ELASTOSIL® E43

Moisture Curing Silicone Rubber (RTV-1)
ELASTOSIL® E43 TRANSPARENT is a self levelling, one-component acetoxy-cure silicone rubber which cures at room
temperature under the influence of atmospheric moisture.
It shows excellent mechanical properties, has good adhesion properties to many substrates. In particular used as adhesive
on cured silicone rubber

Properties
• moderately self-levelling
• excellent adhesion on cured silicone rubber
• high-tear grade
• recommended service temperature from -45 °C to +180 °C
• max. recommended short term peak temperature exposure 200°C

Specific features
• Excellent mechanical properties
• Solvent-free

Technical data

Application

• Appliances Industry
• Automotive, Aerospace & Railway
• Bonding & Sealing
• Formed-In-Place-Gaskets (Wet Type)
• Industrial Assembly
• Ready-to-Use Silicone Sealants – General Applications
• Small Appliances

Application details
Multipurpose sealant and adhesive for general industry and electronics for FIPG applications. Particularly suitable as
adhesive on cured rubber or silicone coated textiles like seam sealing.

Processing
ELASTOSIL® E43 is a ready-to-use, one-part silicone rubber which starts curing when exposed to air moisture. Typical
curing characteristics are given in the table “Properties Uncured”.
As RTV-1 silicones require humidity for curing, free access of air moisture to the silicone rubber is essential. Additionally, the
vulcanization time of ELASTOSIL® E43 can be greatly reduced by increasing the level of air’s relative humidity. Please note
that, unlike the initial skin formation, the total curing rate of RTV-1 silicones is limited by moisture’s diffusion speed in
silicone rubber.
As increasing the curing temperature has just a minor effect both on the skin forming time and the curing speed,
ELASTOSIL® E43 typically is vulcanized at room temperature. Heat curing is recommended only for applications where the
silicone rubber is applied as a thin film (thickness less than 0.5 mm), because otherwise blistering is likely to occur due to
the quick release of acetic acid.
After completion of the vulcanization the silicone elastomer may continuously be exposed to constantly changing climatic
conditions, UV radiation and high temperature without damage. Cured ELASTOSIL® E43 usually shows good primerless
adhesion to many substrates, e.g. glass, ceramics, metals, plastics and powder coatings.
Removal: If removal of the silicone from machines or dispensing equipment is necessary, white spirit or similar nonpolar
solvents are recommended. However, cleaning ideally should take place before the silicone rubber is fully vulcanized. Cured
silicone needs to be rubbed off or removed mechanically, if necessary in combination with a swelling agent (solvent) or a
chemical silicone remover ELASTOSIL E43 shows good primerless adhesion to many substrates. We recommend running
preliminary tests to optimize conditions for the particular application.

Detailed information about the processing of RTV-1 silicones is given in our brochure “ROOM TEMPERATURE
VULCANIZING (RTV) SILICONES – MATERIAL AND PROCESSING GUIDELINES”.

Packaging and storage
Storage
The ‘Best use before end’ date of each batch is shown on the product label.
Storage beyond the date specified on the label does not necessarily mean that the product is no longer usable. In this case
however, the properties required for the intended use must be checked for quality assurance reasons.

Safety notes
During vulcanization of ELASTOSIL® E43 TRANSPARENT, a total of 4% by weight of acetic acid is split off. These vapours
should not be inhaled for long periods or in high concentration. Work areas should therefore be well ventilated. Contact of
unvulcanized silicone rubber with eyes and mucous membranes must be avoided as this would cause irritation. However if
it does happen, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.
Comprehensive instructions are given in the corresponding Material Safety Data Sheets. They are available on request from
WACKER subsidiaries or may be printed via WACKER web site http://www.wacker.com.

Packaging and storage
Packaging
This product is available in 0.8 kg bottles, 20 kg pails and 150 kg drums.
Storage
Important Note:
ELASTOSIL® AUX G 3243 is sensitive towards humidity. In contact with moisture the liquid primer becomes turbid and the
adhesive strength of the primer is impaired. ELASTOSIL® AUX G 3243 should therefore be stored in a sealed container
after usage. In addition, it is strongly recommended to stir or shake the primer thoroughly before applying.
The ‘Best use before end’ date of each batch is shown on the product label. Storage beyond the date specified on the
label does not necessarily mean that the product is no longer usable. In this case however, the properties required for the
intended use must be checked for quality assurance reasons.

Safety notes
Comprehensive instructions are given in the corresponding Material Safety Data Sheets. They are available on request from
WACKER subsidiaries or may be printed via WACKER web site http://www.wacker.com.