Silicone Adhesive

Silicone Adhesive

Aquarium Silicone Applications; Which Type of Silicone Should be Used

SILCONE BASICS:

Silicone rubber is a unique synthetic elastomer made from a cross-linked polymer which is reinforced with silica. Its characteristics are such that it provides a balance of mechanical and chemical properties useful for bonding glass aquariums (not acrylic).

The basic formula is: Me3SiO(SiMe2O)nSiMe3

RTV Silicones are the silicones commonly used for glass construction and is often sold in Home Improvement and Pet Stores (or online)

RTV Silicones consist of polydialkylsiloxane with terminal hydroxyl groups (groups made up of an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom connected by a covalent bond), which are reacted with organosilicon (chemical compounds containing carbon silicon bonds) cross-linking agents. This operation is carried out in a moisture-free environment and results in the formation of a tetrafunctional structure (A chemical structure that possesses four highly reactive sites). Curing takes place when materials are exposed to moisture. Atmospheric moisture is sufficient to trigger the reaction, and thickness should be limited if only one side is exposed to the moisture source. Curing is also relatively slow, reliant on moisture ingress into the polymer which produces Acetic Acid vapors.

Different formulas and (combined with temperature and outside humidity) will affect cure time. Dow Corning and GE have proprietary formulas that cure at an even slow rate as compared to some cheaper formulas, especially used in construction where this is not an important factor.

100% RTV Silicone Rubber Sealant produces a flexible, durable weather resistant seal between similar and dissimilar materials; RTV Silicone provides excellent adhesion to tile, glass, porcelain, ceramic, fiberglass, non-oily woods, plaster, painted surfaces, metal, many plastics, and rubber. It will withstand temperature extremes from -60°F. to +450°F. and is waterproof for freshwater or saltwater use.

You will note that plastic (which is made from oil) is not mentioned. RTV silicone is not useful for bonding acrylic aquariums and the oils within acrylic will eventually cause peeling away (lack of adhesion).

AQUARIUM APPLICATIONS:

RTV Silicones are useful in the construction of glass aquariums and sealing the joints in DIY wooden aquariums. Silicone is NOT useful for acrylic aquariums as it will peel away over time due to the inherent oils in plastics.

Not all silicone formulas are the same, as stated earlier, Dow Corning and GE produce a RTV silicone that cures at an even and slow rate necessary for aquariums. Why is this important? Too fast a cure will not allow proper surface adhesion especially in important seams. It is also hard to work with in building aquariums and the person needs to work very quickly (usually too quickly) for proper aquarium construction.

Also you want to purchase pure 100% RTV Silicone as many (including ones produced by Dow Corning) have other ingredients for different applications such as fiberglass.

A good example of a silicone you do NOT want to purchase is Dow Corning Marine Sealant which I have actually seen recommended for aquariums! This product is great for fiberglass hulls of boats however it lacks the proper strength for aquariums due to added ingredients that allow for adhesion to plastic.

SUMMARY:

Can you easily purchase the proper silicone at a Home Improvement Store? The answer is yes, just do not purchase anything other than 100% Pure Silicone (color does not matter) and I strongly recommend brand loyalty has there are good reasons behind GE and Dow Corning patents. To be safe, if you are unsure of the silicone you are buying, don not try and save a few bucks at the local hardware store when your local Pet Store or Aquarium Store have the correct product for maybe a few dollars more (unless an exploding aquarium in the middle of the night is your idea of excitement)

For my full article (including pictures):

CORRECT AQUARIUM SILICONE APPLICATIONS (What Silicone to use and what not to use)-

About the Author

By Carl Strohmeyer

Aquarium Information

http://aquarium-info.blogspot.com/2006/06/aquarium-information.html

Silicone Adhesive $7.95 Clear silicone adhesive is used to secure the glass to your cabinet door. Clear silicone adhesive is sold in a 2.8 oz tube with an easy-to-use precision tip.

BLACK LEOPARD SILICONE ADHESIVE BREAST ENHANCERS $60.99 BLACK LEOPARD SILICONE ADHESIVE BREAST ENHANCERS

ZEBRA PRINT SILICONE ADHESIVE BREAST ENHANCERS $25.99 ZEBRA PRINT SILICONE ADHESIVE BREAST ENHANCERS

Silicone Adhesive with Funnel Cap (50g Clear) $2.8 Silicone Adhesive with Funnel Cap (50g Clear)

Loctite - Superflex® RTV, Silicone Adhesive Sealants $6.3 Highly-flexible silicone adhesive sealant. Loctite - SUPERFLEX BLUE RTV SILICONE ADHESIVE. Multi-purpose silicone-based adhesive. Sealant dries to a durable but bendable rubber. Use on most metals. Low volatility. Sealing product forms stable "formed-in-place" gaskets that will not crack, shrink or migrate. Pre-cut gasket reliability increased with coating. Usable on most metals.

80050 - Clear Silicone Adhesive $12.33 [1908896] UPC: 686226800503 8.89L x 8.64W x 4.07H 0.28 LB 0.18 Cubes

81158 - 3Oz Black Silicone Adhesive $12.29 [6124309] UPC: 686226811585 8.5L x 8.9W x 4.21H 0.28 LB 0.18 Cubes

Itw Consumer Devcon Itw Consumer Devcon 1oz Silicone Adhesive S-120 $2.61 1oz silicone adhesive Provides a high-strength adhesive bond Works on porous materials Waterproof, airtight seal, dishwasher and microwave safe Sets in 10 minutes Bond strength: 700 lb P.S.I 1 oz. tube Brand #: ITW Consumer/ Devcon S-120 UPC: 078143120459 Keywords: cement duco

Osi Sealants 3 Oz Superflex Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant 908570 3oz $23.48 Adhesive sealant

Loctite - Superflex® Red High Temp RTV, Silicone Adhesive Sealants $7.9 Specially formulated, silicone adhesive sealant. Loctite - RED HIGH TEMP SILICONE SEALANT Loctite sealing products that resist weather, aging and thermal cycling without cracking, hardening or shrinking Sealants that can make gaskets that resist temperatures to 600°F discontinuous Better than other adhesives, sealants & tapes that are also resistant to oil, water and weather

Permatex 80050 3-oz Clear Silicone Adhesive Sealant $14.98 Waterproof and flexible, this adhesive sealant helps repair and protect electrical wiring.Protects and repairs electrical wiringMay be applied to horizontal or vertical surfacesWaterproof and flexibleTemperature range: -75 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees FahrenheitResists oil, water, weather, vibration and greaseSuggested applications: Windshields, door frames, electrical connections, seams, roofs and vinyl topsComes in a three-ounce tube

Hollister Inview Extra Clear Silicone External Catheter, Self Adhesive Latex Free, Med, 29mm. Box of 30 $56.25 Manufacturer: Hollister. Box of 30. Inview Extra, clear silicone, external catheter, self adhesive, medium, 29mm. 70% more adhesive, adhesive starts sooner to provide security. Customers also search for: Discount Inview Extra Clear Silicone External Cathe

Hollister Inview Extra Clear Silicone External Catheter, Self Adhesive Latex Free, Inter, 32mm. Box of 30 $56.25 Manufacturer: Hollister. Box of 30. Inview Extra, clear silicone, external catheter, self adhesive, intermediate, 32mm. 70% more adhesive, adhesive starts sooner to provide security and ease. Customers also search for: Discount Inview Extra Clear Silicone

Hollister Inview Extra Clear Silicone External Catheter, Self Adhesive Latex Free, Large, 36mm. Box of 30 $56.25 Manufacturer: Hollister. Box of 30. Inview Extra, clear silicone, external catheter, self adhesive, large, 36mm. 70% more adhesive, adhesive starts sooner to provide security and ease. Customers also search for: Discount Inview Extra Clear Silicone Extern

Hollister Inview Extra Clear Silicone External Catheter, Self Adhesive Latex Free, Extra Large, 41mm. Box of 30 $56.71 Manufacturer: Hollister. Box of 30. Inview Extra, clear silicone, self adhesive, external catheter, extra large, 41mm. 70% more adhesive, adhesive starts sooner to provide security. Customers also search for: Discount Inview Extra Clear Silicone External

Uro-Bond III Brush-On Silicone Adhesive, 1.5 oz $30.77 Uro-Bond III brush-on silicone adhesive may be used to adhere dressings, prosthetics and metal or plastic devices to the body. Suggested uses include but are not limited to: Securing male external catheters, adhering colostomy, ileostomy and tracheostomy appliances, attaching electrodes, and affixing surgical dressings and pads to the skin and adhering maxillofacial prosthetic devices. Can also be used to affix theatrical cosmetics.Product Features: 1.5 fl. oz glass jar with tamper-proof seal and brush attached to the under side of cap. Silicone based. Adheres to many surfaces. Water resistant.

Uro-Bond III Brush-On Silicone Adhesive, 3 oz $33.99 Uro-Bond III brush-on silicone adhesive may be used to adhere dressings, prosthetics and metal or plastic devices to the body. Suggested uses include but are not limited to: Securing male external catheters, adhering colostomy, ileostomy and tracheostomy appliances, attaching electrodes, and affixing surgical dressings and pads to the skin and adhering maxillofacial prosthetic devices. Can also be used to affix theatrical cosmetics. Product Features: 3 fl. oz glass jar with tamper-proof seal and brush attached to the under side of cap. Silicone based. Adheres to many surfaces. Water resistant.

Hollister Inview Extra Clear Silicone External Catheter, Self Adhesive Latex Free, Small, 25mm. Box of 30 $56.25 Manufacturer: Hollister. Box of 30. Inview Extra, clear silicone, external catheter, self adhesive, small, 25mm. 70% more adhesive, adhesive starts sooner to provide security and ease of application. Customers also search for: Discount Inview Extra Clear

Rtv Silicone Black Adhesive Sealant - 80Ml Tube $5.95 ? General-purpose, black RTV indoor/outdoor sealant. ? Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weather stripping and vinyl tops. ? Protects and repairs electrical wiring. ? May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. ? Waterproof and flexible. ? Temperature range: -80?F to 450?F; resists oil, water, weather, vibration, grease. By Loctite.

Rtv Silicone Clear Adhesive - 80Ml Tube $5.95 ? General-purpose, black RTV indoor/outdoor sealant. ? Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weather stripping and vinyl tops. ? Protects and repairs electrical wiring. ? May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. ? Waterproof and flexible. ? Temperature range: -80?F to 450?F; resists oil, water, weather, vibration, grease. By Loctite.

Rtv Silicone Clear Adhesive - 300Ml Tube $14.95 ? General-purpose, black RTV indoor/outdoor sealant. ? Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weather stripping and vinyl tops. ? Protects and repairs electrical wiring. ? May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. ? Waterproof and flexible. ? Temperature range: -80?F to 450?F; resists oil, water, weather, vibration, grease. By Loctite.

Rtv Silicone Black Adhesive Sealant - 300Ml Tube $13.95 ? General-purpose, black RTV indoor/outdoor sealant. ? Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weather stripping and vinyl tops. ? Protects and repairs electrical wiring. ? May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. ? Waterproof and flexible. ? Temperature range: -80?F to 450?F; resists oil, water, weather, vibration, grease. By Loctite.

Permatex Clear Silicone Adhesive Sealant (3 oz.) $4.49 General-purpose, clear RTV indoor/outdoor sealant. Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weatherstripping and vinyl tops. Protects and repairs electrical wiring. May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Waterproof and flexible. Temperature range -80?F to 450?F; resists oil, water, weather, vibration, grease.

Permatex Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant (3 oz.) $4.49 General-purpose, black RTV indoor/outdoor sealant. Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weatherstripping and vinyl tops. Protects and repairs electrical wiring. May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Waterproof and flexible. Waterproof and flexible. Temperature range -80??F to 450??F; resists oil, water, weather, vibration, grease. By Permatex.

Loctite RTV Silicone Clear Adhesive - 80ml Tube $10.12 General-purpose, black RTV indoor/outdoor sealant. Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weather stripping and vinyl tops. Protects and repairs electrical wiring. May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Waterproof and flexible. Temperature range: -80 F to 450 F; resists oil, water, weather, vibration, grease.

Loctite RTV Silicone Clear Adhesive - 300ml Tube $17.53 General-purpose, black RTV indoor/outdoor sealant. Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weather stripping and vinyl tops. Protects and repairs electrical wiring. May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Waterproof and flexible. Temperature range: -80 F to 450 F; resists oil, water, weather, vibration, grease.

Permatex Permatex Clear Silicone Adhesive Sealant 80050 $24.35 General purpose clear RTV indoor/outdoor sealant

Silicone Breast Enhancers $18.99 Includes (1) pair of reusable,silicone breast enhancers and 6 disposable,self-adhesive liners.

Permatex #66 Clear Silicone Adhesive 3 Oz Tube. Case of 12 $52.23 Manufacturer: Permatex. Case of 12. May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces Waterproof and flexible Capacity Volume = 3 oz Packing Type = Tube Base Color = Clear Temp. Range = -75.0 F [Min], 400.0 F [Max] Chemical Compound = Silicone Applicatio

Permatex #66 Clear Silicone Adhesive Sealant 11 Oz. Each $11.16 Manufacturer: Permatex. Each. May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces Waterproof and flexible Capacity Volume = 11 oz Packing Type = Cartridge Base Color = Clear Temp. Range = -75.0 F [Min], 400.0 F [Max] Chemical Compound = Silicone Applicatio

Smith & Nephew Cica-Care Adhesive Silicone Gel Sheet, 5 x 6, 10/bx $634.4 Features of the Smith & Nephew Cica-Care Adhesive Silicone Gel Sheet: Cica-Care is a patented technically advanced form of silicone gel sheet for scar care. Cica-Care has been medically proven in patient trials to be effective, in up to 90% of cases by flattening, softening and fading red and raised scars. The Cica-Care adhesive gel sheet is soft, comfortable and simple to apply. It can be cut to size to fit most scars. Durable and reusable, it can be used day and night. The skin contact side of Cica-Care is self adhesive, while the upper side is a strengthening non-adhesive silicone membrane. Therefore secondary fixation may not be required, making the product more user friendly, and can lead to higher patient compliance. The silicone membrane and gel combination make Cica-Care more durable and less likely to "crumble"? in comparison to other silicone gel sheets. Cica-Care is a very conformable silicone gel sheet. Because it is self-adhesive, Cica-Care can be easily used in many awkward anatomical locations, including earlobes and sternal areas. One piece of Cica-Care can be easily washed and reused. Once it becomes difficult to clean, a new piece should be used. This usually occurs after 14 to 28 day intervals.

Thicken Silicone Backless Strapless Self-Adhesive Bra with Shoulder Strap- Nude Color (C cup) $15.09 Overview:Silicone bra cups with adhesive inside cups, plus front closure for cleavage and liftSoft and natural silicone cups that are totally seamless and invisible under sheer clothingFreeBra instantly becomes a part of you with total freedom and flexibility of movementSelf-adhesive cups are washable, reusable and easy to care for. Simply clean with soap and water, then air-dry. Once dried, the adhesive regenerates itself No more messy adhesive strips or side extensionsSuitable for bust girth: 32~38"Comes with 2 bra straps English user manualPerfect for use with wedding dress, evening dress and so onSize: CColor: NudeSpecification:Weight Approx:149.7gSize Approx:14 x 9.2 x 4 cm

Brazabra Silicone Petal Tops $8 Reusable silicone petal tops mold to the breast shape and feature non-sensitizing silicone adhesive for that natural look and feel. Eliminates embarrassing show through, easy to use and reuse 30 times.

Permatex 23080050 #66 Clear Silicone Adhesive 3 Oz Tube $60.4 May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Waterproof and flexible. Capacity Vol.: 3 oz. Color: Clear. Temp. Range: 75.0 F (Min) 400.0 F (Max). Chemical Compound: Silicone. Applications: Seals Bonds Repairs Mends Secures. Applicable Materials: Glass Metal Plastics Fabric Vinyl Weather Stripping Vinyl Tops. Resistance: Oil Water Weather Vibration Grease.