Can acrylic sealants be made transparent?
Can acrylic sealants be made transparent?
The cost of transparency: Possible performance degradation:
Removing titanium dioxide may reduce UV resistance and anti-yellowing properties (titanium dioxide acts as a UV shield).
Reducing fillers may affect strength and sag resistance.
Higher cost: Transparent fillers and elaborate purification processes increase production costs.
Storage stability: Transparent formulations are more susceptible to impurities, potentially causing flocculation or delamination.
Alternatives:
Transparent silicone sealant:
If high clarity and weather resistance are required (e.g., for glass and shower enclosures), silicone sealant is a better choice (but may not offer the same adhesion as acrylic).
MS-modified silane sealant:
Some brands offer transparent versions that offer both weather resistance and adhesion (but at a higher price).
Water-based transparent polyurethane:
There are a few environmentally friendly transparent sealant options (but with higher application requirements).