Prior
to the 1900s, most sealants evolved from vegetable, animal or mineral
substances. The development of modern polymeric sealants coincided with the
development of the polymer industry itself, sometime in the early 1930s. This
article examines what sealants are and how they function.
Sealants are broadly used in a variety of commercial and residential
applications. Common sealants include silicones, acrylics, urethanes, butyls
and other polymeric types. Various formulations have been developed over the
years that meet performance specifications as mandated by building codes, as
well as per the specific and unique needs of the end user.
The Freedonia Group Inc., a Cleveland-based market-research firm, projects U.S. sealant
and caulk demand to rise 3.4% per year over the 2006-2011 period to 3.0 billion
pounds. Sealants find use in a range of applications, including construction,
automotive and aerospace markets. Improving activity in key end-use industries,
particularly the motor vehicle, aerospace and nonresidential construction
sectors, will be the likely cause of this increase.
In value terms, the company expects demand to grow 4.3% annually through 2011
to $7.5 billion, supported by a continued shift in the product mix toward
better performing and higher value formulations. Silicone sealant and caulk demand
is forecast to advance 3.9% annually between 2006 and 2011 - the fastest pace
of all the product segments - to $775 million. Expanding use will be
based on silicone’s excellent weatherability and longevity, as well as wide
temperature range.
The construction market will continue to dominate sealant and caulk demand in
2011, with demand of 1.5 billion pounds based on projected annual gains of 2.9%
from 2006. Advances will be supported by strong activity in the
nonresidential and nonbuilding sectors.
The motor vehicle and aerospace and other transportation sectors are expected
to offer the best opportunities for sealants and caulks through 2011, supported
by recovering production of both automobiles and aerospace equipment.