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How silicone adhesives work

When a silicone adhesive cures, it becomes mechanically and chemically locked in place, like a puzzle piece.

Mechanical and chemical adhesion

The first requirement of good adhesion is good spreading and wetting. With its low surface tension and slightly higher critical surface tension of wetting, polydimethylsiloxane is a master at spreading, wetting, and leveling. It quickly and completely penetrates into small voids in the surface of the substrate. By adding reactive adhesion promoters (silanes) to the adhesive, it can be designed to chemically bond with anything from metal and glass to paper, fabric, plastics, and even human skin. This chemical bond further strengthens the mechanical bond. In pressure sensitive adhesives, tack and cohesive strength are achieved by formulating reactive silicone fluid-resin mixtures. These mixtures contain groups that will react by silanol condensation to form a strong, flexible network.

Silicone adhesive benefits

• Chemically and thermally stable
• Resistant to moisture and weathering
• Suitable tack for quick bonding
• Ability to conform to skin; acceptable adhesion to skin for extended periods of time; easily removed from skin; able to deliver active ingredients to the skin
• Easily customized and co-formulated
• Can be formulated to adhere well to a wide range of surfaces
• Can be designed to withstand highly acidic or basic chemicals, and organic solvents
• Biocompatibility

Typical silicone adhesive applications

• Construction sealants and adhesives
• Adhesives and sealants for manufacturing durable goods, such as automobiles, windows, appliances, and electronic devices
• Pressure sensitive adhesives
• Medical adhesives for attaching transdermal drug delivery patches and manufacturing healthcare devices

Learn how other types of silicones work.