Polyurethane Sealant Storage — One-Part Moisture-Cure Tank Selection

Storing Polyurethane Sealant? Start Here

If you're dealing with one-part moisture-cure polyurethane sealants, you're handling a versatile product used in construction, marine, and industrial settings. These sealants cure by reacting with moisture in the air, which can release carbon dioxide and cause bubbling in certain conditions. They're known for their flexibility and strong adhesion to various materials, making them ideal for movement joints and sealing applications. Whether you're storing them in cartridges, pails, or drums, understanding the right storage conditions is crucial to maintaining their quality.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

Yes, you can store finished polyurethane sealant in HDPE or XLPE tanks at the distributor and end-user level. However, if you're dealing with the raw NCO-prepolymer used in manufacturing the sealant, HDPE is not suitable. For manufacturer-scale storage of NCO-prepolymer, you'll need 304 stainless steel or epoxy-phenolic-lined carbon steel tanks to prevent moisture reaction and product degradation.

Key Issue: Moisture Sensitivity

The primary concern with polyurethane sealant storage is its sensitivity to moisture. The sealant cures by reacting with atmospheric moisture, which can lead to premature curing and bubbling if not stored properly. Ensure that storage conditions are dry and that containers are sealed tightly to prevent unwanted moisture exposure.

The safety that actually matters

• Ensure storage areas are dry to prevent unwanted curing.
• Use appropriate tanks for raw materials to avoid chemical reactions.
• Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use.

Common questions

Can I use HDPE tanks for all polyurethane sealant storage?

HDPE tanks are suitable for finished sealant storage but not for NCO-prepolymer.

What happens if moisture gets into the sealant?

Moisture can cause the sealant to cure prematurely and form bubbles, affecting its performance.

What materials are recommended for storing NCO-prepolymer?

Use 304 stainless steel or epoxy-phenolic-lined carbon steel tanks for NCO-prepolymer storage.