Butyl sealant cords are reliable sealing materials that have been widely used for years across various industrial sectors. Thanks to their unique properties—such as durability, flexibility, airtightness, and aging resistance—they provide an effective solution where other materials often fail.
What Are Butyl Sealant Cords?
Butyl sealant cords are prefabricated, plastic sealing strips with a round, elliptical, or rectangular cross-section, made from butyl rubber (IIR). They are supplied in rolls or pre-cut lengths, ready for application without the need for mixing or curing.
Due to their permanent tackiness and self-adhesive properties, butyl cords conform to the substrate, forming a tight, flexible seal. Importantly, they retain their sealing performance for many years, even under harsh environmental conditions.
Technical Parameters of Butyl Cords
Selecting the right butyl cord depends on several key technical parameters. Here are the most important ones:
1. Diameter / Cross-Section (mm)
The cord size must match the gap it is intended to seal. Standard diameters range from 4 to 20 mm, though custom sizes are also available.
2. Density (g/cm³)
Typically falls between 1.4 and 1.6 g/cm³. A higher density may indicate a greater content of solid materials.
3. Penetration (dmm)
Indicates the softness of the material. The higher the penetration value, the more pliable the cord is and the better it adapts to surface irregularities.
4. MFI (Melt Flow Index)
Defines the flowability of the butyl mass, affecting application ease and behavior at elevated temperatures. This parameter is especially important in automated application systems.
5. Peel Strength (N/cm)
Measures adhesion to surfaces. Higher values mean stronger bonding and longer-lasting seals.
6. Temperature Resistance
Typical operating range is from -40°C to +90°C, although high-temperature variants are also available.
Applications of Butyl Sealant Cords
Butyl cords are used wherever long-lasting, flexible, and airtight seals are required. Common application areas include:
1. Construction
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Sealing roof and façade joints
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Installation of windows and doors
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Expansion joint and service penetration sealing
2. Automotive
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Sealing headlights and body parts
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Installing windows and decorative trims
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Vibration damping and acoustic insulation
3. Home Appliance Manufacturing
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Sealing refrigeration compartments
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Protecting enclosures from moisture
4. Energy & HVAC
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Sealing ventilation and air conditioning ducts
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Protection against dust and moisture
5. Glass Industry
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Sealing insulating glass units (as a spacer or secondary sealant)
Advantages of Butyl Cords
✅ Permanent flexibility with no curing required
✅ Excellent adhesion to various surfaces (metal, glass, plastics)
✅ Resistance to aging, UV radiation, and weather conditions
✅ Easy manual or machine application
✅ Zero emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC-free)
Conclusion
Butyl sealant cords are a versatile and dependable sealing solution used across many industries. With a wide range of technical parameters available, they can be easily tailored to meet the requirements of specific applications—whether in industrial or construction environments.
Need a Butyl Cord Tailored to Your Requirements?
Get in touch with our technical team—we’ll help you choose the right product, adjust its specifications to your application needs, and provide full implementation support.