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Silicone is it Corrosive ??


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I just siliconed a 68uf solen cap to a small radio shack circuit board (I used a lot),that I was going to mount in my Heresy II as part of the crossover network. I was going to wait until the silicone cured (a few days) and than mount it in the speaker, but I read where silicone can be corrosive over time. I used Dow chem. 100% silicone (clear), and only used it on the cap and the board, it is not on any metal parts or is it the fumes that are corrosive even after it cures, I would hate to hurt any speaker windings, or other metal parts in the inside of the HeresyII encloser, did I mess up?15.gif

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Typically it shouldn't be corrosive after the curing process, but I do know that some types are reactive with respect to some of the solvents duing cure, while others are not, as evidenced by the 'safe' and 'unsafe/toxic' versions of silicone used in applications such as aquarium repair...

Good question!

Does anyone know just how to distinguish the types based on the labelling?

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Dow is the stuff to use. The GE consumer products have changed over time, for the worse IMHO, and I don't use them for technical applications. The bad thing about using viscous sealers to mount parts is that when you go to remove them, you must slip a blade between the component and the mounting surface, and the 'glue' stays on both pieces, pretty much forever. This is why I use clips or wire ties (with cushion tape if mounting capacitors) for my projects.

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Dow is the stuff to use. The GE consumer products have changed over time, for the worse IMHO, and I don't use them for technical applications. The bad thing about using viscous sealers to mount parts is that when you go to remove them, you must slip a blade between the component and the mounting surface, and the 'glue' stays on both pieces, pretty much forever. This is why I use clips or wire ties (with cushion tape if mounting capacitors) for my projects.

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The 68uf cap I'am using is big and heavy (about as big as a small spray paint can) and I didn't want it to fall off the cicuit board and be rattling around inside of the speaker when the speaker is moved around during the next fifteen years or so, I'am also going to wire it on the board for added support, I plan to do this crossover upgrade only once, and hope it lasts the life of my speakers and my ears, I'am 54 now and I guess when I'am in my 70s I won't be doing a whole lot of rock and rolling with my cane. or maybe I will!9.gif9.gif

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it CAN be corrosive during the curing process! it gives off acetic acid (that is the vineager smell) which can corrode metals, etc. if in a less than well ventialted area or in direct contact with metals. best bet is to try to buy the non-acid types (which can be found in electrical supply houses) or keep the thing is a good open area until fully cured. regards, tony

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Some of the RTV (Room Temperature Vulcaninzing) Silicones are non-corrosive, even those made by GE. You just have to make sure you get the right kind.

You need to look for those specifically made for the electronics industry.

You could use Dean's Quart-O-Hotglue method... 9.gif

Marvel

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WHen I worked for Gates Learjet, yes THOSE jets, we had several RTV compounds (room temperature vulcanizing for you propeller heads) known as silicone, There is high strength, high temp, and specialty NON-CORROSIVE ones made for use around electrical components. This would lead one to believe that standard RTV's are somewhat corrosive.

Michael

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I wouldn't doubt that the acid type outgassng can corrode some metals. Copper may be one.

OTOH, I see RTV used in general to caulk faucets, water valve collars, sink drains. There does not seem to be a problem. Granted those metal units are usually chrome plated.

Maybe we should do an experiment and put some on a bright copper penny.

Gil

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This is what I was looking for originally when I was going to repair the surrounds on a set of JBL woofers I used Weldbond per DJKs's advice, and they are working great.

One part RTV - non corrosive, by GE:

RTV

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Well, I guess I did use the wrong silicone for mounting the big cap. to the new circuit board, but it has been a few days since I did it and it is stuck on there good, not coming off, and it is cured , not smelling any more, I guess it is alright to mount in my Heresy II. I guess if anyone thought I really messed up using it, and it would hurt things over time I could cut it off with a knife and mount it on another radio shack circuit board using the right stuff when I found it. But from what I under stand if the silicone is not hitting any metal and it is fully cured I'am OK.2.gif

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"One part RTV - non corrosive, by GE:"

The "fast cure" time is 72 hours! It may take a week or longer if the relative humidity is low. At work we put goods to be cured in a 60% RH chamber for anywhere fron several hours to two days.

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I siliconed the cap to the board Friday afternoon and it seems now to be completely cured, so I guess it is safe, but I'am going to wait another day or so before I install it inside the Heresy II, no point in rushing it now. What I love about silicone is once you use it to bond something together, its not coming apart unless you cut it off with a very sharp knife.11.gif

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