Silicone sealants consistently outperformed polyurethane and acrylic counterparts in nearly every category. Acetoxy silicone (which is cured by releasing acetic acid) demonstrated exceptional durability, maintained superior surface condition, and exhibited 100 percent elastic recovery even after decades of exposure. However, alkoxy silicone (cured by releasing a neutral methanol, so it is safer for the environment), was compatible with a broader range of surfaces and materials, and, despite seeing slight performance decline in its fourth decade, maintained strong flexibility and resilience, continuing to outperform polyurethane and acrylic alternatives over the long term.

Another key insight from the study was the importance of maintaining strong adhesive bonds while remaining flexible to accommodate structural movement – a key to long-term weatherproofing. This is precisely what SilPruf is designed to offer — and why Momentive sealants are used on so many buildings in the world, from the Mira Tower in San Francisco to the Central Park Tower in New York, or the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, all the way to the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Pudong International Airport in Shanghai.

Momentive is Part of the Solution for building projects worldwide.

By combining long-term durability, strong adhesion, lower VOC emissions, and reliable performance across demanding conditions, Momentive sealants help support safer, more resilient, and more efficient building projects around the world.

That is why Momentive silicones for building are Part of the Solution.