Curing characteristics and elastic recovery of sealants

The curing characteristics of 13 high-performance sealants based on measurements of their elastic recovery is discussed. Sealants examined include one- and two-part polysulphide, one- and two-part polyurethane, and silicone commonly used on building facades. Specimens were cured under controlled conditions and tested over a period of 5 months. The implications of faster curing rate of certain sealants such as silicones and two-part sealants for joints subjected to high movement stresses are discussed.