The Heat Capacity of RTV Silicone

Room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone is a versatile, easy to handle type of sealant used to seal automotive engines amongst other applications. RTV silicone starts to cure, or harden, as soon as it is exposed to moisture in the atmosphere.

Heat Capacity

The heat capacity of RTV silicone is the amount of heat required to raise its temperature by one degree. It can be calculated by multiplying the specific heat -- the heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram by 1 degree -- by the total mass of the sample.

Curing Time

The heat capacity of RTV silicone affects the time the sealant takes to cure. Curing time is also affected by the cross-sectional thickness of sealant and drying conditions.

Thermal Conductivity

The heat capacity of RTV silicone should not be confused with another, related property known as thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity is the amount of heat transmitted through a unit thickness in a direction at 90 degrees to the surface.

References

• The Orthotics and Prosthetics Virtual Library: Physical Properties of Silicone Rubber
• Davidson College Chemistry Resources: Heat Capacity