled glazing

16

Page 17: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

WACKER silicone sealants offer outstanding properties for all windowapplications:– Excellent weatherability– Superior UV resistance– Optimum material compatibility– High elasticity– Low shrinkage– Special adhesion properties– Good mechanical values– High aging resistance– Ideal tooling characteristics

Profiled glazing Sealing and bonding of aluminum windowsills

17

Pro

cess

ing

Page 18: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

COMBINING PRACTICALITY ANDAPPEARANCE: FACADE JOINTS

Visible JointsJoints on building facades are both designfeatures and functional elements. Thefacade is structured by the arrangementand dimensioning of joints. This gives a building its unique appearance. Asconnection and movement joints, theircharacteristics permit the compensationof mechanical loads and protect thebuilding fabric from the elements.

Quality-Preserving PropertiesNot only masonry joints but also jointsbetween the supporting skeleton andthe masonry must comply with specificdimensions (see Table on page 8).Moreover, the right jointing technique,employing backing material, must beused. Thanks to their good movementabsorption and high resistance toweathering and environmental influences,WACKER silicone sealants provide exactlythe right properties for long-lasting jointsthat offer consistently high functionality.In this way, they contribute long term topreserving the quality of the construction.

Masonry joints Jointing between the supporting skeleton and the exposed wall face

18

Page 19: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY
Page 20: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

WACKER SILICONE SEALANTS MEETYOUR DEMANDS: IDEAL PROPERTIES

RTV-1 Silicone Sealants

– One-component sealants– Curing on contact with atmospheric

humidity– Permanently flexible silicone rubber– Combination of good properties– Wide product range– Customized products– Large range of colors– Easy processing

Weathering and Aging ResistanceUnlike other joint fillers, silicone sealantshave the best resistance to weatheringand aging – lasting for up to severaldecades. Not even years of open-airweathering will change their physicalproperties.

Extreme Temperature ResistanceThe elastic properties of silicone sealantsstay almost constant between -40 °Cand +100 °C. This is a major advantageover sealants made of organic polymers.In consequence, silicone sealants canvery readily compensate temperature-induced movements of structural ele-ments.

Silicone sealants have excellent resist-ance to high temperatures. Specialtygrades are even permanently resistantto temperatures up to +250 °C. It isimportant to let the silicone rubber curecompletely before it is exposed to hightemperatures.

The movement capability is the sum ofthe elongation and compression of asealant while in use. For silicone sealants,it varies from 20 to 25 % of the initialjoint width, as measured in accordancewith ISO 11 600.

AdhesionSilicone sealants adhere very well to agreat many substrates without primer pre-treatment. In some cases, pretreatmentwith a primer (page 10) is necessary.

This will depend on the actual material in use. – Glass, ceramic, paint and surface

coatings: do not prime– Porous substances exposed to

moisture: prime– Smooth plastics, metals:

key and prime– No lasting adhesion to substrates

with migrating constituents (plasticizers, bitumen, oils etc.)

Chemical ResistanceCured RTV-1 silicone sealant productsare resistant to the action of many chemicals, such as weak acids andalkalis, polar solvents and salt solutions.Silicone sealants swell in solvents suchas ketones, esters, ethers, aliphatic,aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons.Once the solvent has evaporated, thesealant re-assumes its original form.

Electrical PropertiesThe volume resistivity, dielectric strength,dielectric constant and dissipation factortan of silicone sealants have only slighttemperature dependency. They conse-quently behave more advantageously at higher temperatures than conventionalelastomeric insulation materials. On burning, they leave behind a non-con-ductive silica residue. This is the reasonfor their excellent tracking resistance.Thanks to their hydrophobic properties,silicone sealants do not substantiallyalter their electrical values even if con-ditioned in water.

20

Page 21: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

Gas and Water Vapor PermeabilityAt room temperature, silicone sealant is10x more permeable to gas than naturalrubber. At 100–150 °C, the values con-verge. The water-vapor permeability, asdetermined in accordance with DIN 53122under climatic conditions D and a filmthickness of 2 mm, is about 20 g/m2 d.

Anti-Microbial CharacteristicsUse only fungicidal grades of siliconesealant for sanitary applications. Theyare resistant to mildew infestation. Allthe same, fungi can accumulate on thesurface of dirty silicone sealants, parti-cularly in warm and moist conditionsoccurring in bathrooms and kitchens.This causes discolored patches on thesealant surface, but does not alter itsmechanical properties. The growth ofmildew on joints can be prevented byregular cleaning and adequate roomventilation.

Physiological BehaviorCured silicone sealants pose no physi-ological risks. Specialty ELASTOSIL®

grades are available for applicationsinvolving food and drinking water contact.

Gunnability and CuringRTV-1 silicone sealants are ready foruse. On contact with atmospheric humi-dity, the incorporated crosslinker andthe polymer react together and thesealant cures to form an elastic siliconerubber. This is why silicone sealants aresupplied in moisture-proof packaging.

As a result of the effects of weather atlow temperatures and the considerableelongation of construction elements athigh temperatures, it is advisable to process silicone sealants at temperaturesbetween 5 and 40 °C, as specified inDIN 18 540.

Compatibility with Coating CompoundsDo not paint over the entire surface of silicone sealants. Most coatings are lesselastic than the sealant. So if the sealantstretches more than the coating, the coating may tear. Movement joints shouldtherefore only be painted over if thesealant movement does not exceed 5 %.The sealant must always be compatiblewith the coating (documentary support to be provided in compliance with DIN 52 452 Part 4).

Thermal ConductivityThe thermal conductivity of siliconesealants depends on the type and amount of fillers used. It varies from0.15 to 0.25 W K-1 m-1 at room temperature (DIN 52 612).

Storage StabilityIf stored in airtight containers in dry conditions at temperatures below 25 °C,the shelf life of WACKER siliconesealants ranges from 9 to 24 months.

Application Restrictions– Silicone sealants may stain on contact

with organic elastomers such asEPDM and Neoprene.

– Sanitary sealant grades containingfungicides must not be used to construct aquariums.

– Acetate-curing sealants are not com-patible with alkaline substrates suchas mortar, concrete and corrosion-sensitive metals.

– Silicone sealants do not adhere topolyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene.

– Standard silicones may not be used tojoin sensitive natural stones such asmarble, granite or quartz, as this maycause staining at the joint edges.

– On contact with prestressed polyacrylicand polycarbonate components, silicone sealants may cause stresscracking.

Specialty Solutions Furthermore, WACKER offers tried-and-tested product solutions for specialtyapplications such as fire safety. If youhave any questions, WACKER’s techni-cal service team will be happy to helpyou.

21

Pro

per

ties

Page 22: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

STANDARDS AND QUALITY

RequirementsSealants must comply with internationaland, in some cases, national standardsthat define the requirements to be metby sealants for the intended application.The relevant criteria are listed in test and regulatory standards. Material pro-perties must be checked in accordancewith such standards. WACKER siliconesealants comply with all relevant stan-dards. These include:

Test standardsISO 7 389Building construction – jointing products– determination of elastic recovery ofsealantsISO 7 390Building construction – jointing products– determination of resistance to flow ofsealantsISO 8 339Building construction – sealants – deter-mination of tensile properties (extensionto break)ISO 8 340Building construction – sealants – deter-mination of tensile properties at main-tained extensionISO 8 394Building construction – jointing products– determination of extrudability of one-component sealantsISO 9 046Building construction – jointing products– determination of adhesion/cohesionproperties at constant temperature

ISO 9 047Building construction – jointing products– determination of adhesion/cohesionproperties at variable temperaturesEN 29 048Building construction – jointing products– determination of extrudability ofsealants using standardized equipmentISO 10 563Building construction – sealants – deter-mination of change in mass and volumeISO 10 590Building construction – sealants – deter-mination of tensile properties of sealantsat maintained extension after immersionin waterISO 11 431Building construction – jointing products– determination of adhesion/cohesionproperties of sealants after exposure toheat, water and artificial light throughglassISO 11 432Building construction – jointing products– determination of resistance to com-pressionISO 846Plastics – evaluation of the action ofmicroorganisms

Regulatory standardsISO 11 600Building construction – jointing products– classification and requirements forsealantsDIN 18 540Sealing of exterior wall joints in buildingsusing joint sealantsDIN 18 545-2Sealing of glazing with sealants;sealants; designation, requirements,testing

Quality is our HallmarkAt WACKER SILICONES, everything isgeared toward quality. That applies just as much to our products as to ourservice. Day in, day out, our chemistsand applications technologists work toperfect our products and so continuallyenhance quality. Regular audits andstrict quality controls ensure that all products leaving our plants enjoy a consistently high level of quality.

Quality has a long tradition at WACKER.As early as 1994, WACKER SILICONES’quality management system was certi-fied to ISO 9001. This was followed in1998 with certification of the environ-mental management system. It is to our customers’ benefit that we use theentire integrated management systemfor quality, occupational health & safety,and environmental protection for thecontinual optimization of our activities,products and services.

22

Page 23: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

CREATING TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS

Page 24: Silicone Sealants Manual PERFECT JOINTS MADE EASY

6188

e/06

.08

reis

sue

editi

on 6

188

e/03

.07

Wacker Chemie AGHanns-Seidel-Platz 481737 München, GermanyTel. +49 89 [email protected]

www.wacker.com

WACKER SILICONES Infoline

Tel. toll-free Germany 0800-6279-800Tel. toll-free international [email protected]

www.wacker.com