Sealants

[Goodbadugly]

I have seen different ones on the shelves. Anything from cheap goo sold by Game (It just looks like a thick sludge) to the more expensive Stans, Geax and Joe's.

The composition of these solutions seems to be in a few classes:

1. Latex

2. Ethylene glycol (similar to cheap anti freeze)

3. Thickening agents/fibers

4. Granules/bits of latex

5. Ammonia.(added to some of the latex solutions)

 

I have also seen a few recipes for brewing your own sealant on MTBR. They usually contain something like this

1 part Latex mold builder

1 part cheap antifreeze

1 part thick automotive sealant(glycol)

1 part water.

Some guys add glitter to enhance the sealing effect with bigger holes.

 

My question:

I can figure out how the latex(rub it between your fingers. It turns into latex pieces), fibers and even the glitter work. The alchemists brewing their own also states that the added ethylene glycol is to prevent the solutions from drying out. How does a solution with only ethylene glycol (like the one from Specialized) work? How does the "custard" thicken enough to seal a 5mm hole? Ethylene glycol is hygroscopic, so it stays "wet". 

[MTB Kid]

http://www.notubes.com/movie_sealant.php