Our Silfix® HM sealant has been used, trusted and liked by tradesman for many years relied on for its quick cure, outstanding strength, performance, and durability. We take a look at this great multi-purpose sealant and why it remains a best-seller to this day.
Silfix® HM is an acetoxy silicone – but what exactly what does that mean? Acetoxy silicones get their name from the release of acetic acid as they go off, giving them a distinctive vinegar smell when curing. One of the biggest advantages of acetoxy sealants is that they dry significantly faster than neutral cure silicone — in fact, acetoxy silicone usually becomes tack-free within minutes, although it is important to understand that it will not be fully cured for up to 24 hours. At the end of the day, acetoxy’s fast dry time is a plus, especially for anyone working a time-sensitive project.
Acetoxy sealants can be used on non-porous surfaces like sanitary ware and glass as they have good adhesion and flexibility. Often acetoxy silicones are used incorrectly on porous surfaces for example brickwork and mortar, this is not recommended as there can be an acid alkali reaction with the surface causing the sealant to lose adhesion creating unsightly deposits on the facade. Acetoxy silicones have a glossy, bright finish which makes them particularly suitable for internal jobs like sealing in kitchens and bathrooms.
Like other acetoxy silicones, Silfix® HM is high modulus. The term modulus is used a lot in sealant speak. In simple terms it refers to the tensile strength of the silicone the material. A sealant classified as high modulus (HM) requires a higher force to be applied for it to be deformed or stretched, whereas a sealant classified as low modulus (LM) requires a lower force. This means that low modulus sealants can accommodate more joint movement whereas high modulus sealants move less and cure more rigidly. This makes Silfix® HM the perfect choice for sanitary applications, and glass-to-glass joints like shop fronts.
Use it in bathrooms and kitchens to seal around tiles, sanitary ware, to join glass together for sparkling shop fronts and displays and rely on it to create strong, durable seals for years to come.
