PRODUCTS

Silicone adhesives comprise an inorganic silicon–oxygen backbone chain with two organic groups attached to each silicon center. These materials can be cyclic or polymeric.

Silicone adhesives are split into classes and find applications on the basis of the types of curing (or drying) they undergo as well as their properties.

One-component condensation-curing silicones are broadly classified into acetoxy-curing silicones and neutral-curing silicones.

Acetoxy curing silicones release acetic acid upon curing. This lends to quick curing, and relative to other silicones, acetoxy silicones tend to adhere better to various substrates. The emission of acetic acid (though acceptable in many industrial applications) becomes a matter of concern when sensitive electronic components are present. While it is important to note that acetoxy curing silicones might be corrosive for certain substrates, they do offer many other advantages, and some of them are even biocompatible, making them useful for medical device manufacturing.

A tremendous step up in silicones is represented by neutral curing systems, which include the oxime and alkoxy silicones. ADSIL’s Supercon 9, Structural Glazing and Potting sealant encompass the alkoxy curing process. Neutral curing silicones are the extensive go-to in electronic applications. These unique systems are widely used in aerospace, electronic, and optical applications. Other neutral curing silicones present serious promise in medicine with their biocompatibility as well.