Classification of Silicone Sealants

Silicone sealants can be categorized by packaging into two types: one-component and two-component. One-component sealants cure through a physical transformation triggered by contact with atmospheric moisture. Two-component sealants consist of two separate parts (Part A and Part B); neither part cures on its own, but the mixture of the two initiates the curing process. One-component sealants are the most common type on the market, and this book focuses primarily on this variety.

One-component silicone sealants are further classified by their chemical properties into acidic and neutral types.

Acidic sealants are primarily used for general bonding between glass and other construction materials. Neutral sealants, however, overcome the drawbacks of acidic sealants-specifically their tendency to corrode metals and react with alkaline materials-making them suitable for a wider range of applications; consequently, they are priced slightly higher than acidic sealants.

A specialized category of sealant found on the market is silicone structural sealant. Because it is used for the structural or non-structural bonding and assembly of metal and glass components in glass curtain walls, it demands the highest quality standards and represents the premium tier of sealants, commanding the highest market price.