Dymonic FC vs Vulkem 116: which one for the job

Both are Tremco and Cranco carries both. Dymonic FC is a hybrid and Vulkem 116 is a polyurethane.

Dymonic FC skins in 1 hour. Vulkem 116 takes 6, and 30 more to go tack-free.

Which to take

Take Dymonic FC on a tight schedule or a mixed run. It skins in 1 hour against Vulkem 116's 6, is tack-free in 3 to 4 hours against 30, is rated to 35% movement against 25%, and its substrate list adds aluminum, vinyl siding and EIFS. It is also UL 2079 fire-tested and carries a published service range of -40 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

Take Vulkem 116 when the specification names its approvals: USDA indirect food contact, CFIA and City of Los Angeles. It also comes in a 7.6 L pail.

Vulkem 116 is exterior only. Both are paintable and both come in a 300 mL cartridge and a 600 mL sausage.

What the data sheets say

Dymonic FC against Vulkem 116, from the figures each manufacturer publishes.
Dymonic FCVulkem 116
ChemistryHybridPolyurethane
Movement capability35 %25 %
Skin time1 hour6 hours
Tack-free time3 to 4 hours30 hours
Substratesconcrete (precast panel joints), aluminum, masonry, vinyl siding, EIFSpoured and precast concrete, masonry
Usesexpansion/control joints, perimeter caulking (windows, door, panels)expansion joints, window/door perimeters, masonry, construction joints
PaintableYesYes
Package sizes10.1 oz (300 mL) cartridge; 20 oz (600 mL) sausage10.1 oz (300 mL) cartridge; 20 oz (600 mL) sausage; 2 gal (7.6 L) pail; 5 gal (18.9 L) pail; 55 gal (208 L) drum
StandardsASTM C920 Type S Grade NS Class 35 Use NT M A O; ASTM C1248; TT-S-00230C Class A Type II; CAN/CGSB 19.13-M87; UL 2079 (ASTM E1966), CAN-4-S115MASTM C920 Type S Grade NS Class 25 Use T NT M A I class II O; TT-S-00230C Class A Type II; CAN/CGSB-19.13-M87; USDA indirect food contact; CFIA; City of LA (COLA) approval

Which sets faster, Dymonic FC or Vulkem 116?

Dymonic FC is tack-free in 3 to 4 hours and Vulkem 116 takes 30 hours. That matters on a joint that has to be walked past, backfilled or covered the same day.

What the manufacturers warn about

Do not apply over damp or contaminated surfaces. Do not use under polyurethane deck coatings. Use with adequate ventilation. Always utilize the accompanying SDS for information on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Health Hazards. Not recommended for use in chlorinated, potable, heavy or waste water. Although Dymonic FC is paintable, this does not imply adhesion to and compatibility with all paints. Consult Tremco Technical Bulletin No. S-09-05 or Tremco Technical Services for more information.

Tremco, on Dymonic FC

Vulkem 116 is approved for exterior use only. Do not use this product inside an occupied building even if there are no occupants present during use. Refer to product SDS, available on our website, for all health and safety information. Do not apply Vulkem 116 over damp, green, or contaminated surfaces. Do not use in chlorinated, potable, heavy, or waste water. Although this product is paintable, this does not imply adhesion to and compatibility with all paints. Please refer to Tremco Technical Bulletin No. S-09-05 for more information.

Tremco, on Vulkem 116

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