Do industrial equipment seals frequently fail? Is the issue due to the adhesive or improper installation?
Sealant failure typically manifests as cracking and detachment of the sealant, poor aging resistance, and a shortened service life during both application and storage. This not only compromises its waterproofing and moisture‑proofing performance but can also adversely affect the substrate. The common causes can be broadly categorized into two types: sealant quality issues and operational‑process problems, which are analyzed in detail below:
Shanghai Hinnel
2026/07/18
I. Quality Issues with Sealant:
Poor-quality raw materials : Industrial sealant It is made from raw materials such as asphalt, natural rubber, and a curing agent. If inferior raw materials such as reclaimed rubber or low‑purity curing agents are used, the resulting cured product will exhibit insufficient strength and poor elasticity, and is highly prone to cracking and delamination after curing.
The formula is unreasonable. : An imbalance in the formulation ratios of the sealant—such as an excess or deficiency of the curing agent—can compromise the integrity of the curing reaction. Insufficient curing agent results in a soft, sticky colloid that is difficult to handle and incomplete curing; excessive curing agent, on the other hand, makes the colloid brittle and reduces its impact resistance.
Poor anti-aging performance : Low-quality sealants have poor resistance to oxidation and ultraviolet radiation. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, humidity, or intense sunlight accelerates the aging of the sealant, leading to cracking, chalking, and other defects that ultimately result in sealant failure.
Short shelf life If the sealant has defects in its manufacturing process or is stored in a high-temperature, humid environment, it is prone to premature degradation, resulting in abnormal viscosity and irregular curing rates, which directly compromise sealing performance.
Solution : Recommended for use Hinnel New Materials’ sealant undergoes rigorous quality testing, with premium raw materials and a scientifically formulated recipe, It can be widely applied in fields such as new energy, defense, healthcare, and aerospace, with stable and reliable performance.
II. Issues with the Sealant Application Process:
Improper substrate surface treatment : Substrate surface The surface must be clean, dry, free of oil, dust, and any foreign contaminants. If the surface is not properly cleaned—e.g., with residual oil, release agents, or rust—the sealant cannot achieve adequate contact with the substrate, resulting in insufficient bond strength and a higher risk of delamination or water ingress.
Bubbles form during the sizing process. : During sizing, improper handling can easily lead to the formation of numerous air bubbles. These bubbles become stress concentration points during curing, resulting in cracking of the adhesive layer.
The sizing is uneven in thickness. : During gluing, uneven thickness can easily cause the adhesive layer to crack in thinner areas. This is because the thinner sections have lower strength and cannot adequately withstand the applied stresses.
Improper substrate surface temperature : If application is carried out when the substrate surface temperature is too high or too low, the cured adhesive is prone to cracking. This is because temperature affects both the curing rate and the curing quality of sealants.
Solution: To avoid issues during sealant application, thoroughly clean the substrate before施工, ensuring the surface is dry and free of oil, dirt, and other contaminants; meanwhile, Control the substrate surface temperature within the range specified by the sealant. 10℃~30℃ Within the specified range, ensuring uniform and ample application while minimizing air entrapment can effectively reduce the risk of sealant delamination and cracking.
In summary, the choice of sealant is fundamental, while proper installation is critical; together, they determine the service life of the sealing system. Adhering strictly to installation guidelines, selecting qualified sealants suited to the operating conditions, and conducting regular routine inspections of the sealing integrity are essential steps to minimize failure rates at the source and ensure the reliable operation of industrial equipment.
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