An Introduction to MS Polymer Sealants
MS polymer sealants, also known as “Modified Silicone” or “Hybrid” sealants, have been around since the late 1970s. They were first developed by the Japanese company Kaneka to create a strong, flexible sealant for protecting buildings during earthquakes. Over the years, these sealants have been improved and refined, making them a versatile and reliable choice today.
What Makes MS Polymer Sealants Unique?
MS polymer sealants use a special type of polymer called modified silane as their base. This sets them apart from other sealants that use synthetic or urethane-based polymers. This unique composition allows MS polymers to combine the best features of silicone and polyurethane sealants while reducing their weaknesses. For example:
- Durability and Paintability: Like polyurethane but without the shrinkage.
- Weather and UV Resistance: Like silicone, plus they can withstand abrasion.
No Isocyanates or Solvents
MS polymer sealants have a hybrid chemistry that offers several benefits:
- Isocyanate-Free: They don’t contain isocyanates, which can create bubbles in the sealant and weaken it over time.
- Adhesion to Wet Surfaces: They stick to wet surfaces, unlike polyurethane or silicone sealants, making them great for use in rain or snow.
- Solvent-Free: They don’t contain solvents, leading to a low odor, low viscosity sealant that works well even in cold temperatures. This also means no shrinkage, which keeps the sealant looking neat and clean.
- Health and Safety: Without isocyanates and solvents, these sealants are safer for health, making them suitable for green building projects, hospitals, and schools.
UV Stability
Exposure to sunlight, particularly UV light, can damage sealants, causing discoloration, cracking, and reduced performance. MS polymer sealants are made with UV stabilizers and antioxidants to resist these effects. Since they are isocyanate-free, they have enhanced UV resistance, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Non-Staining and Non-Streaking
Unlike many silicone sealants, MS polymer sealants don’t contain silicone oil, which can stain surfaces and cause streaking when dirt sticks to it and is washed away by rain. This makes them cleaner and more attractive over time. Additionally, they can be painted with water-based paints, and oil-based paints can also be used, though they take longer to dry.
Flexible and Durable Adhesion
MS polymer sealants are very flexible, allowing them to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes, and absorb vibrations from structural movement and impacts. They are also chemically resistant, making them suitable for use in harsh environments. They stick strongly and permanently to most surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, concrete, and many plastics.
Versatile Formulation
MS polymer sealants can be easily modified with different additives to meet specific needs, making them highly versatile for various applications in many industries.

Overall MS polymer sealants, like our EvoSeal MS, offer a combination of durability, flexibility, and safety, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of sealing and bonding tasks.
Some of these applications include:
- Flashing, coping, skylights, and gutter seams; adhering EPDM roofing membranes
- Kitchen and bath tile, sinks, tubs, counters, and other fixtures
- Heating, ventilating, or air conditioning ductwork
- Residential and commercial windows, doors, and siding
- Exterior cladding and joints
- Foundational waterproofing and radon sealing
- Expansion joints
- Perimeter edge sealing
- Sealing of joints between multiple precast and pre-fabricated components
- Joining surfaces of different materials
- Chemical resistant seals in liquid-repellent and impermeable floors, storage tanks, basins, and silos
- RV, trailer, and specialty vehicle manufacture and repair
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MS POLYMER & HYBRID SEALANTS?
An Introduction to MS Polymer Sealants
MS polymer sealants, also known as “Modified Silicone” or “Hybrid” sealants, have been around since the late 1970s. They were first developed by the Japanese company Kaneka to create a strong, flexible sealant for protecting buildings during earthquakes. Over the years, these sealants have been improved and refined, making them a versatile and reliable choice today.
What Makes MS Polymer Sealants Unique?
MS polymer sealants use a special type of polymer called modified silane as their base. This sets them apart from other sealants that use synthetic or urethane-based polymers. This unique composition allows MS polymers to combine the best features of silicone and polyurethane sealants while reducing their weaknesses. For example:
- Durability and Paintability: Like polyurethane but without the shrinkage.
- Weather and UV Resistance: Like silicone, plus they can withstand abrasion.
No Isocyanates or Solvents
MS polymer sealants have a hybrid chemistry that offers several benefits:
- Isocyanate-Free: They don’t contain isocyanates, which can create bubbles in the sealant and weaken it over time.
- Adhesion to Wet Surfaces: They stick to wet surfaces, unlike polyurethane or silicone sealants, making them great for use in rain or snow.
- Solvent-Free: They don’t contain solvents, leading to a low odor, low viscosity sealant that works well even in cold temperatures. This also means no shrinkage, which keeps the sealant looking neat and clean.
- Health and Safety: Without isocyanates and solvents, these sealants are safer for health, making them suitable for green building projects, hospitals, and schools.
UV Stability
Exposure to sunlight, particularly UV light, can damage sealants, causing discoloration, cracking, and reduced performance. MS polymer sealants are made with UV stabilizers and antioxidants to resist these effects. Since they are isocyanate-free, they have enhanced UV resistance, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Non-Staining and Non-Streaking
Unlike many silicone sealants, MS polymer sealants don’t contain silicone oil, which can stain surfaces and cause streaking when dirt sticks to it and is washed away by rain. This makes them cleaner and more attractive over time. Additionally, they can be painted with water-based paints, and oil-based paints can also be used, though they take longer to dry.
Flexible and Durable Adhesion
MS polymer sealants are very flexible, allowing them to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes, and absorb vibrations from structural movement and impacts. They are also chemically resistant, making them suitable for use in harsh environments. They stick strongly and permanently to most surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, concrete, and many plastics.
Versatile Formulation
MS polymer sealants can be easily modified with different additives to meet specific needs, making them highly versatile for various applications in many industries.

Overall MS polymer sealants, like our EvoSeal MS, offer a combination of durability, flexibility, and safety, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of sealing and bonding tasks.
Some of these applications include:
- Flashing, coping, skylights, and gutter seams; adhering EPDM roofing membranes
- Kitchen and bath tile, sinks, tubs, counters, and other fixtures
- Heating, ventilating, or air conditioning ductwork
- Residential and commercial windows, doors, and siding
- Exterior cladding and joints
- Foundational waterproofing and radon sealing
- Expansion joints
- Perimeter edge sealing
- Sealing of joints between multiple precast and pre-fabricated components
- Joining surfaces of different materials
- Chemical resistant seals in liquid-repellent and impermeable floors, storage tanks, basins, and silos
- RV, trailer, and specialty vehicle manufacture and repair