How can the cure rate of silicone adhesives be shortened?
Silicone adhesives and sealants cure upon exposure to moisture. A particularly desirable cure cycle for silicone type adhesive/sealants involves exposure to 130-150°F and 95-100% relative humidity. Addition of moisture to the environment where the silicone bonding operation takes place, will greatly enhance the cure rate. Thinner sections of silicone adhesive/sealants cure faster than do thicker sections. A 1/8″ thick section can cure within 24 hours. More time is required to fully cure thicker sections. Master Bond Inc. has developed a special silicone adhesive called MasterSil 711 which in thin sections solidifies in 3-5 minutes and cures significantly faster than do commercially marketed competitive products.
