Modified silanes (MS) are odourless, non-corrosive and do not contain isocyanates, solvents, silicones or PVC. They are normally available as single-component adhesive sealants (although two-part systems are also available) and require atmospheric moisture during the cure cycle.
When fully cured they are a flexible elastomeric product with excellent adhesion properties to a wide range of materials and are compatible with paint systems. MS products demonstrate good UV resistance and can therefore be used for interior and exterior applications. They do not usually have the cohesive strength of a polyurethane or the temperature resistance of a silicone but high — and low-modulus versions are available. Modified silane products bond well to most metals, glass and ceramics and depending on the grade will bond to PVC, polyamide and most polyesters [5]. Trials are recommended and roughening the surface will generally result in an increase in adhesion.
Modified silane products are used for seam sealing in a wide variety of industries including the elastic bonding of metals and plastics used in side panelling and roof-skin bonding in vehicle and caravan manufacture; elastic interior and/or exterior seam and joint sealing in vehicle body construction, railway carriage construction, the air conditioning and ventilation industry, the electrical industry and for shower doors.
The slow cure cycle of MS adhesive sealants has been addressed by some manufacturers and two-part (mix-in-the-nozzle) versions are increasingly being made available. The cure time on these products is typically less than 15 minutes.