Putty: Difference between revisions

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== Chemical composition ==

Putty, or [[Lime mortar|lime putty]], is made from a mixture of calcium oxide (CaO) and water (H₂O) in proportions of 38% and 62% by weight respectively, as result, the solution forms hydrated lime (Ca(OH)₂) which takes up about a half of the weight.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hollis |first=Murray |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/60819915 |title=Practical straw bale building |date=2005 |publisher=Landlinks Press |isbn=0-643-09214-5 |location=Collingwood, Vic. |oclc=60819915}}</ref>{{Rp|page=59}}

The other putty mixture may be a calcium carbonate (CaCO_3, 750-850 parts) based with an admixture of CaO (ash calcium, 120-180 parts), white cement (40-60 parts), and talc powders in much lower concentrations (fractions).<ref>{{Cite patent|title=Putty Powder Formula|gdate=2019-03-21|invent1=Yao|inventor1-first=Boyu|url=https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2019051722#:~:text=Putty%20powder%20is%20characterized%20in,parts%20of%20bagasse%20fibers,%200.5}}</ref>

== Applications ==

=== Use in construction ===

Putty has been used extensively in [[glazing (window)|glazing]] for fixing and sealing panes of glass into wooden frames (or [[sash window|sashes]]), although its use is decreasing with the prevalence of [[polyvinyl chloride|PVC]] and metal window frames which use synthetic sealants such as [[silicone]]. Glazing putty is traditionally made by mixing a base of [[Calcium carbonate|whiting]] (finely ground [[chalk]]) with [[linseed oil]] in various proportions. Historically, [[white lead]] was sometimes mixed with the whiting.<ref>Paul N. Hasluck, Ed., [https://books.google.com/books?id=NChRAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA439 The Handyman's Enquire Within], Cassel and Co., 1908; page 439.</ref> There are a number of synthetic alternatives such as [[polybutene]]-based putties, where the polybutene is a low [[molecular mass|molecular weight]] [[oligomer]] replacing the [[linseed oil]]. [[Butyl rubber]] is also added to the mixture to provide some strength and flexibility.

Painter's putty is typically a [[linseed oil]]-based product used for filling holes, minor cracks, and defacements in wood only.

Putties can also be made [[intumescent]], in which case they are used for [[firestop]]ping as well as for padding of [[junction box|electrical outlet boxes]] in [[fire-resistance rating|fire-resistance rated]] [[drywall]] assemblies. In the latter case, [[hydrate]]s in the putty produce an [[endothermic process|endothermic reaction]] to mitigate [[heat]] transfer to the unexposed side.

===Two-part hardening putties===

[[Polyester resin#Unsaturated polyester|Polyester]] putty and [[epoxy putty]] are [[thermosetting polymer]]s that can be molded by hand, but become permanently rigid after curing. [[Pratley Putty]] is an epoxy putty used primarily for steel bonding. [[Milliput]] is another popular multipurpose epoxy putty. [[Bondo (putty)|Bondo]] is a polyester-based automotive body filler, which is commonly used in collision repair.

===Plumber's putty===

'''Plumber's putty''' is the common name encompassing a variety of products of completely different compositions, all used for making watertight seals in [[plumbing]].<ref name="Peters 2003 p. 21">{{cite book | last=Peters | first=R. | title=Plumbing Basics | publisher=Sterling Publishing Company, Incorporated | series=Basics Series | year=2003 | isbn=978-1-4027-1121-3 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gonKHq8l21YC&pg=PA21 | access-date=2021-05-02 | page=21}}</ref><ref name="Peters 2006 p. 79">{{cite book | last=Peters | first=R. | title=Home How-to Handbook: Plumbing | publisher=Sterling Pub. | year=2006 | isbn=978-1-4027-4196-8 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iy2mBhvrrLwC&pg=PA79 | access-date=2021-05-02 | page=79}}</ref> It is a pliable substance used to make watertight seals around faucets and drains. The putty is a basic component of a plumber's toolkit and is often used when replacing plumbing fixtures. Plumber's putty formulations vary but commonly include powdered [[clay]] and [[linseed oil]]. Other formulas use [[limestone]], [[talc]], or [[fish oil]]. [[RTV silicone]] or [[epoxy]] sealants may be used in place of putty.

Plumber's putty contains [[mineral oil]]s and/or [[vegetable oil]]s so it can stain porous materials such as marble or some plastics.<ref name="Frechette 2004 p. 144">{{cite book | last=Frechette | first=L.A. | title=Remodeling a Bathroom | publisher=Taunton Press | series=Build Like a Pro Series | year=2004 | isbn=978-1-56158-621-9 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qhUFJsXWyNsC&pg=PA144 | access-date=2021-05-02 | page=144}}</ref> The oils can also react chemically with some plastics, slowly making them brittle.<ref>{{cite web |title=How To Use Plumbers Putty |url=https://bestplumbersclub.com/plumbing-guides/how-to-use-plumbers-putty/ |website=Best Plumbers Club |language=en-AU |date=29 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Team |first1=Two Make a Home |title=Can plumber's putty be used on plastic? |url=https://twomakeahome.com/can-plumbers-putty-be-used-on-plastic/ |website=Two Make a Home |language=en-us |date=1 December 2021}}</ref>

=== Other uses ===

Certain types of putty also have use in the field of [[terminal ballistics]], where the putty can accurately represent the average density of the human body. As such it can be used, for instance, to test the penetrative power of [[projectile]]s, or the stopping power of [[bulletproof vest|body armour]].

[[Modeling clay]] and play putty, such as [[Plasticine]] and [[Silly Putty]] are common [[toy]]s.

==See also==

* [[Rope caulk]]

* [[Wood putty]]

* [[Whitewash]]

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