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Home » Ask Dr. Dave
Ask Dr. Dave

Ask Dr. Dave

December 1, 2008
Dave Dunn Ph.D.
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In his December 2008 column, Dr. Dave discusses sealants appropriate for use on freezers and the use of threadlockers for assembling screws into plastics.

Question: I noticed that the sealant in my -86°C freezer is coming off.  I would like to replace it, but can you tell me if so-called “normal” window and door silicone sealants are appropriate for that temperature range?

Answer: Exposure to low temperature affects most elastomeric materials, resulting in decreased compression and possible leakage. Extreme cold also affects seals by making them less flexible and brittle. However, you will find that most silicones will still give some flexibility at the low temperature of your freezer. Although silicone manufacturers do offer some special low-temperature grades, I would be surprised if a window and door sealant grade didn’t work for you. You should certainly make sure that the silicone is fully cured at room temperature before exposing it to low temperature.



Question: Can I use a threadlocking adhesive for assembling screws into plastics?

Answer: You have to be very careful when using anaerobic sealants on plastics. Though anaerobics usually don’t present problems for thermoset plastics (e.g., fiberglass or epoxy), they can cause crazing and cracking when the liquid is in contact with several thermoplastics for an extended period of time. The secret to preventing this is to convert the liquid to a solid very quickly by using an activator. In extreme cases, or when it is not possible or convenient to use an activator, you can use a cyanoacrylate-based threadlocker.

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Ask Dr. Dave is written by Dave Dunn, Ph.D., of F.L.D.Enterprises, a technical consultancy and full-service industrial market-research firm specializing in the adhesives, sealants, specialty rubbers and plastics fields. Dave is a former vice president and director of Loctite Corp. and has spent many years in troubleshooting adhesive and sealant problems. Questions for publication should be directed to him at 242 Trails End, Aurora OH 44202; phone (440) 477-5164; fax (330) 247-1690; or email DrDave242@windstream.net .

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