Once installed, the sealant forms a protective layer inside the tyre. When a puncture occurs, the internal pressure of the tyre instantly pushes the sealant into the cavity. The special fibres and mica particles accumulate and bond to the rubber in the cavity. A solid rubber plug is formed through the full depth of the puncture hole. This forms a more secure and superior repair than a traditional plug that is inserted from the outside of the tyre. A traditional repair further expands the puncture and tears the rubber bond of the tyre. A tyre sealant plug is a more natural repair, as the mica/rubber particles and fibres closely mimic that of the tyres rubber.
The glycol is the carrier of the fibres that form the solid plug. Contracting and expanding of the cavity due to the tyres normal behaviour, squeezes the glycol from the plug. This allows the fibres, mica and thickeners to bond and form a solid plug. The remaining solution in the tyre continues to coat and protect the tyre from hundreds of punctures.
Tyre sealants are a balanced formulation of glycol, organic thickeners, binding agents, mica, rubber particles and cellulose fibres of different types and strength. The water based glycol is the liquid carrier of the solution that suspends the solids. The mica particles and fibres, which vary from ceramic, wool and aramid (Kelvar), determine the strength of the solution. The combination of thickener/filler with cellulose fibres quickly forms a permanent rubber plug that bonds to the natural rubber of the tyre. The stronger the solutions sealing capacity, the denser the mix of fibres and rubber. The composition is adjusted in viscosity to match various applications and conditions.
The base substance of a tyre sealant is either glycol or latex. Glycol is a water based substance that can be either ethylene or propylene, Propylene is non-toxic and Ethylene is toxic. Latex on the other-hand is a non-water based substance commonly found in bicycle tyre sealants. Latex has a lower production cost and doesn’t require additives such as fibres to function as a sealant. It has proven to be very effective, but has a limited life span and dries in the tyre after about 15 000km. Once dried, it has shown to adhere to the tyre and rim. Removal and repairing of the tyre is often impossible. The high concentration of ammonia in latex sealants can corrode the steel rim and degrade the rubber of the tyre.
There are many benefits to using Propylene Glycol sealants due to its water soluble properties. It has an indefinite shelf life and can be reused. It is easily washed out with water, is non-toxic and non-flammable. It acts as a corrosion retardant and inhibits tyre degradation, thereby promoting higher rates of success for retarding and re-treading. Prevents standard air loss, bead leaks and reduces running temperatures. Coupled with its superior sealing capability, glycol tyre sealants prove to be an efficient tyre maintenance and cost effective solution for commercial and private industries.
The Nature of the Fibres and the Glycol is what determines the quality, strength and longevity.
Look for Proylene Glycol and NOT Ethylene and NOT Latex. Latex is temporary and Ethylene is TOXIC (imagine what it does to your tyres and wheels)
Look for Aramid Fibres (Kevlar), Ceramic, Woolen, and other synthetic fibres.
Look for The Quantity of Fibres (higher density means a better sealant)
Look for additives such as crushed marble and mica particles that result in a superior sealant
There are a lot of Sealants that use lower grade additives and fibres in the formultion to maximise profits and thereby reducing the performance and quality.
We Prefer to use only the best.
Why would you treat your tyres if it didn't provide long term benefits. This is why we only stock Propylene Glycol Sealants that lasts the life of the tyre (Latex and Ethylene Glyol do not last). When your tyre is due for replacement, you will even be able to transfer the same sealant from the old tyre into your new tyre.
