Bitumen Joint Sealant
Solvent-free hot melt compositions used as joint sealants, adhesives, or caulking compounds are formulated by blending elastomeric polymers with tackifying resins and plasticizers. These compounds achieve a Shore A Durometer hardness of at least 5 at room temperature while remaining soft enough above 50°F to be easily applied. Additives such as adhesion promoters, lubricants, and fillers enhance performance. These sealants are valued for their wide temperature stability, resistance to oxidation and weathering, and low moisture vapor transmission.
Applications of Hot Melt Bitumen Joint Sealant:
1. Construction Joints
Construction joint sealants are used to connect structural members orthogonally. Traditional connectors can be bulky and complex, requiring time-consuming on-site assembly and modification. Bitumen joint sealants offer a simpler, space-saving alternative with easier field application.
2. Expansion Joints
Expansion joint sealants are applied between components like cable trays to accommodate movement from thermal expansion or contraction. These joints use sliding body portions that move relative to each other, maintaining seal integrity under dimensional shifts.
3. Contraction Joints
Bitumen sealant for contraction joints helps control cracking in concrete. The joint includes a central projection and water stops to reduce stress and prevent buckling. These joints are ideal for concrete structures like canals or reservoirs, ensuring durability and structural integrity.
4. Isolation Joints
Isolation joint sealants are used around columns or block-outs in slabs. Reusable diamond-shaped forms are used during casting and removed afterward to leave clean joint gaps. These forms can be made from plastic, coated cardboard, or other materials and reused for multiple projects.