Hybrid Adhesives – Professionals Ask, Tytan Answers
Hybrid adhesives and sealants are taking the contractor world by storm. Their great advantages include a fast initial grip, accelerated curing time and the ability to apply to sensitive surfaces. Hybrid technology raises many questions among contractors. In this article, you’ll find answers to ten of the most common questions we hear.
During our webinars/meetings with contractors, we hear many questions about hybrid technology. We decided to compile these questions in one place to help you understand even better how installation adhesives and sealants work with hybrid technology. We have focused on four key items from the TYTAN portfolio. These are mounting adhesives FIX² GT and FIX² High Tack, and sealing adhesives FIX² Elastic and FIX² Clear . Below are the most frequently asked questions about these products.
- How is the resistance of hybrid products to aging and UV radiation?
- Are Tytan Professional brand hybrids labeled as FIX²?
- Are there materials for which hybrids are not suitable?
- Can hybrids be used outdoors?
- Is hybrid technology suitable for sensitive substrates?
- Can hybrids withstand varying temperatures and be used outdoors in expansion joints?
- Does FIX² GT really cure in 3 hours?
- Can hybrids be used as a roofing sealant on roofs?
- Do hybrids discolor natural stone?
- Which adhesive is suitable for the installation of interior fins?
How is the resistance of hybrid products to aging and UV radiation?
TYTAN responds: Hybrid products are designed to resist long-term UV exposure and aging. As a result, even after many years of outdoor use, they retain their properties such as flexibility, adhesive strength and tightness. UV radiation can cause degradation of building materials, but hybrids are enriched with special stabilizers that protect them from the harmful effects of the sun. Therefore, they are ideal for outdoor applications where they are exposed to direct sunlight and weathering.
Are Tytan Professional brand hybrids labeled as FIX²?
TYTAN replies: Yes, FIX² is a line of hybrid products from TYTAN that includes both adhesives and sealants. These products combine the best features of different types of adhesives and sealants, such as silicones, acrylics, and polyurethanes. FIX² provides versatility, reliability, and high performance in a variety of construction applications, from the installation of heavy components to delicate finishes.
Are there materials for which hybrids are not suitable?
TYTAN replies: Hybrids do not bond Teflon (PTFE) and some types of plastics, such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), which are considered non-glueable. Specialized adhesives or mechanical methods like welding are usually used to bond such materials. Apart from these exceptions, hybrid adhesives are safe and effective for most standard construction materials, including metals, glass, wood, concrete and many others.
Can hybrids be used outdoors?
TYTAN replies: Yes, hybrid adhesives and sealants are excellent for outdoor applications. They are characterized by high resistance to changing weather conditions, including rain, snow, frost and UV radiation. However, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight may cause slight yellowing, but this does not affect the strength or adhesive properties of and sealants. When fully cured, they can withstand loads of up to 400 kg per 10 cm² for FIX² GT. This makes them ideal for refining and assembly exterior components such as facades, panels, skirting boards and more.
Is hybrid technology suitable for sensitive substrates?
TYTAN responds: Hybrid products are formulated to be chemically neutral and safe for sensitive surfaces such as mirrors, marble and aluminum. They contain no solvents or isocyanates, which means they will not discolor substrates or cause corrosion.
Can hybrids withstand varying temperatures and be used outdoors in expansion joints?
TYTAN responds: Yes, the hybrid products are designed to work in a wide range of temperatures, from negative to very high. They can withstand repeated freeze-thaw cycles and temperature changes, making them ideal for outdoor applications such as expansion joints. They can be used in areas exposed to wide temperature fluctuations and weathering, providing durable and flexible joints.
Does FIX² GT really cure in 3 hours?
TYTAN replies: Yes, FIX² GT is unique because of its fast curing time – after just 3 hours it reaches its full strength of 400 kg per 10 cm². This makes it possible to fully use the glued elements in a very short time after installation. This is possible thanks to a special formula that allows rapid curing under the influence of moisture from the air. To ensure full curing, apply the adhesive in strips or spot and do not completely cut it off from access to moisture, and avoid applying too much product.
Can hybrids be used as a roofing sealant on roofs?
TYTAN responds: Yes, dedicated hybrid products for roofing applications are excellent for that. They can withstand high temperatures of up to 90 °C, allowing them to be used on heated roof surfaces. Thanks to their flexibility and resistance to UV and other atmospheric conditions, hybrid products provide durable and tight joints on roofs.
Do hybrids discolor natural stone?
TYTAN responds: Hybrids are chemically neutral products, which means they are safe for natural stone and do not cause discoloration. Natural stones such as marble and granite are often sensitive to chemicals, but hybrid adhesives are formulated not to react with these materials. As a result, they can be safely used to install and seal natural stone, providing aesthetically pleasing and durable joints.
Which adhesive is suitable for the installation of interior fins?
TYTAN responds: FIX² GT is best suited for installing interior lamellas, especially if you want a fast installation and quick loading of the lamellas. FIX² GT provides a fast initial grip and high strength after just 3 hours. If the laths will not be loaded immediately, you can also use FIX² High Tack, which provides good adhesion and cures in 24 hours, reaching a strength of 220 kg per 10 cm². Both adhesives are safe for different materials and provide durable bonds.