Market demand for an easy to use, on-site product with the benefits of conventional pump-applied structural glazing sealants, has led to Dow Corning developing a 400ml two-component pack of fast curing, structural grade silicone sealant now available locally from a.b.e. Construction Chemicals.
a.b.e. - part of the Chryso Southern Africa Group – is the SA distributor of the globally-acclaimed Dow Corning range of structural glazing sealants produced in Belgium.
Samantha Ferreira, a.b.e. Sales & Segment Manager: Silicones, Sealants and Specialist Adhesives, says Dow Corning 121 - suitable for in-situ replacement of glass/insulated glazing units – will eliminate the costs of long-term use of scaffolding and related equipment generally incurred when using a slower curing, one-component material. Ferreira explains: “The new sealant cures in deep section within 24 hours and generally achieves full adhesion within 48 hours, depending on joint design, substrate, temperature and humidity. This capacity for quick curing is important in remedial structural glazing operations and generally provides substantial time-saving benefits. “The sealant furthermore does not require a primer to achieve excellent adhesion to glass and anodised aluminium. It also adheres to Dow Corning structural sealants for re-glazing operations and meets all relevant international standard specifications for sealants.
“Once catalysed, Dow Corning 121 cures into a medium modulus, flexible silicone rubber that can be used in deep, narrow joints to obtain a complete cure. The product is compatible with most pneumatic dispensing tools that can accommodate two 200ml cartridges. The air supply is by means of a portable six bar compressor,” Ferreira adds. Dow Corning 121 is supplied in a two-part cartridge comprising a smooth, white paste as catalyst; and black- or grey-tinted bases.