Polysulfide adhesives possess a range of properties that are highly beneficial for their use in the aerospace industry. A key advantage is their remarkable resistance to jet fuel and other fuels, which makes them a trustworthy and ideal choice for sealing fuel tanks. Moreover, they are a good insulator and can be used to pot or seal electronic components within tanks. The flexibility of cured polysulfides enables them to withstand vibration, joint movement and impact experienced during travel. Additionally, they are resistant to thermal cycling and can endure temperatures ranging from -60ºF to 250ºF (-51ºC to 121ºC).
Polysulfides are not only useful for fuel tank applications, but they are also commonly applied for general fuselage sealing, such as filling gaps between floor panels. They have strong adhesion to materials used in aerospace manufacture, including aluminum, stainless steel and composites.
For many aerospace applications, polysulfides are the sealant of choice. Their combination of fuel resistance, adhesion, and flexibility cannot be matched by other adhesives and sealants.
Furthermore, modern formulations of polysulfides are lightweight and contribute to overall weight reduction in construction. They can be easily applied by brushing or troweling, and meter-mix and pre-mixed packaging is also available.
