Polyether-Based Sealants and Adhesives Offer Performance, Safety and Low VOCs

Words: Dan Kamys/Public/News/20110705111000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="NovaLink is a moisture curing, polyether sealant designed for application in damp, dry or cold climates." />
NovaLink is a moisture curing, polyether sealant designed for application in damp, dry or cold climates.
Polyether-based sealants and adhesives, the advanced formulation polymers that have overtaken urethane and silicone products in Japan and Europe, are now becoming the new standard among some U.S. architects and contractors for use throughout the entire building envelope from foundation to roof.

Since being designated by the Adhesive Sealant Council as a unique product category last year, the use of polyether-based sealants has nearly doubled for both new construction and repair work. The driving forces behind this increased popularity are the superior performance and environmental compliance characteristics of polyether based sealants and adhesives, compared with many urethane- and silicone-type products.

Another important factor: Because these advanced sealants and adhesives contain no solvents, they produce few Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). This is not only an environmental benefit, but also it makes polyether-based products compliant with increasingly stringent local and state VOC regulations.

VOCs are substances that evaporate into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change, chronic respiratory disorders and cancer. Many sealants that produce VOCs are also flammable, produce irritating odors and tend to degrade over time.

Rewriting the Book

Once a polyether-based sealant or adhesive is applied, it reacts with moisture in the air and cross-links to form a tough, long lasting, flexible chain. It cures rapidly, adheres to a wide range of materials, meets the toughest standards for joint movement, won’t shrink and won’t suntan.

Chem Link Advanced Architectural Products in Schoolcraft, Mich., has developed and popularized the use of polyether compounds throughout the United States, and the developed of a variety of products that address assorted adhesive and sealant requirements throughout the building envelope.

No More Shrinkage

Polyether-based adhesives and sealants are cured by water it draws from the air, so there are no solvents to evaporate and cause shrinkage. Because these products cure from the top down and the bottom up, they are watertight and fairly durable within 10-20 minutes, though they typically take two to three weeks to completely cure when, as Graham notes, they become hard as a hockey puck but remain “remarkably” flexible.

The Power of Green

Although the polyether adhesives and sealants were initially popular because of superior performance properties, its no-solvent chemistry has added to sales more recently. In using these products, contractors don’t have to worry about confined spaces, flammability or that they will contaminate some other material.

For more information, visit www.chemlinkinc.com.
Midyear - A Well-Earned Reward
August 2025

As managers or owners involved in the masonry industry, there are of course some perks that land on your plate. Such as a lot of extended workhours, calls, texts, and emails on weeknights or on weekends. The stresses, anxieties, pressures, and responsib

GEN NXT: Ashley Harris
August 2025

This month, the MCAA had the chance to talk with Ashley Harris from Washington, a mason who is determined by doubters and her ability to prove people wrong. Read about her story and why she chose masonry over any other trade. Ashley found her calling in

Masonry in the Media: Amber Palace, Brandenburg Gate, & More
August 2025

The impressive masonry structures around the world make up the scenery in each of these films as they can transport the audience to the past or demonstrate the strength of timeless masonry to the viewer at home. Each structure adds to the stories they are

Outreach Outlook: Back to School and Building Stronger Together
August 2025

As the summer winds down and we turn the page toward a new academic year, I hope everyone had an opportunity to rest, recharge, and reconnect with family and friends. These quiet moments help us return to our work with a renewed sense of purpose and energ