Difference between revisions of "Caulking (sealants)"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
  
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Any material used to seal joints and openings. Natural waterproofing materials, such as [[wax|waxes]] and [[tar|tars]] have been used since ancient times. Oil-based caulking, or [[putty]], was composed primarily of [[calcium carbonate]] or [[lead white]] mixed with [[drying oil|drying oils]]. The first elastomeric sealant, developed in the 1950s, was composed of [[polysulfide]] ([[|Thiokol|Thiokol®]]). Butyl rubber sealants, also manufactured in the 50s, contained [[talc]], calcium carbonate, [[polybutylene]], [[mineral spirits]], and adhesion promoters. The first [[acrylic resin|acrylic]] sealant, developed in 1958, was a solvent curing product that included calcium carbonate, [[silica]], [[solvent]], and [[plasticizer]]. [[Silicone resin|Silicone]] sealants, introduced in the 1960s, contained [[fumed silica]], calcium carbonate, ground [[quartz]], [[carbon black]], talc, and plasticizers. [[Polyurethane]] elastomers provide good abrasion resistance. Latex caulking, available in the late 1960s, eliminated the use of organic solvents. They typically contain a polymer emulsion (such as [[polyvinyl acetate]]) in water with calcium carbonate, plasticizers, and other additives.
+
Any material used to fill or seal joints and openings. Ancient boats were found with fiber and wood fills, but later natural waterproofing materials, such as [[wax|waxes]] and [[tar|tars]] were also used. Oil-based caulking, or [[putty]], was composed primarily of [[calcium carbonate]] or [[lead white]] mixed with [[drying oil|drying oils]]. Ntural rubbers and vulcanized rubbers also found there way into usage as sealants, adhesives and fills.  The first elastomeric sealant, commercially developed in the 1950s, was composed of [[polysulfide]] ([[Thiokol|Thiokol®]]). Butyl rubber sealants, also manufactured in the 50s, contained [[talc]], calcium carbonate, [[polybutylene]], [[mineral spirits]], and adhesion promoters. The first [[acrylic resin|acrylic]] sealant, promoted in 1958, was a solvent curing product that included calcium carbonate, [[silica]], [[solvent]], and [[plasticizer]]. [[Silicone resin|Silicone]] sealants, introduced in the 1960s, are still the primary type that is used in museums for building display cases.  These sealants often contain [[fumed silica]], calcium carbonate, ground [[quartz]], [[carbon black]], talc, and plasticizers. [[Polyurethane]] elastomers provide good abrasion resistance. Latex caulking, available in the late 1960s, eliminated the use of organic solvents. They typically contain a polymer emulsion (such as [[polyvinyl acetate]]) in water with calcium carbonate, plasticizers, and other additives.
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{| class="wikitable"
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|-
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! Caulk/putty
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! Earliest use
 +
! Composition
 +
! Examples
 +
! Applications
 +
! Characteristics and Risks
 +
|-
 +
| [[Fiber|Fibers/Wood]]
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| ancient times
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|
 +
|
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| boats
 +
|
 +
|-
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| [[Wax]]
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| ancient times
 +
|
 +
|
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| vessels
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| becomes soft with heat
 +
|-
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| [[Tar]]
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| ancient times
 +
|
 +
|
 +
| boats
 +
|
 +
|-
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| Oil-based  caulk (sometimes lead-based putty)
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| 19th-20th c.
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| 10-15% [[linseed oil]] with [[calcium carbonate]], [[Red lead|red]] or [[white lead]] and sometimes other  inorganic fillers ([[talc]], [[alum]], [[asbestos]])
 +
|
 +
| Seal window to frame, fill  defects in wood and metal; surround pipe joint
 +
| Lead compounds accelerate  drying; some components are toxic
 +
|-
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| [[Cement  putty]]
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|
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| [[concrete]]
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|
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| [[Mortar (masonry)|mortar]]
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|
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|-
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| [[Gesso  putty]]
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|
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| [[gelatin]] with [[chalk]]
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|
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|
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|
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|-
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| [[Rubber (natural, vulcanized)|Rubber]]  (natural, vulcanized)
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| 19th c to WWII
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|
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|
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| gaskets, shock mounts,
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| waterproof, can crack due to  ozone
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|-
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| [[Polysulfide]]
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| 1950s
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| Any synthetic rubber vulcanized  with sulfur  ([[Styrene-butadiene rubber|styrene-butadiene]], [[Polyisoprene|polyisoprene]])
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| [[Neoprene]], [[Thiokol]]
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| o-rings, pipe linings, building  joints, and as sealants to fill joints in pavements, and glass/metal  connections.
 +
| may release sulfur; may contain  PCBs; poor tensile strength; abrade easily; replaced in 1980s by silicone and  urethane sealants
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|-
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| [[Butyl  rubber]]
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| 1950s
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| Isobutylene-isoprene, [[talc]], [[calcium carbonate]], [[mineral spirits]], [[adhesion promoter|adhesion promoters]]
 +
|
 +
| primarily used outdoors for  metal and masonry joints that may expand and contract (gutters)
 +
| sticky and messy, but more  resistant to sunlight than natural rubbers;    combustible; paintable
 +
|-
 +
| [[Acrylic resin|Acrylic]]  (solvent-based)
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| 1958
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| solvent cured acrylic resin with  [[calcium carbonate]], [[silica]], [[solvent]] and [[plasticizer|plasticizers]].
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
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|-
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| [[Silicone sealant|Silicone]]
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| 1960s
 +
| [[silicone resin]] cured with  moisture or peroxides; may contain [[fumed silica]], [[calcium carbonate]], ground  [[quartz]], [[carbon black]], [[talc]], [[Plasticizer|plasticizers]], [[acetone]], [[methylene chloride]].
 +
| [[Silastic]], [[Clear Museum Gel]]
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| used around plumbing fixtures;  to caulk joints in bathroom tiles;    seal gap on exterior walls/roofs    around pipes and wirings
 +
| water-repellent; long-life; wide  temperature range; mold/mildew resistant; not paintable; poor adhesion; may  release [[acetic acid]] or [[methanol]] on cure; may have residual curing compounds  and silicone oils; may stain porous materials; some silicone caulks contain  latex making them paintable but less durable
 +
|-
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| Polyurethane  elastomers
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| Polyurethane cured with moisture, [[calcium carbonate]], [[titanium dioxide]], [[Aromatic naphtha|aromatic naphthas]] and [[Petroleum distillate|petroleum distillates]].
 +
|
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| [[Vulkem]]
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| primarily used for sealing  cracks and expansion joints in driveways and other outdoor concrete surfaces.  It's also suitable for filling and repairing cracks in masonry-stucco walls.
 +
| very durable; abrasion  resistant; flexible at low temperatures; combustible producing toxic fumes;  may release acetic acid on curing, aging, or deterioration; susceptible to  hydrolysis that may decrease adhesion
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|-
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| Vinyl  latex
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| late 1960s
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| Vinyl ([[polyvinyl acetate]]) with calcium carbonate, plasticizers
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| [[Reprosil]]
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| fill small gaps and blemishes in  wood trim prior to painting
 +
| inexpensive; may be painted and  used outdoors; may evolve trace [[acetic acid]] as it cures
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|-
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| Acrylic  latex
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|
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| [[Butyl methacrylate]], [[calcium  carbonate]], water
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| [[Flugger]]
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| fill small gaps and blemishes in  wood trim prior to painting
 +
| inexpensive,  fast-drying, and paintable; minimal shrinkage; used indoors
 +
|}
  
 
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
 
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
  
−
caulking (noun); caulk (verb); calking; cauking (sp.); sealant; putty; Kitt (Deut.); Glaserkitt (Deut.); Fensterkitt (Deut.); kalfatring (Dan.)
+
caulking (noun); caulk (verb); calking; cauking (sp.); sealant; putty; spackle; Kitt (Deut.); Glaserkitt (Deut.); Fensterkitt (Deut.); kalfatring (Dan.)
  
 +
For this database, the term 'Caulking' will be used.  This table tries to include most types of materials that have been used.  For a specific comparison of commercial products, please see: [[Commercial caulking materials]].
 
==Resources and Citations==
 
==Resources and Citations==
  
 +
* AIC Conservation Wiki: [https://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/Caulk_Sealants_to_Seal_Exhibit_Cases Caulk Sealants to Seal Exhibit Cases]
 
* Richard S. Lewis, ''Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary'', Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
 
* Richard S. Lewis, ''Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary'', Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
−
 
 
* ASTM, "Standard Terminology Relating to Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related Products", Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 6, Paints, Related Coatings and Aromatics, ASTM, D16, 7-Jan, Jul-96
 
* ASTM, "Standard Terminology Relating to Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related Products", Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 6, Paints, Related Coatings and Aromatics, ASTM, D16, 7-Jan, Jul-96
−
 
 
* ''Dictionary of Building Preservation'', Ward Bucher, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York City, 1996
 
* ''Dictionary of Building Preservation'', Ward Bucher, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York City, 1996
−
 
 
* Ivan Myjer, contributed information, 1998
 
* Ivan Myjer, contributed information, 1998
−
 
+
* Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caulking (Accessed Feb. 10, 2006)
−
* Wikipedia,: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caulking (Accessed Feb. 10, 2006)
 
−
 
 
 
* Random House, ''Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language'', Grammercy Book, New York, 1997
 
* Random House, ''Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language'', Grammercy Book, New York, 1997
−
 
 
* ''The American Heritage Dictionary'' or ''Encarta'', via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998
 
* ''The American Heritage Dictionary'' or ''Encarta'', via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998
  
  
  
−
[[Category:Materials database]]
+
[[Category:Materials database]][[Category:MWG]][[Category:Caulks]]

Latest revision as of 09:42, 27 February 2023

Description

Any material used to fill or seal joints and openings. Ancient boats were found with fiber and wood fills, but later natural waterproofing materials, such as waxes and tars were also used. Oil-based caulking, or Putty, was composed primarily of Calcium carbonate or Lead white mixed with drying oils. Ntural rubbers and vulcanized rubbers also found there way into usage as sealants, adhesives and fills. The first elastomeric sealant, commercially developed in the 1950s, was composed of Polysulfide (Thiokol®). Butyl rubber sealants, also manufactured in the 50s, contained Talc, calcium carbonate, Polybutylene, Mineral spirits, and adhesion promoters. The first acrylic sealant, promoted in 1958, was a solvent curing product that included calcium carbonate, Silica, Solvent, and Plasticizer. Silicone sealants, introduced in the 1960s, are still the primary type that is used in museums for building display cases. These sealants often contain Fumed silica, calcium carbonate, ground Quartz, Carbon black, talc, and plasticizers. Polyurethane elastomers provide good abrasion resistance. Latex caulking, available in the late 1960s, eliminated the use of organic solvents. They typically contain a polymer emulsion (such as Polyvinyl acetate) in water with calcium carbonate, plasticizers, and other additives.

Caulk/putty Earliest use Composition Examples Applications Characteristics and Risks
Fibers/Wood ancient times boats
Wax ancient times vessels becomes soft with heat
Tar ancient times boats
Oil-based caulk (sometimes lead-based putty) 19th-20th c. 10-15% Linseed oil with Calcium carbonate, red or White lead and sometimes other inorganic fillers (Talc, Alum, Asbestos) Seal window to frame, fill defects in wood and metal; surround pipe joint Lead compounds accelerate drying; some components are toxic
Cement putty Concrete mortar
Gesso putty Gelatin with Chalk
Rubber (natural, vulcanized) 19th c to WWII gaskets, shock mounts, waterproof, can crack due to ozone
Polysulfide 1950s Any synthetic rubber vulcanized with sulfur (styrene-butadiene, Polyisoprene) Neoprene, Thiokol o-rings, pipe linings, building joints, and as sealants to fill joints in pavements, and glass/metal connections. may release sulfur; may contain PCBs; poor tensile strength; abrade easily; replaced in 1980s by silicone and urethane sealants
Butyl rubber 1950s Isobutylene-isoprene, Talc, Calcium carbonate, Mineral spirits, adhesion promoters primarily used outdoors for metal and masonry joints that may expand and contract (gutters) sticky and messy, but more resistant to sunlight than natural rubbers; combustible; paintable
Acrylic (solvent-based) 1958 solvent cured acrylic resin with Calcium carbonate, Silica, Solvent and plasticizers.
Silicone 1960s Silicone resin cured with moisture or peroxides; may contain Fumed silica, Calcium carbonate, ground Quartz, Carbon black, Talc, plasticizers, Acetone, Methylene chloride. Silastic, Clear Museum Gel used around plumbing fixtures; to caulk joints in bathroom tiles; seal gap on exterior walls/roofs around pipes and wirings water-repellent; long-life; wide temperature range; mold/mildew resistant; not paintable; poor adhesion; may release Acetic acid or Methanol on cure; may have residual curing compounds and silicone oils; may stain porous materials; some silicone caulks contain latex making them paintable but less durable
Polyurethane elastomers Polyurethane cured with moisture, Calcium carbonate, Titanium dioxide, aromatic naphthas and petroleum distillates. Vulkem primarily used for sealing cracks and expansion joints in driveways and other outdoor concrete surfaces. It's also suitable for filling and repairing cracks in masonry-stucco walls. very durable; abrasion resistant; flexible at low temperatures; combustible producing toxic fumes; may release acetic acid on curing, aging, or deterioration; susceptible to hydrolysis that may decrease adhesion
Vinyl latex late 1960s Vinyl (Polyvinyl acetate) with calcium carbonate, plasticizers Reprosil fill small gaps and blemishes in wood trim prior to painting inexpensive; may be painted and used outdoors; may evolve trace Acetic acid as it cures
Acrylic latex Butyl methacrylate, Calcium carbonate, water Flugger fill small gaps and blemishes in wood trim prior to painting inexpensive, fast-drying, and paintable; minimal shrinkage; used indoors

Synonyms and Related Terms

caulking (noun); caulk (verb); calking; cauking (sp.); sealant; putty; spackle; Kitt (Deut.); Glaserkitt (Deut.); Fensterkitt (Deut.); kalfatring (Dan.)

For this database, the term 'Caulking' will be used. This table tries to include most types of materials that have been used. For a specific comparison of commercial products, please see: Commercial caulking materials.

Resources and Citations

  • AIC Conservation Wiki: Caulk Sealants to Seal Exhibit Cases
  • Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
  • ASTM, "Standard Terminology Relating to Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related Products", Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 6, Paints, Related Coatings and Aromatics, ASTM, D16, 7-Jan, Jul-96
  • Dictionary of Building Preservation, Ward Bucher, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York City, 1996
  • Ivan Myjer, contributed information, 1998
  • Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caulking (Accessed Feb. 10, 2006)
  • Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997
  • The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

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