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The difference between polyurethane structural adhesive and glass sealant

In the field of construction adhesives, polyurethane structural adhesives and silicone sealants have become the focus of attention for many professionals and consumers alike. Although both play crucial roles in the construction industry, their differences become strikingly apparent in practical applications. So, what exactly are these differences between the two?

I. Ingredients and Properties 

Glass sealant typically refers to a silicone-based adhesive with excellent transparency, primarily used for bonding glass to other materials. Glass sealants are characterized by their resistance to water, high temperatures, and ultraviolet radiation, as well as their outstanding elasticity and weather resistance. Once cured, the adhesive layer formed by glass sealant exhibits a certain degree of toughness, enabling it to accommodate expansion and contraction caused by temperature fluctuations. 

 

Polyurethane structural adhesives are high-performance adhesives used for bonding structural components. They are primarily employed in structural bonding applications. Polyurethane structural adhesives are characterized by their excellent adhesion, toughness, durability, and impact resistance, as well as their long-term performance. Even under prolonged exposure to heavy loads, they can maintain their stability and reliability. 

 

II. The main differences between the two 

Polyurethane structural adhesive

High strength It has very high tensile strength, shear strength, and peel strength. 

Good resilience It can withstand certain deformations and vibrations and exhibits excellent fatigue resistance. 

Has good weather resistance. : Resistant to high and low temperatures, oil-resistant, and chemical-resistant. 

Application areas: Widely used in fields such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. 

 

Glass sealant

High elasticity It has a high elongation rate and can effectively accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction as well as slight deformations of the substrate. 

Excellent weather resistance In particular, silicone glass sealant boasts excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation, high and low temperature tolerance, and aging resistance. 

Waterproof and mildew-resistant : It is one of its outstanding advantages. 

Application areas: Suitable for bonding substrates such as plastics and wood. 

III. Construction Technology 

In terms of construction techniques, applying glass sealant is relatively straightforward—typically, it’s applied using a caulking gun—and it cures relatively quickly. However, to ensure optimal bonding performance, the spraying technique has fairly stringent requirements, especially when preparing joints and contact surfaces; it’s crucial to make sure these surfaces are clean and free of any oil or grease. 

 

The application of structural adhesives is relatively complex and typically requires specialized surface preparation and substrate interlocking tests. When using structural adhesives, the curing time may be longer, especially in low-temperature and high-humidity environments; therefore, it’s essential to plan the construction work carefully in advance to ensure that the project stays on schedule. 

 

IV. Selection Recommendations 

If needed Structural stress and load-bearing capacity Select polyurethane structural adhesives (preferably two-component ones). We recommend the two-component solvent-free polyurethane structural adhesive developed by Hinnel, which offers a wide processing window and high physical performance in the finished product. It is suitable for both automated dispensing and manual mixing. After curing, it exhibits excellent adhesion and strong bonding strength, as well as outstanding flexibility and elasticity. Additionally, it boasts superior resistance to aging and chemical exposure. 

 

If needed Sealed and waterproof, flexibly adaptable, weather-resistant Choose silicone sealant—neutral-type is more versatile, while acidic-type offers better value for money but is corrosive.

 

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