In aerospace engineering, every component is vital and can make or break an aircraft. To ensure safety and quality, engineers use the highest quality products, including silicone sealant.

This material is an important but often overlooked element in the aviation industry. It allows aircraft to operate under extreme conditions while maintaining their structural integrity. Here’s what to know about silicone sealant and why it’s an essential aircraft sealant.

What is Silicone Sealant?

Silicone sealant is a versatile, resilient,non-toxic material that possesses unique properties and has a wide range of applications. Composed primarily of silicone polymers, it is known for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental extremes.

What sets silicone sealant apart is its remarkable ability to withstand severe temperature variations — which is especially crucial in the aerospace field. Unlike other sealants that may crack or degrade under extreme heat or cold, silicone maintains its elasticity and effectiveness from as low as -60°C to as high as 300°C.

Another distinctive feature of silicone sealant is its excellent resistance to weathering, water, and UV radiation. In other words, it doesn’t degrade under prolonged exposure to sunlight or ozone and thus offers long-term performance without significant deterioration. This makes it particularly useful for outdoor applications.

Another great thing about silicone sealants is their good electrical insulation properties. Needless to say, they’re a staple in electronic applications. This type of sealant is also chemically inert, meaning it does not react with most chemicals and substances.

The Power of Quick Sealing

One of the primary benefits of silicone — and the reason it has becomeso popular in so many industries — is its rapid cure time. Once applied, these sealants quickly form a robust and durable bond, significantly reducing downtime for repairs or assembly. This fast cure time is invaluable in aerospace, where the amount of time is often of the essence.

Of course, as with any component, aerospace machinery breaks down and degrades over a certain length of time. Silicone’s quick cure time allows for rapid repair, which is necessary for meeting tight flight schedules. Additionally, in the manufacturing process, the rapid cure time of silicone sealants aids in streamlining assembly lines, greatly boosting efficiency.

Uses in Aerospace

The benefits of silicone sealants are far-reaching but particularly evident in the aerospace industry, where precision and attention to detail are paramount. Here are some of the ways silicone aircraft sealants are being used today.

High-Temperature Resistance

Silicone sealants are valued for their ability to withstand very high and low temperatures. Aircraft components are frequently exposed to high temperatures during operations like engine running or atmospheric re-entry. Silicone sealants provide a reliable seal in these high-temperature environments, ensuring the longevity of the seal, reducing maintenance, and improving safety.

Flexibility and Vibration Damping

Silicone’s flexibility comes in handy in aerospace, where structures are often subject to vibration and movement. Silicone aerospace sealants can absorb and dampen these vibrations, guarding the integrity of the sealed components. This flexibility allows them to accommodate the slight movements and expansions that occur in aerospace materials.

Chemical and UV Resistance

Silicone sealants exhibit excellent resistance to chemicals like oils and fuels. Their chemical resistance helps prevent seal degradation, which would otherwise cause leaks and component failures. Aviation sealants are also resistant to UV radiation — a key capability for aircraft.

Electrical Insulation

Aerospace sealant adhesives are favored for their electrical insulating properties. They can provide insulation in electrical components, wiring, and circuit boards, protecting them from short circuits and electrical interference. In aerospace, it’s important that these components remain functional at all times.

Environmental Sealing

Silicone is incredibly resistant to environmental degradation and is great forcaulking gaps. Aircraft components are regularly exposed to heat, cold, moisture, and worse. Silicone sealants help mitigate damage and keep structures in place. This allows aircraft to operate safely and efficiently.

Leak-Proof Barriers

Silicone sealants aren’t just good for keeping pollutants out — they also help keep things contained. They can be used to seal an access door of a fuel tank, preventing seepage and saving companies a lot of money.

Customization

The uses for silicone sealants in aerospace are practically endless. Because they are so flexible and versatile, they can be used for various purposes — not all of which are listed here. For example, additives can be mixed into the silicone to enhance certain properties like thermal conductivity, flame retardancy, or color.

Looking for a Quality Sealant? We Have What You Need

In the aerospace world — where the stakes are, quite literally, sky-high — material quality is everything. You don’t want to skimp on a good sealant. At Silicone Depot, we offerseveral different types of high-quality silicone sealants that can be purchased individually or in bulk.

Need help deciding which one is right for your business?Get in touch with us today to speak to a customer service representative, and we can help you find the product that best suits your needs.