In daily tasks involving sealing, bonding, and gap filling, silicone sealant is one of our most reliable assistants. However, the choice between "Acidic" and "Neutral" often causes confusion. Choosing correctly leads to success with half the effort; choosing incorrectly can not only fail to bond but may also corrode materials, causing permanent damage.
Hope this will help you become a selection expert.
- Core Mechanism:
Acidic Silicone Sealant:
Identifying Clue: A strong, pungent, sour odor.
Working Principle: It cures by reacting with moisture in the air, releasing acetic acid. It is this acidic substance that gives it its characteristics but also imposes its limitations.
Neutral Silicone Sealant:
Identifying Clue: A mild odor or no odor.
Working Principle: It cures by releasing alcohol (alkoxy type) or other neutral substances (e.g., oxime type). This milder reaction mechanism determines its wide range of applications.
- In-Depth Comparison:
| Aspect | Acidic Silicone Sealant | Neutral Silicone Sealant |
| Core Mechanism | Cures by releasing Acetic Acid | Cures by releasing Alcohol, etc. |
| Odor | Pungent, sour, strong | Mild or Odorless |
| Corrosiveness | Yes | None |
| Tack Strength | Very strong on glass, ceramics | Good strength, versatile |
| Curing Time | In 24 hours | 36-48 hours |
| Primary Applications | Glass aquariums, bonding non-metals | Sealing metal/stone, mildew-resistant applications |
- Summary and Golden Rules
Remember the following two simple golden rules to handle the vast majority of situations:
Safety First Rule: If it involves metal, marble, cement, or if you are unsure of the substrate material, choosing Neutral Silicone Sealant without a second thought is always correct. This is the safest and most secure strategy.
Only consider Acidic Silicone Sealant when you are sure it's for bonding glass (e.g., making aquariums), ceramics, or other non-sensitive materials, and you require the highest bond strength and fast curing.
Hope this article helps you completely understand the difference between acidic and neutral sealants, enabling you to choose confidently for each project, ensuring more perfect and lasting results, kindly feel free to contact Topen Sealant team for futher details.