Electronics Assembly GE Momentive High Temperature Silicone Potting and Encapsulation RTV 106 RTV 116 Silicone Sealant

GE Momentive RTV 106 vs RTV 116: Which High-Temp Silicone Is Right for Your Application?

Jun 29, 2026

Quick Answer

RTV 106 and RTV 116 are both one-part, moisture-cure red silicone sealants from GE Momentive rated for continuous service up to 260°C (500°F) and intermittent service up to 316°C (600°F). The key difference is cure speed and section thickness: RTV 106 is the standard formulation with a tack-free time of approximately 20 minutes and full cure in 24 hours at room temperature; RTV 116 is a slower-curing variant designed for thicker cross-sections and applications where extended working time is needed. For most electronics and industrial sealing applications, RTV 106 is the correct choice. RTV 116 is specified when you need to seal sections thicker than 6mm or when the application requires the sealant to remain workable for longer before skinning over.

GE Momentive RTV 106 and RTV 116 are among the most widely specified high-temperature silicone sealants in electronics manufacturing, aerospace, and industrial maintenance. Both are one-part, acetoxy-cure red silicone pastes that cure at room temperature when exposed to atmospheric moisture — but they are not interchangeable in every application. Choosing the wrong one can result in incomplete cure, adhesion failure, or outgassing that damages sensitive components.

What Is RTV Silicone?

RTV stands for Room Temperature Vulcanizing — silicone that cures at ambient temperature without heat or UV exposure. One-part RTV silicones cure by reacting with atmospheric moisture, which means cure rate depends on humidity, temperature, and section thickness. Acetoxy-cure RTVs (like RTV 106 and 116) release acetic acid (vinegar smell) during cure — this is normal and dissipates as the material cures. Do not use acetoxy-cure silicones on copper, brass, or other metals sensitive to acetic acid corrosion.

RTV 106 vs RTV 116: Side-by-Side Comparison

Property RTV 106 RTV 116
Color Red Red
Cure type One-part, moisture cure (acetoxy) One-part, moisture cure (acetoxy)
Tack-free time ~20 minutes ~60 minutes
Full cure time 24 hours (3mm section) 24–48 hours (3mm section)
Max section thickness 6mm per application 12mm per application
Continuous service temp 260°C (500°F) 260°C (500°F)
Intermittent service temp 316°C (600°F) 316°C (600°F)
Dielectric strength 500 V/mil 500 V/mil
Best for Standard sealing, bonding, gasketing Thick sections, extended working time

When to Use RTV 106

RTV 106 is the standard choice for the vast majority of high-temperature silicone applications:

  • Sealing and gasketing on motors, transformers, and electrical enclosures where temperatures exceed the range of standard RTV silicones
  • Bonding and potting of electronic components in high-temperature environments — sensors, heating elements, ignition systems
  • Wire and cable sealing at entry points into high-temperature enclosures
  • Exhaust and heat shield sealing in automotive and aerospace applications
  • Any application where section thickness is 6mm or less and standard cure speed is acceptable

When to Use RTV 116

RTV 116 is specified for applications where RTV 106's faster cure is a disadvantage:

  • Thick section potting and encapsulation where sections exceed 6mm — RTV 116's slower cure allows moisture to penetrate deeper before skinning over
  • Applications requiring extended working time — when you need to position components or adjust the sealant after application before it skins
  • Large-volume dispensing where the application takes longer than 20 minutes to complete

Important Application Notes for Both Products

  • Do not use on copper, brass, or silver — acetic acid released during cure corrodes these metals. Use a neutral-cure silicone (oxime or alkoxy cure) for copper and brass applications.
  • Cure rate depends on humidity — in very dry environments (<30% RH), cure will be significantly slower. In high-humidity environments, cure is faster.
  • Do not apply over uncured silicone — each layer must be fully cured before applying the next layer for thick-section builds.
  • Surface preparation matters — surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of oils and release agents for proper adhesion.
  • Shelf life is 12 months from manufacture when stored at 40°F–77°F (4°C–25°C) in original sealed packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions About RTV 106 and RTV 116

What is the difference between RTV 106 and RTV 116?

RTV 106 and RTV 116 are both one-part, acetoxy-cure red silicone sealants with identical temperature ratings (260°C continuous, 316°C intermittent). The key difference is cure speed and maximum section thickness: RTV 106 has a tack-free time of ~20 minutes and is rated for sections up to 6mm; RTV 116 has a tack-free time of ~60 minutes and is rated for sections up to 12mm. For most standard sealing and bonding applications, RTV 106 is the correct choice. RTV 116 is specified when thicker sections or extended working time are required.

Can RTV 106 be used on copper or brass?

No — RTV 106 and RTV 116 are acetoxy-cure silicones that release acetic acid during cure. Acetic acid corrodes copper, brass, and silver, causing discoloration, increased contact resistance, and potential failure of electrical connections. For applications involving copper or brass, use a neutral-cure silicone (oxime-cure or alkoxy-cure) that does not release corrosive byproducts during cure.

How long does RTV 106 take to fully cure?

RTV 106 reaches tack-free in approximately 20 minutes at 25°C (77°F) and 50% relative humidity. Full cure for a 3mm section takes approximately 24 hours under the same conditions. Thicker sections require proportionally longer cure times — a 6mm section may require 48 hours for full cure. Cure is slower in low-humidity environments and faster in high-humidity environments.

Where can I buy GE Momentive RTV 106 and RTV 116?

MTE Solutions carries GE Momentive RTV 106 in 85ml tube and 300ml cartridge sizes, both in stock and available for immediate shipment. Contact MTE Solutions for volume pricing on case quantities.

Shop GE Momentive RTV Silicone at MTE Solutions:

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