What is MS Polymer Adhesive? A Complete Overview

MS Polymer Adhesives are a relatively new innovation in the world of adhesives. A brief overview of what MS Polymer Adhesives are, what their benefits are, and what they can be used for.

What MS means

MS stands for Modified Silicone. The technology was developed by Kaneka in Japan and is used in adhesives that need the flexibility of sealants with strong adhesion across many substrates.

What Are MS Polymer Adhesives?

MS Polymer adhesive, short for Modified Silane Polymer adhesive, is a unique formulation that combines the best features of silicone and polyurethane adhesives. This type of adhesive is renowned for its flexibility, durability, and excellent adhesion to a wide range of substrates. It is a moisture-curing system with similar properties to silicones and polyurethanes, but with distinct advantages. Although MS Polymer can be used in other industries, it is mainly used in adhesives and sealants for construction, automotive and DIY markets.

There are a wide variety of MS polymer formulations which can be adjusted to increase or decrease a certain property (like strength). These formulations can range from high-strength structural adhesives to low-strength sealants.

You will rarely find two-part MS polymers as they don’t require a hardener in the curing process. They will almost always be one-part (in a foil pack or cartridge). This is because MS polymers require moisture to cure. rt MS polymer

Two-part adhesive (not MS polymerIn the one-part option, they use the moisture levels in the air to cure. Most companies are happy with the cure speed of one-part options. Although, if you want an MS polymer with a faster cure, there are two-part options that increase the moisture levels which then speeds up the cure.

The Hybrid Nature: Silicone + Polyurethane

This hybrid technology perfectly bridges the gap between older adhesive types. From silicone, it borrows the ability to survive intense sunlight and resist water. From polyurethane, it takes mechanical toughness, resistance to scratching and wear, and paintability.

• Better Sticking Power: Pure silicones often need a primer to stick to rough, porous surfaces. MS hybrids stick to concrete and stone right out of the tube.

• Long-term Durability: Unlike polyurethanes, MS polymers won't turn yellow, crack, or shrink away when exposed to the weather.

• Safe on Sensitives: They are chemically neutral. It means they won't cause rust or damage to metals or delicate items like the silver backing on mirrors.

• The Painting Advantage: A unique benefit of MS polymers is their wet-on-wet compatibility. This means you can paint right over the adhesive immediately after applying it.

Key Properties and Benefits of MS Polymer Sealant

1. Adhesion Power and Versatility

MS Polymers are very versatile. They get a strong grip on a lot of materials/substrates. They adhere directly to surfaces without a base coat and accelerate work on the job site. MS polymer adhesives bond to damp or even fully wet surfaces, so a sudden downpour won't delay your project.

The mixture is thick and stays right where you apply it. You can use it on walls or ceilings and not have to worry about it sagging or dripping down. Once dry, the material is permanently flexible. It can stretch and contract with building movements of up to 50%.

2. Weather and Sun Resistance

These are adhesives built for outdoor durability. Special light stabilizers and antioxidants are added to them. These prevent material from changing its color in the sun. They can easily stand freezing cold and boiling hot temperatures from -40°C to +100°C. In actual desert climates, MS polymers have been found to last 7 years in the sun without cracking or loss of grip.

3. Safe, Clean, and Eco-Friendly

If safety and the environment are priorities, MS polymers are one of the best options available. They contain absolutely no harmful chemical compounds like isocyanates. It means they won't cause irritation to the worker applying the adhesive. There are no liquid solvents in the mix. It leaves them with no smell, making them highly safe to use indoors. It is also the main reason why they have ultra-low VOC levels and easily pass strict environmental building standards like LEED and GreenGuard. They are easier to ship and store. Absence of phthalates and halogens makes it perfect for eco-friendly building projects. 

4. Looks Good and Paints Easily

Finally, MS polymers give you total control over how the final project looks. Unlike silicone, which repels paint, you can easily paint over MS polymers. They use standard water-based house paints. In case your house is made with premium material, you can use these adhesives. They won't leave dark and oily stains. This is because they don't contain the specific chemical plasticizers that cause oil migration.

You can get them in standard colors: white, black, and grey. They come in custom colors or crystal clear, depending on the supplier. Once it cures, the surface is tack-free, so it doesn't collect dust and dirt over time. The glue will not shrink up as it dries. The seal remains as smooth and tidy as when you put it on.

Applications of MS Sealant in Modern Construction

MS polymers are the go-to choice for holding modern buildings together, both inside and out. Beyond everyday construction, the unique chemistry of MS polymers makes them perfect for highly specialized and demanding environments. Here are some of the key applications in modern construction:

How to Choose the Right MS Adhesive

When deciding which exact formula to use, you need to match the adhesive's properties to the physical demands of your specific job:

Movement Ratings: Look at how much the building gap is expected to shift. Pick a rating that allows for 25%   movement (Class 25) for standard window and door frames. If you are working with large curtain walls or metal panels, choose a Class 50.

Flexibility and Stiffness: A softer, highly flexible formula with low modulus is perfect for gaps that move a lot. It lowers the stress exactly at the bond line. Conversely, a high modulus is the right choice for static structural bonding.

Getting the Right Joint Design: For gaps that will regularly shift, such as dynamic joints, always shape the sealant so that it is exactly twice as wide as it is deep (2:1 width-to-depth ratio). To achieve this and to ensure the glue performs properly, always push a backer rod into the gap first. This stops the adhesive from sticking to the bottom of the gap, ensuring it only stretches between the two side walls.

Initial Tack: If you are performing heavy-duty vertical bonding, opt for a high-tack version. This formulation provides an instant, incredibly strong hold right out of the tube without needing extra clamps or support while it dries.

Cure Time: Always read the product's technical data sheet for two key timeframes. First, check how long it takes before the surface is no longer sticky to the touch. The tact time should be 10 to 30 minutes. Second, look at the curing rate, which is usually a depth of approximately 3mm per 24 hours.

Conclusion

In summary, MS Polymer adhesive is a powerful and versatile adhesive solution that caters to a wide range of applications in the construction, automotive, marine, and DIY sectors. Its unique properties, including strong bonding capabilities, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors, make it an exceptional choice for various projects. As a leading MS polymer sealants supplier , KASTAR encourage you to consider MS Polymer adhesive for your next project.

By understanding its composition, benefits, and applications, you can make an informed decision and achieve high-quality results. Whether you're a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, MS Polymer adhesive offers the reliability and performance you need to ensure the success of your projects. Don't hesitate to explore the possibilities that MS Polymer adhesive can bring to your work!

Contact KASTAR today and visit their website https://www.kastargrout.com/ms-sealant.html. Speak with a technical expert or to request free product samples for your upcoming project.

KASTAR MS Sealants Recommend:

As leading ms polymer sealant manufacturers, there are many silane modified polymer sealants are popular in the market.

1. High Tack Environment MS Sealant

No formaldehyde, no solvent, low odor.

High adhesion, excellent impact resistance, can directly bond fixed objects.

Temperaturerange: -40℃~90℃.

Neutralcuring, no corrosion on the substrates.

2. Construction All Purpose MS Polymer Sealant

Eco friendly, no odor, low VOC, very safe.

No shrinkage after full dry.

Waterproof, weatherproof

Paintable

3. MS Polymer Wood Flooring Adhesive

Ready for use, no mixing required, can be troweled easily

For all types of woodflooring

Solvent and water-free

Waterproof & flexible

4. Clear MS Polymer Mirror Glass Sealant

Do not contain solvent, silicone, isocyanate, halogens or acids

Over-paintable with water based Paints

Excellent adhesion on nearly all surfaces, even if slightly moist.

Permanent elasticity after curing. Do not crack, no shrinkage.

5. Anti-mildew MS polymer sealant

Low VOC content, easy to apply, can be painted for a clean surface finish.

Neutralcuring, no corrosion on the substrates.

Displacement capacity 20.

Excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Curing time: Approximately 24 hours, 1 mm (depending on conditions).

Application temperature range: 5℃ to 40℃

FAQs

Q1: What is the chemical structure and curing process of MS Polymer?

The MS polymer cures when it reacts with atmospheric moisture. Air moisture hydrolyzes and cures terminal methoxysilane groups. In the process, some methanol vaporizes. This creates reactive silanols. A continuous 3D siloxane network forms from them.

Q2: How do MS polymers outperform older adhesive technologies?

Pure silicones need primers to cling to rough, porous surfaces. MS polymer hybrids stick to concrete and stone directly out of the tube. MS polymers won't yellow, break, or shrink in the weather like polyurethanes. They are chemically neutral. Additionally, they provide wet-on-wet compatibility, which allows painting over the adhesive.

Q3: Why are MS polymers considered an eco-friendly and safe option?

Safe and environmentally friendly, MS polymers are a top choice. No isocyanates or other hazardous chemicals. They won't irritate the adhesive applier. No liquid solvents are present. It eliminates their odor, making them safe indoors. They also have ultra-low VOCs and easily satisfy LEED and GreenGuard environmental construction standards because of this.