Recent advances have resulted in chemical modification of conventional liquid polysulfide polymers in a one-step reaction with dithiol, as follows:
HS-[CH2CH2OCH2OCH2CH2—S—S|nCH2CH2OCH2OCH2CH2SH + HSRSH Liquid polysulfide polymer Dithiol
catalyst
Segmented lowermolecular-weight liquid polysulfide
Dithiol-modified liquid polysulfide polymer
These new dithiol-modified liquid polysulfide polymers have lower viscosity and improved compatibility with formulating ingredients (e. g., plasticizers, pigments, and fillers). Thus dithiol-modified liquid polysulfide polymers give more latitude in the formulation of high-performance sealants, adhesives, and coatings. The volatile organic content (VOC) of such products is lower than that of products formulated by conventional liquid polysulfide polymers.