What Causes the Vinegar Smell in Silicone Sealants?

Discover why silicone has a vinegar smell due to acetic acid released during the curing process.

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Silicone smells like vinegar because it releases acetic acid during the curing process. This occurs especially in acetoxy-cure silicone sealants. The acetic acid, which smells like vinegar, is a byproduct of the chemical reaction that takes place as the silicone cures, which can last for several hours to a few days.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Is the vinegar smell from silicone harmful? While the smell can be strong, it's generally not harmful, but proper ventilation is recommended.
  2. How long does the vinegar smell from silicone last? The vinegar smell can last for several hours to a few days while the silicone cures.
  3. Can the smell of silicone be reduced? Yes, using low-odor silicone products can help minimize the vinegar smell during curing.
  4. What types of silicone produce vinegar smell? Acetoxy-cure silicone sealants are the primary types known to produce a vinegar smell.