Joint compound is an indispensable sealant for ensuring a watertight seal between two surfaces. Commonly used in the mechanical, automotive and maintenance industries, it plays a key role in preventing liquid flow or gas leakage. It is also essential for components requiring water resistance, such as water pumps. Loctite gasket paste, a benchmark brand, is renowned for its reliability and resistance to extreme conditions such as heat, pressure and vibration.

There are several types of paste, each with characteristics adapted to specific uses:

Silicone gasket paste: Widely used for its excellent resistance to high temperatures and its flexibility, even after curing. It's perfect for engines and gearboxes, providing a watertight seal between engine parts. It is also ideal for oil and gearbox housings.
Anaerobic joint paste: This paste hardens only in the absence of air, making it ideal for tight metal surfaces. It is often used for threads, flanges and fittings. It is also ideal for intake and exhaust manifolds.
High-temperature joint paste: Formulated for extreme environments, it resists temperatures in excess of 300°C and is essential in industrial applications exposed to high heat. It is also used to seal covers and other components subjected to harsh conditions.

Definition and use of joint compound

Joint compound is an essential product in the plumbing and automotive industries. Made from synthetic polymers, joint compound, or paste, comes in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit specific uses.

In plumbing, it is applied to threaded plastic or metal fittings, guaranteeing a perfect seal on hot or cold water pipes, as well as on steam or compressed air lines. In automotive engineering, it is essential for the assembly and repair of parts such as engines, pumps and cylinder head gaskets. It offers long-lasting protection against corrosion, chemicals and mechanical and thermal stress.

Easy to apply and clean, they provide a reliable, long-lasting seal, resistant to water, heat and vibration. In short, gasket paste is an essential product for guaranteeing the watertightness and durability of plumbing installations and mechanical vehicle components.

How does joint sealing paste work?

It creates a sealing barrier by solidifying when applied between two cleaned surfaces. The proper functioning of many mechanisms depends on the seal provided by joint compound. The curing process varies according to the type of paste: some dry in air, while others react on contact with metal in the absence of oxygen. Once cured, the paste forms a solid seal that withstands high pressures and temperatures, thus preventing leaks. The flexibility of some products, such as silicone joint compound, compensates for surface imperfections and ensures better adhesion.

Characteristics and types of silicone joint compounds

Silicone sealants are distinguished by their specific characteristics, adapted to a variety of uses. They are designed to resist extreme temperatures, water, oils and fuels, making them indispensable in demanding environments. For example, some gasket pastes are formulated to withstand very high or very low temperatures, while others are specially designed for specific applications such as the repair of cylinder head gaskets or oil pumps.

Available in a range of capacities, they can be purchased in cans for intensive use, or in tubes for targeted applications. They are easy to apply and require no complex tooling, making them ideal for use in a variety of contexts. Once applied, these pastes offer long-lasting protection against water, heat and vibration, guaranteeing optimum sealing.