For repairing small areas and tears in elastomers a one-component,
room-temperature-curing silicone sealant may be used. Moisture cure RTVs
will readily adhere to addition cure materials.
 | For repairing larger areas, such as where components have been
removed or replaced, the same or similar gel or elastomer should be used for
the original part. For example, room-temperature curing SYLGARD 184 silicone
elastomers can be used to make field repairs in parts protected initially with
heat curing SYLGARD 182 silicone elastomer. |
 | Silicone elastomers are easily repaired. Sections can be cut
away with a knife for replacement of components, and the repaired region can be
repotted with fresh encapsulant. Fingerprints, dust or dirt may prevent
the new material from bonding to the older, cured material. To ensure adhesion,
it is recommended that the old surface be either re-cut or abraded with
sandpaper before applying the fresh material. |
 | Silicone gels can also be repaired. Similar to
encapsulants, the gel can be manually removed. It is also possible to
swell the gel with solvent prior to removal. This process will make it
easier to remove the gel. The swelled gel can then be removed, repair work
done and the area repotted with new gel. Softer gels have the unique
ability to self heal. Over a period of time the knit line in the gel will
disappear and the gel cannot be separated without tearing the gel. |
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