Momentive RTV566 low-outgassing silicone RTV566
Two-part room-temperature-vulcanising silicone rubber: RTV566A base compound and RTV566B curing agent. The datasheet does not print the polymer or filler chemistry.
Momentive RTV566 is a red, two-part, room-temperature-cure silicone rubber sold for low-outgassing use in vacuum.
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Temperature range
-115 °C to 260 °C continuous
Outgassing
0.14 % total mass loss
Adhesion
33 kg/cm2 on primed aluminium
Working time
1.5 hrs work life
Recipe, share of the weight
- not statedRTV566A base compound
- not statedRTV566B curing agent
- not statedRed iron oxide (Part A ingredient)
- not statedKieselguhr, soda ash flux-calcined (Part A ingredient)
- not statedSilicic acid, ethyl ester (Part A ingredient)
Best for
Low-outgassing bonding, potting and thermal insulation of vacuum hardware that runs between -115 °C and 260 °C continuously
Weakest at
Strength and cure speed: tensile strength of 56 kg/cm2 (800 psi) and Shore A 61 when cured 7 days at 25 °C, and a primer is needed to bond non-silicone surfaces
Risk at a glance
- People None found. Not classified under 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Part A SDS)
- If it fails Moderate. Poor adhesion to non-silicone surfaces
- Corrosion No data. No corrosion data recorded
Quick facts: RTV566
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.49 | 1 sourced value |
| Tensile strength | 5.49 MPa | 1 sourced value |
| Maximum service temperature | 260 to 316 °C | 2 sourced values across conditions |
What is the density of Momentive RTV566 low-outgassing silicone?
Momentive RTV566 low-outgassing silicone has a density of 1.49. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the tensile strength of Momentive RTV566 low-outgassing silicone?
Momentive RTV566 low-outgassing silicone has a tensile strength of 5.49 MPa. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the maximum service temperature of Momentive RTV566 low-outgassing silicone?
Momentive RTV566 low-outgassing silicone has a maximum service temperature of 260 to 316 °C. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is Momentive RTV566 low-outgassing silicone used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Cast-in-place heat shielding; Cast-in-place thermal insulation; Potting and encapsulation of electrical assemblies.
Why it exists
Momentive RTV566 is a red, two-part, room-temperature-cure silicone rubber from Momentive Performance Materials, sold for low-outgassing use in vacuum. Its datasheet gives a continuous service range from -115 °C to 260 °C and up to 316 °C for short periods. The datasheet reports a total mass loss of 0.14 % and a volatile condensable material of 0.02 % in the ASTM E595 test. NASA's outgassing compilation lists 18 RTV 566 records, which is why the material is a common reference for spacecraft adhesives and potting.
Where it's used
Cast-in-place heat shielding and thermal insulation
Momentive lists cast-in-place heat shielding and thermal insulation among the potential applications of RTV 566 Paste. The page names no mission or flight.
Potting and encapsulating electronics
Momentive lists potting and encapsulation of electrical assemblies, and the assembly of photovoltaic modules, among its potential applications. The datasheet adds that deaeration may be needed after pouring in complex assemblies.
Outgassing-tested spacecraft adhesives and potting
NASA's outgassing list (RP-1124 Rev. 3) has 18 RTV 566 records: 15 labelled ADHESIVE, 2 POTTING-ADH and 1 POTTING. These are ground test results, not flight results.
Recipe
Two-part room-temperature-vulcanising silicone rubber: RTV566A base compound and RTV566B curing agent. The datasheet does not print the polymer or filler chemistry.
RTV566 is a two-part silicone rubber that cures at room temperature. The base compound RTV566A is mixed with the curing agent RTV566B at 100 parts base to 0.1 part curing agent by weight, the most commonly used ratio. The Part A safety data sheet lists red iron oxide, kieselguhr and silicic acid, ethyl ester as ingredients, and a 2014 Raman and FTIR study names polydimethylsiloxane in RTV566.
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| RTV566A base compound | not stated | The silicone base compound. It is a red paste with a viscosity of 42700 cps and a specific gravity of 1.49 before cure. |
| RTV566B curing agent | not stated | Starts the room-temperature cure once mixed into the base. It is yellow-brown and has a specific gravity of 1.15 as printed. |
| Red iron oxide (Part A ingredient) | not stated | Listed as the ingredient with the widest range in the Part A safety data sheet. The SDS gives a workplace exposure limit for it and does not state its function in the compound. |
| Kieselguhr, soda ash flux-calcined (Part A ingredient) | not stated | Listed in the Part A safety data sheet with a workplace exposure limit. The SDS does not state its function. |
| Silicic acid, ethyl ester (Part A ingredient) | not stated | Listed in the Part A safety data sheet. PubChem gives GHS hazard statements for it, and the 2014 Raman and FTIR study reports silicic acid and tetraethyl orthosilicate in RTV566. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Temperature range
-115 °C to 260 °C continuous
measured
The datasheet gives continuous service from -115 °C to 260 °C, and up to 316 °C for short periods. The Momentive aerospace page prints -130 °C as the low end for its low-outgassing silicones in general, which is not reconciled with the -115 °C figure.
Outgassing
0.14 % total mass loss
measured
The datasheet reports 0.14 % total mass loss and 0.02 % volatile condensable material under ASTM E595, after 7 days at 25 °C. The six NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst range from 0.08 % to 0.13 % total mass loss.
Adhesion
33 kg/cm2 on primed aluminium
measured
The datasheet gives a lap shear of 33 kg/cm2 (465 psi) on primed aluminium, a tensile strength of 56 kg/cm2 and 120 % elongation for the same cured compound.
Working time
1.5 hrs work life
measured
The catalysed mix has a work life of 1.5 hrs and a tack-free time of 2.2 hrs, both printed in the datasheet.
How it compares
RTV566 is a moderate-strength silicone (tensile strength 56 kg/cm2, Shore A 61), not a structural adhesive. On outgassing it sits at the listing limit: the datasheet's total mass loss of 0.14 % is just above the 0.08 % to 0.13 % range that NASA records show at 0.1 % catalyst, and both are well under the NASA listing limits of 1.0 % total mass loss and 0.10 % volatile condensable material. The silicone-rtv profile in this collection describes a different product, so its values are not compared here.
The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details.
| Measurement | RTV566 |
|---|---|
| Thermal behavior and safety | |
| Water vapour regained, NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst (range) | 0.02 to 0.05 %11 |
| Lifetime and stability | |
| Work life of the catalysed mix | 1.5 hrs12 |
| NASA listing limit for total mass loss and CVCM (a criterion, not an RTV566 measurement) | 1 %15 |
| Physical and electrical | |
| Shore A hardnessPrinted in the typical cured properties table | 61 Shore A |
| Other measurements | |
| Continuous maximum service temperature | 260 °C1 |
| Short-period maximum temperature | 316 °C2 |
| Continuous minimum service temperature | -115 °C3 |
| Specific gravity of the RTV566A base | 1.49 -4 |
| Viscosity of the RTV566A base | 42700 cps5 |
| Tensile strengthPrinted in the typical cured properties table | 56 kg/cm² |
| ElongationPrinted in the typical cured properties table | 120 % |
| Lap shear strength on primed aluminium | 33 kg/cm²6 |
| Total mass loss, Momentive datasheet | 0.14 %7 |
| Volatile condensable material, Momentive datasheet | 0.02 %8 |
| Total mass loss, NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst (range) | 0.08 to 0.13 %9 |
| Volatile condensable material, NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst (range) | 0 to 0.02 %10 |
| Tack-free time of the catalysed mix | 2.2 hrs13 |
| Application rate through a 0.125 in orifice | 180 gm/min14 |
| Flash point of the Part A base compound (SDS) | 125 °C16 |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- Low-outgassing bonding and potting where a service range of -115 °C to 260 °C is needed. NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst show 0.08 % to 0.13 % total mass loss.
- Cast-in-place heat shielding and thermal insulation, the uses Momentive names for RTV 566 Paste.
Watch out for
- Non-silicone surfaces need a primer, SS4155 per the datasheet.
- Two low-temperature limits are printed: -115 °C in the datasheet and -130 °C on the Momentive page, which covers the product line in general.
- Outgassing varies with catalyst level. NASA's 0.3 % and 0.7 % catalyst records show 0.34 % and 0.36 % total mass loss, well above the 0.1 % records.
RTV566 is a moderate-strength, low-outgassing silicone for thermal insulation, heat shielding and potting in vacuum hardware. Its datasheet total mass loss of 0.14 % sits next to NASA's 0.08 % to 0.13 % range. The Part A SDS gives no hazard classification, and the silicon supply rows describe the feedstock rather than this product. No supply data for RTV566 itself and no ageing data beyond the SDS note on oxidation above 150 °C were read, so those parts stay incomplete.
Technical details
For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Continuous maximum service temperature | Continuous service limit printed in the datasheet key features | state cured RTV566basis continuous use, printed as 260 °C (500 °F) | — |
| 2 | Short-period maximum temperature | Short-period limit printed in the datasheet key features | state cured RTV566basis printed as 316 °C (600 °F) for short periods of time; the period is not defined in the datasheet | — |
| 3 | Continuous minimum service temperature | Low-temperature limit printed in the datasheet key features | state cured RTV566basis continuous use, printed as -115 °C (-175 °F) | Momentive's aerospace page prints -130 °C (-200 °F) to 260 °C (500 °F) as the range for its low-outgassing silicones in general, not for RTV566 specifically. The two low-temperature figures are not reconciled. |
| 4 | Specific gravity of the RTV566A base | Printed as specific gravity of the uncured base component | state RTV566A base compound, uncuredtemperature not printed | The curing agent RTV566B has a specific gravity of 1.15 in the same table. |
| 5 | Viscosity of the RTV566A base | Printed as viscosity of the uncured base component | state RTV566A base compound, uncuredtemperature not printed | — |
| 6 | Lap shear strength on primed aluminium | Printed in the typical cured properties table, lap shear on primed Al | substrate primed aluminium (the primer is not named in the table)state cured 7 days at 25 °C and 50 % R.H.printed as 33 kg/cm2 (465 psi) | — |
| 7 | Total mass loss, Momentive datasheet | Printed in the typical cured properties table with an ASTM E595 footnote | test ASTM E595, as stated in the table footnotestate cured 7 days at 25 °C and 50 % R.H. | — |
| 8 | Volatile condensable material, Momentive datasheet | Printed in the typical cured properties table with an ASTM E595 footnote | test ASTM E595, as stated in the table footnotestate cured 7 days at 25 °C and 50 % R.H. | — |
| 9 | Total mass loss, NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst (range) | Range across the six RTV 566 records at 0.1 % catalyst, read from the table. The 0.3 % and 0.7 % catalyst records (0.34 % and 0.36 % total mass loss) and the primer sandwich records are excluded. | catalyst 0.1 % by weight curing agent (BW CAT)cure 7 days at 25 °C in airtest ASTM E595 as tabulated by NASArecords six records: GSFC6230, GSC12835, GSFC6503, GSCI0862, GSCI0865, GSCI0868 | — |
| 10 | Volatile condensable material, NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst (range) | Range across the same six NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst, read from the table | catalyst 0.1 % by weight curing agent (BW CAT)cure 7 days at 25 °C in airtest ASTM E595 as tabulated by NASArecords six records: GSFC6230, GSC12835, GSFC6503, GSCI0862, GSCI0865, GSCI0868 | — |
| 11 | Water vapour regained, NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst (range) | Range across the same six NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst, read from the table | catalyst 0.1 % by weight curing agent (BW CAT)cure 7 days at 25 °C in airtest as tabulated by NASArecords six records: GSFC6230, GSC12835, GSFC6503, GSCI0862, GSCI0865, GSCI0868 | — |
| 12 | Work life of the catalysed mix | Printed in the typical catalysed properties table | mix 100 parts RTV566A to 0.1 part RTV566B by weightbasis printed under typical catalysed properties | — |
| 13 | Tack-free time of the catalysed mix | Printed in the typical catalysed properties table | mix 100 parts RTV566A to 0.1 part RTV566B by weightbasis printed under typical catalysed properties | — |
| 14 | Application rate through a 0.125 in orifice | Printed in the typical catalysed properties table | measured 45 minutes after mixing, 0.125 in orifice at 90 psimix 100 parts RTV566A to 0.1 part RTV566B by weight | — |
| 15 | NASA listing limit for total mass loss and CVCM (a criterion, not an RTV566 measurement) | Criterion stated in the NASA introduction; not a measured value for RTV566 | basis NASA lists only materials with a total mass loss of 1.0 percent or less and a CVCM of 0.10 percent or less | — |
| 16 | Flash point of the Part A base compound (SDS) | Printed in the safety data sheet physical and chemical properties section | state RTV566 Part A, liquid base component, as printed in the SDStest Pensky-Martens closed cup, as printed | — |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Heated in air above 150 °C | not rated | Oxidative degradation above 150 °C in air forms small amounts of formaldehyde, per the Part A SDS.1 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heated in air above 150 °C | Measurements above 150 °C in air found that small amounts of formaldehyde form through oxidative degradation. The SDS gives no amount, time or rate. | temperature above 150 °Catmosphere air (oxygen)basis SDS statement; no time, amount or rate is printed |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
Momentive's Part A safety data sheet gives the product as not classified under 29 CFR 1910.1200, with no signal word and no hazard statement. No safety data sheet for the curing agent RTV566B is among the sources of this profile.
- Part A
- The SDS gives no hazard class, no signal word and no hazard statement. Its flash point is 125 °C, and it has no data for skin or eye irritation.
- Ingredient
- PubChem lists GHS hazard statements for silicic acid, ethyl ester, a Part A ingredient at 1 to under 5 %: flammable liquid and vapour, harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, harmful if inhaled, may cause respiratory irritation, and toxic to aquatic life.
- Primer
- The bonding primer SS4155 is named in the datasheet. Its own hazards were not read, and the datasheet says other materials may need additional precautions.
Bonding and processing
These steps come from the Momentive datasheet and set how the compound is mixed, degassed and bonded.
- Mixing
- Mix 100 parts RTV566A with 0.1 part RTV566B by weight, in a container 4 to 5 times larger than the compound volume.
- Air bubbles
- Degas under a vacuum of 25 mm (29 inches) of mercury minimum. Potted assemblies may need deaeration after pouring.
- Bonding
- Non-silicone surfaces need a primer. Clean with naphtha or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), apply a thin film of SS4155 primer, let it air dry for one hour or more, then apply freshly mixed RTV566.
Cure and heat
The cure schedule sets how long a part must wait before it is handled or used hot.
- Cure
- The compound is handleable after 24 hours at 25 °C and 50 % R.H. The datasheet recommends 7 days for best outgassing and adhesion.
- Above 150 °C
- Condition the cured part before service above 150 °C: 8 hours at 100 °C, then 8 more hours at each 28 °C step up to the service temperature.
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Voids in the cured product from entrapped airlow severity | Mixing or pouring without deaerationAir bubbles stay in the cured part. The datasheet calls for a vacuum of 25 mm (29 inches) of mercury minimum, and says deaeration after pouring may be needed in complex potted assemblies. |
| Poor adhesion to non-silicone surfacesmoderate severity | Bonding without a primerThe datasheet says RTV566 requires a primer to bond to non-silicone surfaces; it names SS4155 silicone primer. |
Side effects on surrounding parts
| Affects | Effect |
|---|---|
| Nearby optical surfaces, where the paper addresses photofixed films from outgassing | Hanrahan and Ianno (2014) analysed RTV566 among five spacecraft RTV silicones by Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. They report that the outgassing products of each material are polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and tetra-n-propylsilicate (NPS). |
Handling and storage
- Mix 100 parts RTV566A with 0.1 part RTV566B curing agent by weight, in a container 4 to 5 times larger than the volume of the compound. Scrape the sides and bottom so the mix is homogeneous, and avoid high mixer speeds that entrap air or overheat the mix.
- Deaerate the mixed compound under a vacuum of 25 mm (29 inches) of mercury minimum until the bubbles break and the compound settles back.
- The compound cures enough for gentle handling after 24 hours at 25 °C and 50 % R.H. For best outgassing and adhesion, cure for 7 days at the same conditions.
- For service above 150 °C (302 °F), condition the cured part first: 8 hours at 100 °C, then an extra 8 hours at each 28 °C (80 °F) step up to the service temperature. Larger or deeper parts need longer at each step.
- Part A SDS handling advice: do not taste or swallow, avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing, wash hands after handling, keep the container closed, and keep away from sources of ignition.
Mitigations
- Clean non-silicone substrates with naphtha or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and let them dry. Apply a uniform thin film of SS4155 primer, air dry it for one hour or more until a uniform chalky white haze shows, then apply freshly mixed RTV566.
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Silicon (silicon metal, the feedstock for silicone polymers)
USGS: world and domestic resources for making silicon metal are abundant, and the source of the silicon is silica in natural forms such as quartzite.
- Top producers (2025)
- China 87%, Brazil 3.9%, Norway 2.8%, France 1.5%
- Critical mineral lists
- US: listed
- Recycling
- USGS: recycling of silicon is insignificant.
- Substitutes
- USGS: gallium arsenide and germanium are the principal substitutes for silicon in semiconductor and infrared applications; the chapter does not discuss silicone feedstock.
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
Full record
The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.
Show the full YAML
spore: profile
id: momentive-rtv-566
spore_version: 0.2
family: silicone
name: Momentive RTV566 low-outgassing silicone
abbreviation: RTV566
role: low-outgassing two-part room-temperature-cure silicone for bonding, potting and thermal insulation
category: seals-adhesives
type: potting-compounds
summary: |
Momentive RTV566 is a red, two-part, room-temperature-cure silicone rubber sold for low-outgassing use in vacuum. Momentive's datasheet gives a continuous service range of -115 °C to 260 °C, with short periods up to 316 °C, and a total mass loss of 0.14 % and a volatile condensable material of 0.02 % in the ASTM E595 test (cured 7 days at 25 °C and 50 % R.H.). NASA's outgassing compilation (RP-1124 Rev. 3) lists 18 RTV 566 records, with total mass loss of 0.08 % to 0.13 % for the six records at 0.1 % catalyst.
best_for: Low-outgassing bonding, potting and thermal insulation of vacuum hardware that runs between -115 °C and 260 °C continuously
weakest_at: 'Strength and cure speed: tensile strength of 56 kg/cm2 (800 psi) and Shore A 61 when cured 7 days at 25 °C, and a primer is needed to bond non-silicone surfaces'
identity:
formula: 'Two-part room-temperature-vulcanising silicone rubber: RTV566A base compound and RTV566B curing agent. The datasheet does not print the polymer or filler chemistry.'
source: rtv566-tds
where: Description; Typical Physical Properties (uncured table, RTV566A and RTV566B columns)
tags:
environments: []
stresses:
- vacuum-and-outgassing
- extreme-cold
- extreme-heat
applications:
- heat-shields
- thermal-control
- electronics-and-chips
- solar-arrays
properties:
- benchmark: max_service_temp
label: Continuous maximum service temperature
value: 260
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
state: cured RTV566
basis: continuous use, printed as 260 °C (500 °F)
method: Continuous service limit printed in the datasheet key features
status: ground
source: rtv566-tds
where: Key Features and Benefits, last bullet
- benchmark: max_service_temp
label: Short-period maximum temperature
value: 316
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
state: cured RTV566
basis: printed as 316 °C (600 °F) for short periods of time; the period is not defined in the datasheet
method: Short-period limit printed in the datasheet key features
status: ground
source: rtv566-tds
where: Key Features and Benefits, last bullet
- benchmark: min_service_temp
label: Continuous minimum service temperature
value: -115
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
state: cured RTV566
basis: continuous use, printed as -115 °C (-175 °F)
method: Low-temperature limit printed in the datasheet key features
status: ground
note: Momentive's aerospace page prints -130 °C (-200 °F) to 260 °C (500 °F) as the range for its low-outgassing silicones in general, not for RTV566 specifically. The two low-temperature figures are not reconciled.
source: rtv566-tds
where: Key Features and Benefits, last bullet
- benchmark: specific_gravity
label: Specific gravity of the RTV566A base
value: 1.49
unit: '-'
scope: material
conditions:
state: RTV566A base compound, uncured
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as specific gravity of the uncured base component
status: ground
note: The curing agent RTV566B has a specific gravity of 1.15 in the same table.
source: rtv566-tds
where: Typical Uncured Properties table, Specific Gravity row
- benchmark: viscosity
label: Viscosity of the RTV566A base
value: 42700
unit: cps
scope: material
conditions:
state: RTV566A base compound, uncured
temperature: not printed
method: Printed as viscosity of the uncured base component
status: ground
source: rtv566-tds
where: Typical Uncured Properties table, Viscosity row
- benchmark: shore_a_hardness
label: Shore A hardness
value: 61
unit: Shore A
scope: material
conditions:
state: cured 7 days at 25 °C and 50 % R.H.
test: Shore A durometer as printed
method: Printed in the typical cured properties table
status: ground
source: rtv566-tds
where: Typical Cured Properties table, Hardness row
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength
value: 56
unit: kg/cm2
scope: material
conditions:
state: cured 7 days at 25 °C and 50 % R.H.
printed_as: 56 kg/cm2 (800 psi)
method: Printed in the typical cured properties table
status: ground
source: rtv566-tds
where: Typical Cured Properties table, Tensile Strength row
- benchmark: elongation
label: Elongation
value: 120
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
state: cured 7 days at 25 °C and 50 % R.H.
method: Printed in the typical cured properties table
status: ground
source: rtv566-tds
where: Typical Cured Properties table, Elongation row
- benchmark: lap_shear_strength
label: Lap shear strength on primed aluminium
value: 33
unit: kg/cm2
scope: material
conditions:
substrate: primed aluminium (the primer is not named in the table)
state: cured 7 days at 25 °C and 50 % R.H.
printed_as: 33 kg/cm2 (465 psi)
method: Printed in the typical cured properties table, lap shear on primed Al
status: ground
source: rtv566-tds
where: Typical Cured Properties table, Lap Shear Strength row
- benchmark: total_mass_loss
label: Total mass loss, Momentive datasheet
value: 0.14
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
test: ASTM E595, as stated in the table footnote
state: cured 7 days at 25 °C and 50 % R.H.
method: Printed in the typical cured properties table with an ASTM E595 footnote
status: ground
source: rtv566-tds
where: Typical Cured Properties table, Total Weight Loss row
- benchmark: volatile_condensable_material
label: Volatile condensable material, Momentive datasheet
value: 0.02
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
test: ASTM E595, as stated in the table footnote
state: cured 7 days at 25 °C and 50 % R.H.
method: Printed in the typical cured properties table with an ASTM E595 footnote
status: ground
source: rtv566-tds
where: Typical Cured Properties table, Volatile Condensable Material row
- benchmark: total_mass_loss
label: Total mass loss, NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst (range)
value: 0.08
value_high: 0.13
bound: range
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
catalyst: 0.1 % by weight curing agent (BW CAT)
cure: 7 days at 25 °C in air
test: ASTM E595 as tabulated by NASA
records: 'six records: GSFC6230, GSC12835, GSFC6503, GSCI0862, GSCI0865, GSCI0868'
method: Range across the six RTV 566 records at 0.1 % catalyst, read from the table. The 0.3 % and 0.7 % catalyst records (0.34 % and 0.36 % total mass loss) and the primer sandwich records are excluded.
status: ground
source: nasa-rp1124
where: Section 1 (Adhesives), RTV 566 rows at 0.1 % BW CAT
- benchmark: volatile_condensable_material
label: Volatile condensable material, NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst (range)
value: 0
value_high: 0.02
bound: range
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
catalyst: 0.1 % by weight curing agent (BW CAT)
cure: 7 days at 25 °C in air
test: ASTM E595 as tabulated by NASA
records: 'six records: GSFC6230, GSC12835, GSFC6503, GSCI0862, GSCI0865, GSCI0868'
method: Range across the same six NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst, read from the table
status: ground
source: nasa-rp1124
where: Section 1 (Adhesives), RTV 566 rows at 0.1 % BW CAT
- benchmark: water_vapor_regained
label: Water vapour regained, NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst (range)
value: 0.02
value_high: 0.05
bound: range
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
catalyst: 0.1 % by weight curing agent (BW CAT)
cure: 7 days at 25 °C in air
test: as tabulated by NASA
records: 'six records: GSFC6230, GSC12835, GSFC6503, GSCI0862, GSCI0865, GSCI0868'
method: Range across the same six NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst, read from the table
status: ground
source: nasa-rp1124
where: Section 1 (Adhesives), RTV 566 rows at 0.1 % BW CAT
- benchmark: work_life
label: Work life of the catalysed mix
value: 1.5
unit: hrs
scope: material
conditions:
mix: 100 parts RTV566A to 0.1 part RTV566B by weight
basis: printed under typical catalysed properties
method: Printed in the typical catalysed properties table
status: ground
source: rtv566-tds
where: Typical Catalyzed Properties table, Work Life row
- benchmark: tack_free_time
label: Tack-free time of the catalysed mix
value: 2.2
unit: hrs
scope: material
conditions:
mix: 100 parts RTV566A to 0.1 part RTV566B by weight
basis: printed under typical catalysed properties
method: Printed in the typical catalysed properties table
status: ground
source: rtv566-tds
where: Typical Catalyzed Properties table, Tack Free Time row
- benchmark: application_rate
label: Application rate through a 0.125 in orifice
value: 180
unit: gm/min
scope: material
conditions:
measured: 45 minutes after mixing, 0.125 in orifice at 90 psi
mix: 100 parts RTV566A to 0.1 part RTV566B by weight
method: Printed in the typical catalysed properties table
status: ground
source: rtv566-tds
where: Typical Catalyzed Properties table, Application Rate row
- benchmark: outgassing_screening_limit
label: NASA listing limit for total mass loss and CVCM (a criterion, not an RTV566 measurement)
value: 1
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
basis: NASA lists only materials with a total mass loss of 1.0 percent or less and a CVCM of 0.10 percent or less
method: Criterion stated in the NASA introduction; not a measured value for RTV566
status: ground
source: nasa-rp1124
where: Introduction (selection criteria) and Section C heading
- benchmark: flash_point
label: Flash point of the Part A base compound (SDS)
value: 125
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
state: RTV566 Part A, liquid base component, as printed in the SDS
test: Pensky-Martens closed cup, as printed
method: Printed in the safety data sheet physical and chemical properties section
status: ground
source: sds-rtv566-32
where: Section 9, Physical and chemical properties, Flash Point row
corrosion:
- environment: Heated in air above 150 °C
headline: Oxidative degradation above 150 °C in air forms small amounts of formaldehyde, per the Part A SDS.
effect: Measurements above 150 °C in air found that small amounts of formaldehyde form through oxidative degradation. The SDS gives no amount, time or rate.
conditions:
temperature: above 150 °C
atmosphere: air (oxygen)
basis: SDS statement; no time, amount or rate is printed
source: sds-rtv566-32
where: Section 10, Stability and reactivity, Hazardous Decomposition Products
rating: unknown
risks:
hazards:
- text: Momentive's SDS for RTV566 Part A (version 3.2, revised 02/20/2025) gives the product as not classified under 29 CFR 1910.1200, with no signal word, no hazard symbol and no hazard statement. Hazard(s) not otherwise classified is None.
ghs: []
source: sds-rtv566-32
where: Section 2, Hazard(s) identification
- text: A second copy of the Part A SDS (version 3.1, revised 08/30/2023) gives the same not-classified status and the same 125 °C flash point.
ghs: []
source: sds-rtv566-31
where: Section 2, Hazard Classification; Section 9, Flash Point
- text: The same Part A SDS lists the product as not classified for acute oral, dermal or inhalation toxicity, and gives no data for skin or eye irritation, sensitisation, carcinogenicity or mutagenicity.
ghs: []
source: sds-rtv566-32
where: Section 11, Toxicological information
- text: 'Part A ingredients per the SDS, all by weight: red iron oxide (CAS 1309-37-1) 20 to under 50 %, kieselguhr, soda ash flux-calcined (CAS 68855-54-9) 10 to under 20 %, and silicic acid, ethyl ester (CAS 11099-06-2) 1 to under 5 %. The SDS notes workplace exposure limits for red iron oxide and kieselguhr.'
ghs: []
source: sds-rtv566-32
where: Section 3, Composition/information on ingredients; Section 8, Exposure controls
- text: PubChem's GHS summary for silicic acid, ethyl ester (CID 9877350, CAS 11099-06-2) lists H226 flammable liquid and vapour (75.1% of notifications), H302 harmful if swallowed (16.7%), H319 causes serious eye irritation (70%), H332 harmful if inhaled (10.5%), H335 may cause respiratory irritation (27.2%) and H411 toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (47.1%). PubChem also notes that 24.9% (64 of 257) of reports do not meet GHS hazard criteria. These are notifications for the single ingredient, not a classification of the Part A product.
ghs:
- H226
- H302
- H319
- H332
- H335
- H411
source: pubchem-ethyl-silicate
where: Safety and Hazards, GHS Classification (CID 9877350)
failure_risks:
- mode: Voids in the cured product from entrapped air
trigger: Mixing or pouring without deaeration
consequence: Air bubbles stay in the cured part. The datasheet calls for a vacuum of 25 mm (29 inches) of mercury minimum, and says deaeration after pouring may be needed in complex potted assemblies.
severity: low
source: rtv566-tds
where: Processing Recommendations, Deaeration
- mode: Poor adhesion to non-silicone surfaces
trigger: Bonding without a primer
consequence: The datasheet says RTV566 requires a primer to bond to non-silicone surfaces; it names SS4155 silicone primer.
severity: moderate
source: rtv566-tds
where: Processing Recommendations, Bonding
side_effects:
- text: Hanrahan and Ianno (2014) analysed RTV566 among five spacecraft RTV silicones by Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. They report that the outgassing products of each material are polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and tetra-n-propylsilicate (NPS).
affects: Nearby optical surfaces, where the paper addresses photofixed films from outgassing
source: unl-rtv-composition
where: Abstract
handling:
- text: Mix 100 parts RTV566A with 0.1 part RTV566B curing agent by weight, in a container 4 to 5 times larger than the volume of the compound. Scrape the sides and bottom so the mix is homogeneous, and avoid high mixer speeds that entrap air or overheat the mix.
source: rtv566-tds
where: Processing Recommendations, Mixing
- text: Deaerate the mixed compound under a vacuum of 25 mm (29 inches) of mercury minimum until the bubbles break and the compound settles back.
source: rtv566-tds
where: Processing Recommendations, Deaeration
- text: The compound cures enough for gentle handling after 24 hours at 25 °C and 50 % R.H. For best outgassing and adhesion, cure for 7 days at the same conditions.
source: rtv566-tds
where: Processing Recommendations, Curing
- text: 'For service above 150 °C (302 °F), condition the cured part first: 8 hours at 100 °C, then an extra 8 hours at each 28 °C (80 °F) step up to the service temperature. Larger or deeper parts need longer at each step.'
source: rtv566-tds
where: Processing Recommendations, Curing (conditioning paragraph)
- text: 'Part A SDS handling advice: do not taste or swallow, avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing, wash hands after handling, keep the container closed, and keep away from sources of ignition.'
source: sds-rtv566-32
where: Section 7, Handling and storage
mitigations:
- text: Clean non-silicone substrates with naphtha or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and let them dry. Apply a uniform thin film of SS4155 primer, air dry it for one hour or more until a uniform chalky white haze shows, then apply freshly mixed RTV566.
source: rtv566-tds
where: Processing Recommendations, Bonding
uses:
- application: heat-shields
device: Cast-in-place heat shielding
example: Momentive lists cast-in-place heat shielding among the potential applications of RTV 566 Paste. The page names no mission or flight.
source: momentive-aero-page
where: Key Features, RTV 566 Paste
- application: thermal-control
device: Cast-in-place thermal insulation
example: Momentive lists thermal insulation among the potential applications of RTV 566 Paste.
source: momentive-aero-page
where: Key Features, RTV 566 Paste
- application: electronics-and-chips
device: Potting and encapsulation of electrical assemblies
example: Momentive lists potting and encapsulating electrical assemblies as potential uses. The datasheet adds that deaeration may be needed after pouring in complex assemblies.
source: momentive-aero-page
where: Key Features, RTV 566 Paste; datasheet Processing Recommendations, Deaeration
- application: solar-arrays
device: Photovoltaic module assembly
example: Momentive lists assembly of photovoltaic (PV) modules as a potential application of RTV 566 Paste.
source: momentive-aero-page
where: Key Features, RTV 566 Paste
- application: electronics-and-chips
device: Adhesive and potting records in NASA's outgassing list
example: NASA RP-1124 Rev. 3 lists 18 RTV 566 records, of which 15 are labelled ADHESIVE, 2 POTTING-ADH and 1 POTTING. The list gives outgassing test results for each record, not flight results.
source: nasa-rp1124
where: Section 1 (Adhesives), RTV 566 rows
supply:
- subject: Silicon (silicon metal, the feedstock for silicone polymers)
abundance: 'USGS: world and domestic resources for making silicon metal are abundant, and the source of the silicon is silica in natural forms such as quartzite.'
producers:
- country: China
share_percent: 87
year: 2025
- country: Brazil
share_percent: 3.9
year: 2025
- country: Norway
share_percent: 2.8
year: 2025
- country: France
share_percent: 1.5
year: 2025
critical_lists:
- list: USGS 2025 Final List of Critical Minerals (silicon added in the 2025 list)
listed: true
recycling: 'USGS: recycling of silicon is insignificant.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: gallium arsenide and germanium are the principal substitutes for silicon in semiconductor and infrared applications; the chapter does not discuss silicone feedstock.'
source: usgs-mcs2026-silicon
where: 'World Production table, silicon metal, 2025 (world total 4,600 thousand t of silicon content; shares calculated by Space Mushroom from the printed figures: China 4,000, Brazil 180, Norway 130, France 68); Domestic Production and Use (silicones named as a main consumer); Recycling; Substitutes; Events, Trends, and Issues (critical list)'
media: []
documents:
- title: RTV566 Technical Data Sheet, Momentive Performance Materials (HCD-RTV566, Rev. 2021-05-05), copy hosted by chemical-concepts.com
type: datasheet
url: https://www.chemical-concepts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/RTV566-TDS.pdf
year: 2021
- title: Outgassing Data for Selecting Spacecraft Materials, NASA Reference Publication 1124 Revision 3
type: report
url: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19940017416/downloads/19940017416.pdf
year: 1993
- title: Momentive Performance Materials RTV566 Safety Data Sheet, version 3.2 (revised 02/20/2025), Part A, copy hosted by blacksky.com
type: sds
url: https://blacksky.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MomentivePerformance_RTV566-Dimethyl-Diphenyl_2025-02.pdf
year: 2025
- title: Momentive Performance Materials RTV566 Safety Data Sheet, version 3.1 (revised 08/30/2023), Part A, copy hosted by a BigCommerce product file
type: sds
url: https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jifykode7m/product_images/uploaded_images/msds/SGP210218.pdf
year: 2023
- title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Silicon (USGS, February 2026)
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-silicon.pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'PubChem: Silicic acid, ethyl ester (CID 9877350), GHS classification summary'
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/9877350
year: 2026
- title: Relationship between photofixed condensate, effluent and bulk composition of several common RTV materials (Hanrahan and Ianno, Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets 51:3, April 2014)
type: paper
url: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/electricalengineeringfacpub/541
year: 2014
gaps:
- Part A (base compound) is the only RTV566 part with a safety data sheet read here, and both copies are third-party hosted (version 3.2 and version 3.1). No safety data sheet for the curing agent RTV566B was read, Momentive's own SDS library was not checked, and no GHS label is printed for the product.
- The silicone polymer is named only in the 2014 Raman and FTIR study (polydimethylsiloxane, silicic acid, tetraethyl orthosilicate and others, found in all five RTV silicones tested). The study gives no quantities for RTV566, and no CAS number was read for the RTV566 product itself; the CAS numbers in the record belong to Part A ingredients.
- The supply rows are for silicon metal, the feedstock the USGS names for silicones. No producer, capacity or supply data for Momentive's own RTV566 were read.
- No UV, humidity, radiation or atomic-oxygen result for RTV566 was found. The only degradation statement is the SDS note on oxidation above 150 °C in air, which gives no amount or time. The NASA table gives outgassing only.
- No flight result, thermal-vacuum result or space environment test beyond ASTM E595 outgassing was read. Momentive's aerospace page names crew capsules and satellites for the low-outgassing line in general, not for RTV566, so no environment tags are set.
- Low-temperature limit is -115 °C in the datasheet and -130 °C on the Momentive page (for the product line in general). The two are not reconciled.
- The NASA table has 18 RTV 566 records, not dozens. Ranges use only the six clean records at 0.1 % catalyst; OCR-damaged values (for example 0.ii and 0 O2) and the 0.3 %, 0.7 % and lot ED221 records were not used as RTV566 values.
- The datasheet's 0.14 % total mass loss and 0.02 % VCM are a single set of values and are not matched to a NASA record; no lot number is printed for them.
- The primer used for the lap shear result is not named in the datasheet table.
- Viscosity, Shore A hardness, work life, tack-free time, application rate and the outgassing screening limit are not in property-canon.yaml. They use the snake_case names above, and outgassing_screening_limit is a new name.
- The sources now cover the datasheet, the Momentive aerospace page, NASA RP-1124, two Part A SDS copies, USGS silicon, PubChem and the 2014 study. The two SDS copies are third-party hosted copies, not Momentive's own library, and no ESA paper on RTV566 was found.
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-11-02'
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 19
unreachable: 0
caveats: 3
note: Written by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from three sources and deepened on 2026-11-02 with two Part A safety data sheets, USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 (silicon), PubChem GHS data and a 2014 Raman and FTIR study. Values are copied as printed. The Momentive datasheet and the NASA table are unchanged.
sources:
rtv566-tds:
title: RTV566 Technical Data Sheet (HCD-RTV566, Rev. 2021-05-05), Momentive Performance Materials
id: HCD-RTV566 (Rev. 2021-05-05); copy hosted by chemical-concepts.com
url: https://www.chemical-concepts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/RTV566-TDS.pdf
year: 2021
kind: datasheet
license: manufacturer datasheet, cited and not reproduced
momentive-aero-page:
title: Low Outgassing Silicones, Momentive Performance Materials aerospace page
id: undated web page, read 2026-11-01
url: https://www.momentive.com/en-us/industry/aerospace-aviation-defense/aerospace/low-outgassing-silicones
year: 2026
kind: web
license: manufacturer web page, cited and not reproduced
nasa-rp1124:
title: Outgassing Data for Selecting Spacecraft Materials, NASA Reference Publication 1124, Revision 3 (Campbell and Scialdone, Goddard Space Flight Center)
id: NASA RP-1124 Rev. 3; NTRS 19940017416
url: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19940017416/downloads/19940017416.pdf
year: 1993
kind: report
license: public domain (NASA)
sds-rtv566-32:
title: Momentive Performance Materials RTV566 Safety Data Sheet, version 3.2 (revised 02/20/2025), Part A, copy hosted by blacksky.com
id: SDS_US, version 3.2, revision date 02/20/2025; Momentive Performance Materials USA LLC
url: https://blacksky.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MomentivePerformance_RTV566-Dimethyl-Diphenyl_2025-02.pdf
year: 2025
kind: datasheet
license: manufacturer safety data sheet, cited and not reproduced
sds-rtv566-31:
title: Momentive Performance Materials RTV566 Safety Data Sheet, version 3.1 (revised 08/30/2023), Part A, copy hosted by a BigCommerce product file
id: SDS_US, version 3.1, revision date 08/30/2023
url: https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jifykode7m/product_images/uploaded_images/msds/SGP210218.pdf
year: 2023
kind: datasheet
license: manufacturer safety data sheet, cited and not reproduced
usgs-mcs2026-silicon:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Silicon
id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-silicon.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
pubchem-ethyl-silicate:
title: 'PubChem, Silicic acid, ethyl ester (CID 9877350, CAS 11099-06-2): GHS classification and regulatory information'
id: CID 9877350; CAS 11099-06-2
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/9877350
year: 2026
kind: database
license: public database entry, cited and not reproduced
unl-rtv-composition:
title: Relationship between photofixed condensate, effluent and bulk composition of several common RTV materials (Hanrahan and Ianno, Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets 51:3, April 2014, pp 978-982)
id: University of Nebraska-Lincoln repository, electricalengineeringfacpub/541
url: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/electricalengineeringfacpub/541
year: 2014
kind: paper
license: published paper, open repository copy, cited and not reproduced
story:
recipe:
line: RTV566 is a two-part silicone rubber that cures at room temperature. The base compound RTV566A is mixed with the curing agent RTV566B at 100 parts base to 0.1 part curing agent by weight, the most commonly used ratio. The Part A safety data sheet lists red iron oxide, kieselguhr and silicic acid, ethyl ester as ingredients, and a 2014 Raman and FTIR study names polydimethylsiloxane in RTV566.
parts:
- name: RTV566A base compound
share: 100 parts by weight
role: The silicone base compound. It is a red paste with a viscosity of 42700 cps and a specific gravity of 1.49 before cure.
- name: RTV566B curing agent
share: 0.1 part by weight
role: Starts the room-temperature cure once mixed into the base. It is yellow-brown and has a specific gravity of 1.15 as printed.
- name: Red iron oxide (Part A ingredient)
share: 20 to under 50 % by weight of Part A
role: Listed as the ingredient with the widest range in the Part A safety data sheet. The SDS gives a workplace exposure limit for it and does not state its function in the compound.
- name: Kieselguhr, soda ash flux-calcined (Part A ingredient)
share: 10 to under 20 % by weight of Part A
role: Listed in the Part A safety data sheet with a workplace exposure limit. The SDS does not state its function.
- name: Silicic acid, ethyl ester (Part A ingredient)
share: 1 to under 5 % by weight of Part A
role: Listed in the Part A safety data sheet. PubChem gives GHS hazard statements for it, and the 2014 Raman and FTIR study reports silicic acid and tetraethyl orthosilicate in RTV566.
risk_groups:
- title: For people
level: 0
verdict: Not classified under 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Part A SDS)
lead: Momentive's Part A safety data sheet gives the product as not classified under 29 CFR 1910.1200, with no signal word and no hazard statement. No safety data sheet for the curing agent RTV566B is among the sources of this profile.
points:
- label: Part A
line: The SDS gives no hazard class, no signal word and no hazard statement. Its flash point is 125 °C, and it has no data for skin or eye irritation.
- label: Ingredient
line: 'PubChem lists GHS hazard statements for silicic acid, ethyl ester, a Part A ingredient at 1 to under 5 %: flammable liquid and vapour, harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, harmful if inhaled, may cause respiratory irritation, and toxic to aquatic life.'
- label: Primer
line: The bonding primer SS4155 is named in the datasheet. Its own hazards were not read, and the datasheet says other materials may need additional precautions.
- title: Bonding and processing
lead: These steps come from the Momentive datasheet and set how the compound is mixed, degassed and bonded.
points:
- label: Mixing
line: Mix 100 parts RTV566A with 0.1 part RTV566B by weight, in a container 4 to 5 times larger than the compound volume.
- label: Air bubbles
line: Degas under a vacuum of 25 mm (29 inches) of mercury minimum. Potted assemblies may need deaeration after pouring.
- label: Bonding
line: Non-silicone surfaces need a primer. Clean with naphtha or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), apply a thin film of SS4155 primer, let it air dry for one hour or more, then apply freshly mixed RTV566.
- title: Cure and heat
lead: The cure schedule sets how long a part must wait before it is handled or used hot.
points:
- label: Cure
line: The compound is handleable after 24 hours at 25 °C and 50 % R.H. The datasheet recommends 7 days for best outgassing and adhesion.
- label: Above 150 °C
line: 'Condition the cured part before service above 150 °C: 8 hours at 100 °C, then 8 more hours at each 28 °C step up to the service temperature.'
why: Momentive RTV566 is a red, two-part, room-temperature-cure silicone rubber from Momentive Performance Materials, sold for low-outgassing use in vacuum. Its datasheet gives a continuous service range from -115 °C to 260 °C and up to 316 °C for short periods. The datasheet reports a total mass loss of 0.14 % and a volatile condensable material of 0.02 % in the ASTM E595 test. NASA's outgassing compilation lists 18 RTV 566 records, which is why the material is a common reference for spacecraft adhesives and potting.
uses:
- where: Cast-in-place heat shielding and thermal insulation
line: Momentive lists cast-in-place heat shielding and thermal insulation among the potential applications of RTV 566 Paste. The page names no mission or flight.
- where: Potting and encapsulating electronics
line: Momentive lists potting and encapsulation of electrical assemblies, and the assembly of photovoltaic modules, among its potential applications. The datasheet adds that deaeration may be needed after pouring in complex assemblies.
- where: Outgassing-tested spacecraft adhesives and potting
line: 'NASA''s outgassing list (RP-1124 Rev. 3) has 18 RTV 566 records: 15 labelled ADHESIVE, 2 POTTING-ADH and 1 POTTING. These are ground test results, not flight results.'
can_do:
- label: Temperature range
benchmark: max_service_temp
value: '-115 °C to 260 °C continuous'
line: The datasheet gives continuous service from -115 °C to 260 °C, and up to 316 °C for short periods. The Momentive aerospace page prints -130 °C as the low end for its low-outgassing silicones in general, which is not reconciled with the -115 °C figure.
- label: Outgassing
benchmark: total_mass_loss
value: 0.14 % total mass loss
line: The datasheet reports 0.14 % total mass loss and 0.02 % volatile condensable material under ASTM E595, after 7 days at 25 °C. The six NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst range from 0.08 % to 0.13 % total mass loss.
- label: Adhesion
benchmark: lap_shear_strength
value: 33 kg/cm2 on primed aluminium
line: The datasheet gives a lap shear of 33 kg/cm2 (465 psi) on primed aluminium, a tensile strength of 56 kg/cm2 and 120 % elongation for the same cured compound.
- label: Working time
benchmark: work_life
value: 1.5 hrs work life
line: The catalysed mix has a work life of 1.5 hrs and a tack-free time of 2.2 hrs, both printed in the datasheet.
compare: 'RTV566 is a moderate-strength silicone (tensile strength 56 kg/cm2, Shore A 61), not a structural adhesive. On outgassing it sits at the listing limit: the datasheet''s total mass loss of 0.14 % is just above the 0.08 % to 0.13 % range that NASA records show at 0.1 % catalyst, and both are well under the NASA listing limits of 1.0 % total mass loss and 0.10 % volatile condensable material. The silicone-rtv profile in this collection describes a different product, so its values are not compared here.'
compare_rows:
- label: Continuous maximum service temperature
benchmark: max_service_temp
- label: Total mass loss
benchmark: total_mass_loss
- label: Continuous minimum service temperature
benchmark: min_service_temp
handling:
- Mix 100 parts RTV566A with 0.1 part RTV566B curing agent by weight, in a container 4 to 5 times the compound volume.
- Degas under a vacuum of 25 mm (29 inches) of mercury minimum. Use a primer on non-silicone surfaces, SS4155 per the datasheet.
- Cure 24 hours at 25 °C and 50 % R.H. before gentle handling, and 7 days for best outgassing and adhesion.
- 'Above 150 °C in service, condition the cured part: 8 hours at 100 °C, then 8 hours at each 28 °C step up to the service temperature.'
- Read the latest safety data sheet before handling. The Part A SDS says not to taste or swallow the product, to avoid contact with eyes and skin, and to wash hands afterwards. No safety data sheet for the curing agent is among this profile's sources.
good_for:
- Low-outgassing bonding and potting where a service range of -115 °C to 260 °C is needed. NASA records at 0.1 % catalyst show 0.08 % to 0.13 % total mass loss.
- Cast-in-place heat shielding and thermal insulation, the uses Momentive names for RTV 566 Paste.
watch_out:
- Non-silicone surfaces need a primer, SS4155 per the datasheet.
- 'Two low-temperature limits are printed: -115 °C in the datasheet and -130 °C on the Momentive page, which covers the product line in general.'
- Outgassing varies with catalyst level. NASA's 0.3 % and 0.7 % catalyst records show 0.34 % and 0.36 % total mass loss, well above the 0.1 % records.
verdict: RTV566 is a moderate-strength, low-outgassing silicone for thermal insulation, heat shielding and potting in vacuum hardware. Its datasheet total mass loss of 0.14 % sits next to NASA's 0.08 % to 0.13 % range. The Part A SDS gives no hazard classification, and the silicon supply rows describe the feedstock rather than this product. No supply data for RTV566 itself and no ageing data beyond the SDS note on oxidation above 150 °C were read, so those parts stay incomplete.
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.
Updated