Will Silicone adhere to Epoxy?

[SoFloReefer]

Also will Epoxy adhere to Silicone?

 

[GlassReef]

No - I can attest to the fact it does not!

 

[JRechcygl]

Nope glass to glass

 

[AcroSteve]

Silicone will adhere to epoxy.

Tell us more Glassreef.

 

[SoFloReefer]

This is to make a 45 degree seal between a PVC pipe and an epoxy tank. I am planning on using a rough sand paper on the surfaces before I apply the silicone.

 

[norskfisk]

I have sealed a glass windows into epoxy coated tanks. It is common to do that. I have made a box out of two pieces of epoxy coated plywood and glued it shut with silicone. Then using it as a heat exchanger for my diy chiller. See my homepage for details. So my impression is that it works. But you must sand carefully and degrease with solvent first of course. I have also done something similar to what you described to seal a pvc tube to a hole in an epoxy tank.

 

[wizsmaster]

I cannot chime in on the subject of wether it works or not, have never tried.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13108758#post13108758 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by norskfisk
I have sealed a glass windows into epoxy coated tanks. It is common to do that.

I understand this is done allot, same with acrylic panes & silicone ... but is that not usually more of a gasket rather than an adhesion bond?
I believe Bill Wann used black silicone as a "gasket" between the acrylic pane & the concrete walls to hold his pane in place & seal.
Also most public or large aquaria use this method ... but i was under the impression it is a gasket more than anything. With the force of the water behind the panel, it will squish it tight. ?!

Again .. I'm not sure .. this was my impression & please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[AcroSteve]

Yes, it does serve as a gasket. But, the adhesion is very strong also, or the glass would fall out during any transport.

 

[Rwinfrey]

he used marine 5200 by 3m it is available at boat stores black or white

 

[SoFloReefer]

So that is the reef safe silicone that has been eluding me?

 

[SoFloReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13108758#post13108758 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by norskfisk
I have sealed a glass windows into epoxy coated tanks. It is common to do that. I have made a box out of two pieces of epoxy coated plywood and glued it shut with silicone. Then using it as a heat exchanger for my diy chiller. See my homepage for details. So my impression is that it works. But you must sand carefully and degrease with solvent first of course. I have also done something similar to what you described to seal a pvc tube to a hole in an epoxy tank.

I read your site on your tank build. Very interesting. How would you suggest preparing the surface. I am going to sand it, whip is clean with a wet towel, then use isopropyl alcohol, then whip again with a wet, then dry towel. Is this sufficient?

The pipes are all sealed with epoxy btw the silicone will just be for my peace of mind.

 

[norskfisk]

Alcohol is a pretty weak solvent I think. I used toluen. Acetone can also work.

1. Cleaned with toluen.
2. Sanded.
3. Vacum cleaned.
4. Cleaned with toluen.

About silicone as a gasket:
No I don't think it can work as a gasket because it is too hard. The water pressure is too low to deform it. I have seen 2 cases of people having acrylic/epoxy tanks leak because of problems with getting silicone to adhere to acrylic.