Effects of early movement on the performance of sealed joints

It is known that cyclic building movement is a major factor in the degradation of sealants in sealed joints [1,2]. It has also been suggested that large and rapid cyclic movement in combination with other degrading agents can have a severe and synergistic degrading effect [3]. All modern polymeric sealants derive their characteristic material properties of strength, modulus and ability to withstand cyclic movement when they “cure” and their molecular chains cross-link [4].