Butyl Sealant Solutions for Every Application
For decades, Quanex has been a trusted leader in developing high-performance butyl sealant solutions for insulating glass, solar, and architectural applications. Backed by polymer science expertise and manufacturing precision, our sealants are designed to deliver long-term performance, durability, and ease of production.
Whether you need solar panel edge sealants, hot-melt butyl sealants, or neutral cure silicone options, Quanex is your partner in reliable, compatible sealing technology.
What is Butyl Sealant?
Butyl sealant is a synthetic rubber-based adhesive that creates long-lasting seals against moisture and air. Its flexibility and low moisture vapor transmission rate make it ideal for insulating glass (IG) units, solar modules, and construction materials.
Unlike reactive sealants that cure chemically, butyl sealants remain permanently flexible, ensuring consistent adhesion, superior gas retention, and reduced risk of leaks, even under extreme conditions.
At Quanex, our butyl formulations are engineered for efficiency, stability, and real-world performance across multiple applications
SolarGain® Edge Sealant is a desiccated polyisobutylene (PIB) butyl sealant designed for long-term solar performance. Used in Photovoltaic (PV) modules for more than 20 years, it protects cells and electrical components from moisture ingress, extending panel life and maximizing power retention.
- Moisture vapor protection with desiccated PIB
- UC and thermal stability for over 25 years
- Maintains adhesion under extreme outdoor exposure
- Provides electrical isolation for PV modules up to 1500V
- Ideal for Perovskite, CdTe, and CIGS panels, as well as dynamic glass
- SolarGain Edge Tape (SET) – Pre-extruded and custom-sized for automation
- Pumpable SolarGain Edge Tape (PSET) – Hot-melt version for high-volume production
The Edgetherm® 3500 single-part butyl sealant is engineered for precision and speed. It sets quickly from its molten state, allowing units to move within minutes, boosting productivity and consistency in insulating glass (IG) fabrication.
Key Benefits:
- Quick setup for same-day glazing
- Exceptional flexibility and low-temperature performance (to -22°F)
- No stringing or slumping for clean application
- Low moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) and gas retention
- Compatible with all manual and robotic equipment
This butyl sealant delivers reliability across manufacturing environments, keeping your lines moving efficiently without sacrificing quality.
For IG manufacturers seeking the perfect balance of performance and throughput, Edgetherm® 3600 offers unparalleled results. Made with Bostik’s exclusive i-Boost™ technology, it provides stronger seals, faster application speeds, and improved resistance to moisture and gas loss.
Performance Highlights:
- 30% higher tensile strength and 40% higher softening point than comparable sealants
- 30% faster line application
- 4x improved gas retention and moisture protection
- Full mechanical strength within minutes, no curing required
When productivity and precision matter most, Edgetherm 3600 ensures consistent, long-term performance for every IG unit.
For projects requiring a non-butyl option, Q-Glaze® Neutral Cure Silicone offers permanent flexibility and strong adhesion across materials, including vinyl, glass, aluminum, and metal.
Key Features:
- Excellent UV and weather resistance
- Bonds to Kynar®-coated metals without primer
- Ideal for bedding and glazing, exterior sealing, and industrial applications
Used alone or alongside our butyl sealants, Q-Glaze® adds versatility to any glazing or building envelope project.
Our sealants are backed by decades of polymer research in Akron, Ohio, the heart of the rubber and polymer industry.
- Custom Formulation and compounding expertise
- Full compatibility with our Super Spacer® and Duralite® technologies
- Technical support from concept to field application
- Proven performance in solar, glass, and industrial markets
Whether you’re new to butyl technology or looking to improve your production line performance, our experts answer some of the most common questions about butyl sealants below.
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Q: What is butyl sealant used for?
A: Butyl sealant is used to create long-lasting seals in applications that demand moisture resistance, such as solar panels, insulating glass units, and architectural components.
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Q: What makes butyl sealant different from other sealants?
A: Unlike reactive sealants that cure chemically, butyl sealants remain flexible and form a permanent, airtight bond, ideal for long-term durability.
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Q: How long does butyl sealant last?
A: When properly applied, Quanex’s butyl sealants can perform for 25 years or more, maintaining strength and flexibility in harsh environments.
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Q: Are butyl sealants environmentally friendly?
A: Yes. Butyl sealants have low VOC content, long lifespans, and minimize material waste by reducing seal failure over time.
Explore more Quanex technologies designed for performance and efficiency:
Looking for a high-performance butyl sealant for your next project? Our R&D and technical teams are here to help you choose, test, and implement the right solution for your application.
