Silicone adhesives and sealants

One of the most important applications of AEROSIL® fumed silica in the adhesives and sealants industry is its use as an active reinforcing filler to improve the mechanical properties of silicone sealants.

Without AEROSIL^® fumed silica, the mechanical properties of silicone sealants would be inadequate, making it impossible to perform as a watertight, durable feal between similar and dissimilar materials. AEROSIL^® fumed silica is also used successfully in transparent silicone sealants for waterproofing tub surrounds and shower stalls.

Adhesives and sealants in the automotive industry

Application of an adhesive (Dow Europe GmbH/Switzerland)

Bonding is the technology of the future in the modern automotive industry. There are tailor-made adhesive systems for nearly every application in the construction of vehicles. The use of structural adhesives for building automobile bodies has steadily increased since the 1990s, and offers the following advantages over classic bonding techniques, such as spot welding:

• Bonding of different materials, such as steel, aluminum, magnesium, and plastics
• For lightweight design components, such as bonded roof modules
• Improved mechanical strength
• No thermal influence on the materials
• Low-stress composite structures without load peaks
• Useful for difficult-to-reach components

Meanwhile, many automobile bodies are bonded by weld bonding with an epoxy structural adhesive. Spot welding is used additionally to fix the part until the adhesive has cured completely.

Adhesives and sealants in the aircraft industry

AEROSIL® fumed silica are used in adhesives and sealants to bond and seal cockpits, fuel tanks and pressurized cabins.

A large number of different adhesive and sealant systems have gained significance in the aircraft industry. Examples of some of the important applications requiring adhesives and sealants are the bonding and sealing of cockpits, fuel tanks, pressurized cabins, and the embedding of electronic components.

The properties required for these systems are often determined by using standardized test methods, some of which come from the military field. The industry utilizes a wide selection of testing standards, such as ASTM or UL.

Adhesives and sealants based on epoxy resins, methacrylates, silicones, and polysulfides are used to seal cockpits and window panes. The bond must be able to withstand high pressure differences and temperature changes, as well as displaying high UV resistance. Sealants are used to seal joints, or entire inside walls of fuel tanks.