[Chemical Knowledge]：Sealant properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, sealant function

Sealant Properties

Sealant is a material used to fill joints or gaps to prevent the leakage of liquids, gases or other substances. They are usually flexible, sticky and have good adhesion, and can form a strong sealing layer between different material surfaces. According to the chemical composition, the sealant can be divided into silicone, polyurethane, acrylic, butyl rubber and other types. Silicone sealant has excellent heat resistance and weather resistance, suitable for high temperature environment; polyurethane sealant has good elasticity and abrasion resistance, widely used in construction and automobile industry; acrylic sealant is used for home decoration with its environmental protection and non-toxic characteristics.

Sealant use

Sealants are widely used, covering construction, automotive, aerospace, electronics and other fields. In the construction field, sealants are used to fill the joints of buildings, window frames and door frames to improve the waterproof performance and energy efficiency of buildings. In the automotive industry, sealants are used to seal engines, windows and doors to prevent the ingress of dust, water and noise. Sealants in the aerospace field need to have excellent high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance and corrosion resistance to ensure the safe operation of aircraft in extreme environments. In the electrical and electronic industry, sealants are used to protect circuit boards and electronic components, prevent the intrusion of moisture and dust, and extend the service life of equipment.

Upstream raw materials

The production of sealants relies on a variety of chemical raw materials, and the supply and price fluctuations of these raw materials will directly affect the cost and performance of sealants. Common upstream raw materials include silicone oil, crosslinking agent and filler required for silicone sealant, polyether polyol, isocyanate and catalyst required for polyurethane sealant, etc. Silicone oil is mainly derived from the petrochemical industry, the crosslinking agent is an organic chemical, and the filler is mostly inorganic such as calcium carbonate and silica. Polyether polyols and isocyanates in polyurethane sealants also come from the petrochemical industry and are synthesized through complex chemical reactions. The availability of chemical raw materials such as acrylate monomers, plasticizers and stabilizers for acrylic sealants is also critical.

downstream market

The downstream market for sealants is very extensive, covering many application scenarios in multiple industries. The construction industry is one of the largest markets for sealants, and with the advancement of urbanization and the continuous growth of infrastructure construction, the demand for sealants is also steadily increasing. The automotive industry is also an important application area for sealants. The increase in automotive production and the improvement of vehicle performance requirements have promoted the development of the sealant market. With the miniaturization and complexity of electronic products, the demand for sealants is increasing. The application of sealants in medical equipment, packaging and transportation is also gradually expanding.

Storage method

The storage method of the sealant directly affects its use effect and service life. Generally speaking, the sealant should be stored in a cool, dry, and ventilated environment, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature to prevent changes in its chemical composition. The packaging of the sealant shall be well sealed to prevent moisture in the air from entering and causing deterioration of the sealant. For different types of sealants, the storage conditions may be slightly different. For example, silicone sealants have low temperature requirements, but need to avoid contact with acid and alkali substances; polyurethane sealants need to pay special attention to moisture, because it is easy to react with moisture in the air. Acrylic sealant should be kept away from fire, avoid high temperature environment storage.

Market Prospects

With the continuous improvement of sealing performance requirements in various industries and the continuous research and development of new materials, the sealant market has broad prospects. Green environmental protection sealants, smart sealants and high-performance sealants will become the future development direction. Green environmental protection sealants emphasize non-toxic, low VOC (volatile organic compounds) and degradability, which meet the requirements of sustainable development. Intelligent sealants have the functions of self-healing, sensing and responding to environmental changes, thus improving the reliability and durability of seals. High-performance sealants are designed for special application requirements and have excellent characteristics of high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, corrosion resistance and high elasticity to meet the requirements of use under extreme conditions.

Conclusion

As an important functional material, sealant is widely used in various industries. Its nature and uses are diverse, depending on the supply of complex upstream raw materials, and has great application potential in the downstream market. Scientific storage methods can ensure the performance and service life of the sealant. In the future, with the advancement of technology and changes in market demand, sealants will develop in the direction of green environmental protection, intelligence and high performance, and continue to meet the needs of various industries for sealing materials.