RTVs

RTVs is commonly used to refer to room-temperature-vulcanizing silicone materials, a class of elastomeric sealants and rubbers that cure at ambient conditions. RTV silicones are available as one-part and two-part systems and cure by different chemistries—one-part products cure by reaction with atmospheric moisture (acetoxy, oxime, alkoxy types), while two-part systems cure by addition or condensation reactions. The abbreviation "RTV" denotes the ability to vulcanize or crosslink without requiring elevated heat.

RTV silicones are valued for flexibility, adhesion to many substrates, resistance to ozone and weathering, and broad temperature tolerance; many formulations remain functional from roughly −60 °C to +200 °C, with specialized grades tolerating higher temperatures. Common applications include gasket and sealant use in automotive and construction industries, moldmaking for casting resins and plasters, electrical insulation and potting, and general-purpose repairs.

Limitations include reduced mechanical strength compared with some cured rubbers, sensitivity of adhesion to surface contamination, potential inhibition of cure by certain materials, and differences in odor or corrosivity depending on cure chemistry (acetoxy types release acetic acid). Surface primers and proper joint design improve performance. Safety considerations include adequate ventilation during application and adherence to manufacturer data sheets.

The acronym RTV can also appear in other contexts (for example, "return to vendor"), so usage should be interpreted from context.