Putty is a material with highplasticity, similar in texture toclay ordough, typically used in domestic construction and repair as a sealant or filler. Although some types of putty (typically those usinglinseed oil) slowly polymerise and become stiff, many putties can be reworked indefinitely, in contrast to other types of filler which typically set solid relatively rapidly.
Putty, orlime putty, is made from a mixture ofcalcium oxide (CaO) andwater (H2O) in proportions of 38% and 62% by weight respectively, as result, the solution formshydrated lime (Ca(OH)2) which takes up about a half of the weight.[1]: 59
The other putty mixture may be acalcium carbonate (CaCO3, 750-850 parts) based with an admixture of CaO (ash calcium, 120-180 parts), whitecement (40-60 parts), andtalc powders in much lower concentrations (fractions).[2]
Putty has been used extensively inglazing for fixing and sealing panes of glass into wooden frames (orsashes), although its use is decreasing with the prevalence ofPVC and metal window frames which use synthetic sealants such assilicone. Glazing putty is traditionally made by mixing a base ofwhiting (finely groundchalk) withlinseed oil in various proportions. Historically,white lead was sometimes mixed with the whiting.[3] There are a number of synthetic alternatives such aspolybutene-based putties, where the polybutene is a lowmolecular weightoligomer replacing thelinseed oil.Butyl rubber is also added to the mixture to provide some strength and flexibility.
Painter's putty is typically alinseed oil-based product used for filling holes, minor cracks, and defacements in wood only.
Putties can also be madeintumescent, in which case they are used forfirestopping as well as for padding ofelectrical outlet boxes infire-resistance rateddrywall assemblies. In the latter case,hydrates in the putty produce anendothermic reaction to mitigateheat transfer to the unexposed side.
Inwoodworking, water-based putties are more commonly used, as these emit very little odour, are more easily cleaned up and are compatible with water-based and latex sealers.
Polyester putty andepoxy putty arethermosetting polymers 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 is a polyester-based automotive body filler, which is commonly used in collision repair.
Plumber's putty is the common name encompassing a variety of products of completely different compositions, all used for making watertight seals inplumbing.[4][5] 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 powderedclay andlinseed oil. Other formulas uselimestone,talc, orfish oil.
Plumber's putty containsmineral oils and/orvegetable oils so it can stain porous materials such as marble or some plastics.[6] The oils can also react chemically with some plastics, slowly making them brittle.[7][8]
RTV silicone orepoxy sealants may be used in place of putty.
Certain types of putty also have use in the field ofterminal 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 ofprojectiles, or the stopping power ofbody armour.
Modeling clay and play putty, such asPlasticine andSilly Putty are commontoys.
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