TM 1-1500-204-23-6
CHAPTER 6
ADHESIVES, SEALANT, AND CEMENTS
6-1. General. Precautionary measures, preparation of surfaces, mixing, and curing procedures for various adhesives,
sealants, and cements are explained below.
a.
Precautionary Measures. Precautionary measures to be complied with during handling and storage of cements
and sealants are listed below.
(1) Toxic vapors. Many of the materials listed may be flammable or may produce toxic vapors. When using any
material designated as flammable, all sources of ignition must be at least 50 feet away from the location of the work.
Toxic vapors are defined as vapors produced by the evaporation of a solvent. Prolonged exposure to these vapors may
cause discomfort or be harmful to life.
(2) Confined spaces. When using toxic or flammable materials in confined places such as fuel cells, fuselage,
or wing sections, adequate local exhaust ventilation shall be used to reduce vapors below the maximum allowable
concentration. In emergencies, or when operations of short duration make the provision of local exhaust ventilation
impracticable, personal protective equipment such as air supply respirators, oxygen supply respirators, or approved
chemical cartridge respirators shall be used.
(3) Storage area. The storage area shall be cool and dry, preferably dark, and fireproof. Fire extinguishers of
the foam or carbon dioxide type shall be provided.
(4) Issue. Materials shall be issued in order of date of manufacture shown on the labels. Materials bearing the
oldest date shall be issued first.
b.
Preparation of Surface. The primary requirement for proper installation of cements and sealants is thoroughly
cleaned areas to which the material is to be applied. The surfaces must be free of contaminating substances, such as
dirt, dust, and grease, before applying cement or sealant. This will require preliminary cleaning, buffing (in some cases),
and final cleaning.
WARNING
Use solvents in a well-ventilated area. Keep away from open flames. Avoid prolonged
contact with skin. Fire, injury, or death may occur.
(1) Cleaning agent. Clean metal prior to final cleaning using applicable cleaning agent from the following:
methyl isobutyl ketone, ASTM D1153; methyl ethyl ketone, Federal Specification TT-M-261; aromatic naphtha, Federal
Specification TT-N-97; ethyl acetate, Federal Specification TT-E-751; or dry cleaning solvent, Federal Specification P-D-
680.
(2) Drying. Do not allow cleaning agent to evaporate before wiping dry with cloth, or it will redeposit soils on
surface. Never dip cloth used for cleaning into a fresh supply of cleaning fluid after it has once touched surface to be
cleaned.
(3) Alternate cleaning agents. Use technical trichloroethylene, Federal Specification O-T-634, or
tetrachloroethylene, Federal Specification O-T-236, as an alternate preliminary cleaning method, provided facilities are
available and size of parts to be sealed or bonded permits. Do not use if other reasons prohibit use of these cleaning
methods.
(4) Final cleaning. Final cleaning is very important as soils from hands and hair, or from any other source, will
prevent adhesion. Use cleaner and brightener compound, MIL-C-5410, Type II, diluted with an equal amount of distilled
water. Wash area where cement or sealant is to be applied with a clean piece of cheesecloth, Federal Specification
DDD-C-301, wet with cleaning solution. Rinse with a clean piece of cheesecloth wet with clean water and wipe with a
clean, dry cheesecloth. Dry area with warm, dry air.
c.
Mixing. Cements and sealants consist of two or more ingredients properly proportioned and compounded to
obtain the best results. Some materials are ready for use as packaged while others will require mixing before
application.
6-1