RTV adhesives, short for Room Temperature Vulcanizing adhesives, are a class of silicone-based materials that cure (or vulcanize) at room temperature to form flexible, rubber-like solids. Thanks to their versatility, durability, and resistance to environmental stress, RTV adhesives are widely used across industries including electronics, automotive, construction, and industrial manufacturing.
But what exactly are RTV adhesives? How do they work? And when should you choose them over other types of sealants or bonding agents? In this article, we’ll explore the fundamentals of RTV adhesive technology—and how you can apply it in your operations.
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What does “RTV” stand for?
“RTV” stands for Room Temperature Vulcanization, which refers to the adhesive’s ability to cure into an elastic, durable material without the need for elevated temperatures. Unlike heat-cured silicone or thermosetting adhesives, RTV adhesives begin curing as soon as they are exposed to atmospheric moisture (in the case of one-part systems) or after mixing two reactive components (in two-part systems).
RTV Silicone
RTV silicone is a specific type of room temperature vulcanizing material made from silicone polymers. Unlike traditional adhesives, RTV silicones cure to form a rubber-like elastomer and remain elastic after curing, offering outstanding thermal stability, electrical insulation, and long-term resistance to moisture, weathering, and chemicals.
These properties make RTV silicone ideal for demanding environments where both flexibility and durability are critical. Available in both one-part and two-part forms, RTV silicones are widely used in applications such as bonding glass in appliance doors, encapsulating sensitive electronic components, and sealing housings in automotive modules.
What sets RTV silicone apart from other adhesive types is its ability to maintain performance under extreme conditions—retaining elasticity at temperatures as low as -50°C and as high as 200°C or more. It adheres well to a broad range of substrates, including metal, glass, ceramics, and many plastics. For manufacturers looking for a balance between ease of use, reliability, and performance, RTV silicone is a proven solution across industries.
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| Insulcast RTVS 11 Two-part RTV Silicone Compound | Momentive RTV60 Silicone Rubber Compound |
RTV Silicone Gasket
An RTV silicone gasket is a formed-in-place (FIP) gasket created by applying RTV silicone directly onto a component to act as a flexible, custom-sealing layer. Unlike pre-cut solid gaskets, RTV silicone gaskets conform to complex geometries, fill micro-gaps, and cure in place to form a durable, high-performance seal. This makes them especially valuable in applications involving irregular surfaces or where component tolerances may vary.
RTV silicone gaskets are commonly used in automotive engine assemblies, electronic enclosures, appliance housings, and HVAC systems, where they prevent fluid, gas, or dust ingress while withstanding temperature extremes and vibration. Because they cure into rubber-like elastomers, they maintain sealing integrity even under pressure, movement, or thermal cycling. Manufacturers benefit from reduced inventory (no need to stock multiple gasket sizes), improved sealing performance, and easier automation. At Prostech, we offer RTV silicone gasket materials compatible with automated dispensing systems for high-speed production lines, as well as customizable formulations to match specific sealing environments.
Featured Products:
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| Bostik BOSTI-SIL 25™ 100% RTV Silicone Sealant | SNAPSIL™ RTV100 Series adhesive sealant | Momentive RTV108 Adhesive Sealants |
What to Notice When Using Silicone Adhesives
When using silicone adhesives—especially RTV silicones—it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure optimal performance and avoid process issues.
First, surface preparation is critical. While silicone adhesives can bond well to many substrates, surfaces should be clean, dry, and free of oils or contaminants. For low-energy materials (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene), primers or plasma surface treatment may be required to achieve strong adhesion.
Next, pay close attention to the curing conditions. One-part RTV silicones rely on ambient moisture to cure, so environmental factors like humidity and temperature will affect cure speed. In low-humidity environments, curing may be significantly delayed. Also, check for cure byproducts—acetoxy-based silicones, for example, release acetic acid, which may corrode sensitive electronics or metals.
In two-part RTV systems, accurate mixing ratios and thorough blending are essential. Inconsistent mixing can lead to poor mechanical strength or incomplete cure. It’s also important to monitor working time (pot life), especially in high-volume production, to avoid material waste.
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Additionally, consider thermal expansion, movement during cure, and compatibility with other materials. Silicone adhesives remain flexible after cure, but if excessive stress or misalignment occurs before curing is complete, bond integrity can be compromised.
Finally, ensure the silicone adhesive is certified for the intended application—such as UL Yellow Card for electronics or REACH compliance for cross-border manufacturing.
At Prostech, we help customers evaluate all these factors and provide technical guidance, material selection, and dispensing solutions for a reliable and efficient bonding process. Contact us for consultation!
