Dekalin DEKASYL MS-5 white 290 ml - strong MS polymer structural adhesive for solar panels, SAT antennas and motorhome spoilers
- MS polymer structural adhesive with high initial tack for bonding solar panels, SAT antennas, spoilers and profiles without drilling. Permanently elastic from -40 to +120 °C.
Dekalin DEKASYL MS-5 is an MS polymer adhesive with high adhesion and high initial strength, designed for elastic structural joints. Thanks to its high initial tack (approx. 700 Pa), parts often need no support or clamping while curing. The manufacturer recommends this adhesive for fitting solar panels, panel brackets and spoilers, satellite antennas and roof lead-throughs on a motorhome roof, wherever you want to avoid drilling holes in the roof skin.
Key features
- High initial strength, parts usually need no temporary fixing
- Tensile strength approx. 2.8 MPa and shear strength approx. 2.5 MPa
- Permanently elastic from -40 to +120 °C, short-term +180 °C for 20 minutes
- Free of solvents, isocyanates and PVC, neutral odour and fast curing
- Paintable wet-on-wet after skinning
Use in motorhomes and caravans
The most common uses in caravanning are bonding solar panel brackets and spoilers, semi-flexible solar modules, SAT antennas, roof air conditioners and cable lead-throughs on the roof, as well as windows, aluminium or polyester corner profiles on trailers and polyester parts on metal frames. If needed, MS-5 can also act as a sealant when joining materials of similar stiffness.
When bonding on the roof it pays to use the full manufacturer system: degreasing with DEKACLEAN Ultra, activating plastics with DEKAVATOR 22 NF and bonding with DEKASYL MS-5. The recommended adhesive layer is about 2 mm, and correspondingly more where the materials differ strongly in thermal expansion.
DEKASYL adhesives and sealants are not a replacement for a plastic sealant under the flanges of roof lights, side windows and service doors that will have to be removed later. For such places the manufacturer specifies the non-curing DEKASEAL 8936.
How to use, step by step
- Clean and degrease both surfaces with DEKACLEAN Ultra or a DEKACLEAN Ultra cloth and let it flash off for about 3 minutes.
- On plastics and difficult surfaces apply a thin coat of DEKAVATOR 22 NF activator and wait about 5 minutes.
- Cut the cartridge tip, trim the nozzle at an angle to the required bead width and apply the compound with a manual or pneumatic gun at +5 to +35 °C.
- For bonding, join the parts within about 15 minutes of application (20 °C, 50% relative humidity) and press them lightly if needed.
- For sealing, tool the joint within about 12 minutes with a spatula wetted with DEKAFINISHER. Do not let the agent get under the compound, as this reduces adhesion.
- The compound cures with moisture from the air. It reaches full strength after a few days, depending on layer thickness, temperature and humidity.
What you get
- 1 x Dekalin DEKASYL MS-5 cartridge, colour white, content 290 ml
How to choose the right product
The DEKASYL range includes several MS polymer compounds that differ in hardness, elasticity and bond strength. The overview below is based on the manufacturer technical data sheets; the highlighted row is the product on this page.
| Product | Main job | Shore A hardness | Elongation at break | Skin time approx. | Service temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEKASYL MS-1 | universal joint sealing and light bonding | 52 | 300% | 10 min | -40 / +100 °C |
| DEKASYL MS-2 | bonding and sealing with higher strength | 55 | 250% | 10 min | -40 / +100 °C |
| DEKASYL MS-5 | structural bonding: solar panels, SAT systems, spoilers | 55 | 210% | 12 min | -40 / +120 °C |
| DEKASYL MS-6 | soft, highly elastic joint on plastics | 32 | 600% | 30 min | -40 / +90 °C |
| DEKASYL MS-7 | transparent bonding and sealing | 40 | 250% | 35 min | -40 / +100 °C |
| DEKASYL MS-8 | windscreen bonding, drive-away time approx. 60 min | 58 | 300% | 10 min | -40 / +100 °C |
Safety at work
- Labelling according to the safety data sheet (version of 18.12.2023): EUH208: Contains a sensitising substance. May produce an allergic reaction. EUH210: Safety data sheet available on request. EUH212: Warning! Hazardous respirable dust may be formed when used. Do not breathe dust.
- Read the label and the safety data sheet before use. Work in a well-ventilated area, wear protective gloves and, when working overhead, safety glasses.
- Keep out of reach of children. Dispose of residues and packaging in line with local regulations; do not pour into drains.
Storage and shelf life
Store in the tightly closed original packaging in a cool, dry place, protected from frost and direct sunlight. The best-before date is printed on the pack. Close an opened cartridge tightly and use it up soon, because the compound in the nozzle cures with moisture.
Matching products
- DEKASYL MS-5 black 290 ml - same product, other variant
- DEKASYL MS-5 white 100 ml - same product, other variant
- DEKASYL MS-5 bonding kit - adhesive with activator and cloths
- DEKAVATOR 22 NF 30 ml - adhesion activator for plastics
- DEKACLEAN Ultra 1 l - degreasing before bonding
- DEKAFINISHER 500 ml - smoothing joints
- DEKAtool cartridge cutter - clean opening of cartridges
Technical data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | Dekalin DEKASYL MS-5 |
| Base | MS polymer, moisture curing |
| Colour | white |
| Content | 290 ml |
| Skin time (20 °C, 50% RH) | approx. 12 min |
| Open time for bonding | up to 15 min |
| Shore A hardness | 55 |
| Elongation at break | 210% |
| Tensile strength | 2,8 MPa |
| Temperature resistance when cured | -40 to +120 °C |
| Application temperature | +5 to +35 °C |
| Curing speed | approx. 4 mm / 24 h |
| Shear strength | 2,5 MPa |
| Initial tack | approx. 700 Pa |
| Recommended layer thickness | approx. 2 mm |
| Manufacturer item no. | 6252212 |
Frequently asked questions
Will a solar panel bonded with MS-5 survive motorway driving?
DEKASYL MS-5 is made precisely for bonding solar panel brackets and spoilers and SAT antennas. A durable bond requires a clean, degreased substrate, activation of plastics with DEKAVATOR 22 NF and a sufficiently large bonding area.
Can an MS-5 joint be painted?
Yes. According to the manufacturer, MS-5 can be painted wet-on-wet once a skin has formed. Test the chosen paint before coating a larger area.
When can I drive off?
The compound cures about 4 mm per day. After bonding parts on the roof, leave the vehicle undisturbed for at least a day and apply full load only after a few days.
About Dekalin
Dekalin is a German brand of adhesives, sealants and protective products used for years by motorhome and caravan manufacturers and by caravan workshops. Technical data sheets and safety data sheets are available on the manufacturer website dekalin.de.