Cure accelerator. Dow DOWSIL 3-6559 Cure Accelerator is a one-component, concentrated additive solution used with Dow SILASTIC mold-making silicones to increase the speed of cure. It is designed to speed up the room-temperature cure of all addition-cure (platinum-cure) mold-making silicone rubbers.
Composition. The product contains a silicone polymer and a platinum catalyst. Added to a compatible addition-cure silicone, it accelerates the platinum-catalyzed cure reaction, shortening the time to demold and improving productivity in mold-making operations.
Dual use. Beyond accelerating cure, 3-6559 can also be used as a surface treatment to prevent inhibition. Addition-cure silicones can fail to cure (remaining gummy) when they contact certain contaminants; treating a surface with the accelerator can help counter that inhibition on problematic substrates.
Handling notes. As a concentrated additive, it should be used in the proportions recommended by Dow for the specific base silicone. Because it contains a platinum catalyst, follow handling guidance carefully. Review the product and Safety Data Sheets before use.
Recommended For
Speeding room-temperature cure of addition-cure silicones
Composition: Silicone polymer with platinum catalyst
Function: Accelerates room-temperature cure of addition-cure silicones; anti-inhibition surface treatment
Used with: Dow SILASTIC mold-making silicones
Container size: 0.45 kg bottle
Primary Industries
Mold making and casting
Art and figurine reproduction
Industrial manufacturing
Prototyping
Standards and Certifications
None specified by source
FAQs
What does DOWSIL 3-6559 do?
It is a concentrated additive that speeds up the room-temperature cure of addition-cure (platinum-cure) mold-making silicone rubbers. When added to a compatible SILASTIC silicone, it shortens demolding time and boosts productivity. It can also be used as a surface treatment to help prevent cure inhibition.
Which silicones is it compatible with?
3-6559 is designed for use with Dow SILASTIC mold-making silicones and, more broadly, addition-cure (platinum-cure) silicone rubbers. It is not a catalyst for condensation-cure systems. Confirm compatibility with your specific base silicone and use the proportions Dow recommends for that material.
How does it prevent cure inhibition?
Addition-cure silicones can be inhibited (left gummy or uncured) by contact with certain contaminants. Because 3-6559 contains active cure chemistry, applying it as a surface treatment can help counter inhibition on problematic substrates, improving the likelihood of a full, proper cure in the treated area.
What is in DOWSIL 3-6559?
The product contains a silicone polymer and a platinum catalyst. The platinum accelerates the addition-cure reaction when blended into a compatible silicone. Because it is a catalyzed additive, follow Dow's handling and proportioning guidance and review the Safety Data Sheet before use.
How much should I add?
As a concentrated additive, it should be used in the specific proportions Dow recommends for the base silicone being accelerated, since overuse or underuse can affect cure and properties. Consult the product technical data sheet and the base silicone's documentation to determine the correct amount for your process.
