USE OF SILICONE TO FILL JOINTS

Abstract

When silicone is used to fill joints in surfaces on which vehicles drive, it is advantageous if the silicone contains zinc oxide in the form of tetrapod-shaped crystals.

Claims

1. A method for filling of joints in surfaces over which vehicles travel, comprising filling the joints with silicone, wherein the silicone contains zinc oxide that exists in the form of tetrapod-shaped crystals.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the silicone contains at most 5 wt% of zinc oxide.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the silicone contains at least 0.5 wt% of zinc oxide.

Description

TEST AND COMPARISON EXAMPLES

[0060] Nano zinc oxide tetrapods of the Tianjin YR Chemspec Co., Ltd. were used in the following exemplary embodiments and test series.

[0061] The following were used [0062] 180 mm x 18 mm x 2 mm silicone strips without additive [0063] 180 mm x 18 mm x 6 mm silicone strips without additive [0064] 180 mm x 18 mm x 2 mm silicone strips with additive [0065] 180 mm x 18 mm x 6 mm silicone strips with additive [0066] Tensile elongation of the silicone strips without and with additive: 300 mm [0067] Behavior of the test strip (180 mm x 18 mm) containing different proportions of the additive:

TABLE-US-00001 Tensile force in Newtons Material thickness in mm Proportion of additive in wt-% 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 2 0.80 N 0.84 N 0.88 N 0.97 N 1.07 N 1.17 N 1.29 N 6 2.40 N 2.52 N 2.64 N 2.90 N 3.19 N 3.51 N 3.87 N

EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION

[0068] The nano zinc oxide tetrapod possesses a higher body stability, which creates advantages, especially at smaller layer thickness.

[0069] Examples of advantages are insensitivity to mechanical influences, less abrasion.

[0070] Silicone containing nano zinc oxide tetrapods may be used as sealant at particularly exposed places (underground garage entrances, heavily traveled regions). Examples of advantages are insensitivity to mechanical influences, less abrasion.

[0071] A further advantage is the antibacterial property, which makes the use in hospitals or commercial kitchens possible.

[0072] Due to the antibacterial property of the zinc oxide tetrapods, a mold resistance of the silicone is achieved.

[0073] Further advantages are that a high UV stability and a that better resistance to shearing forces are achieved due to the addition of the zinc oxide tetrapods.

[0074] Furthermore, the silicone provided with the additive according to the invention is characterized by a high notch strength, which is important in particular during the application to joints with a high mechanical load and/or a high cleaning intensity.