silikonieristeitä

Silikonieristeitä, often translated as silicone sealants or silicone caulks, are a type of adhesive substance made from silicone polymers. They are known for their flexibility, water resistance, and durability, making them suitable for a wide range of sealing applications in construction, automotive, and household settings. These sealants are composed of silicones, which are polymers containing silicon and oxygen atoms in their backbone. Fillers, plasticizers, crosslinkers, and catalysts are also typically added to achieve specific properties.

Silicone sealants cure through a chemical reaction, often involving moisture from the air, which causes them to transform from a paste-like consistency to a solid, flexible rubber. This curing process is usually accompanied by the release of a distinctive odor, depending on the type of sealant. Different formulations exist, including acetoxy cure (which releases acetic acid and has a vinegar-like smell) and neutral cure (which releases alcohols or other non-acidic byproducts and has a less pungent odor).

Their primary function is to fill gaps and joints, preventing the passage of air, water, and other substances. This makes them invaluable for waterproofing bathrooms and kitchens, sealing around windows and doors, and in industrial applications where resistance to extreme temperatures and chemicals is required. They are also used in electronics for encapsulating components and in the automotive industry for gasket formation and sealing engine parts. The longevity and resistance to UV radiation and weathering contribute to their widespread use.