Description

MAX 1618 A/B 1/2 Gallon MAX 1618 PART A (HALF GALLON 64 FL.OZ) AND 1/4 Gallon MAX 1618 PART B (1 QUART 32 FL.OZ) (96.0 FLUID OUNCE COMBINED VOLUME) DESCRIPTION MAX 1618 A/B is our newest ultra-clear resin system engineered by our R&D laboratories that specifically address the performance aspects of absolute crystal clarity and resistance to yellowing from UV exposure while demonstrating high mechanical performance suitable for structural composites fabrication. MAX 1618 A/B is our lowest viscosity resin formulation which makes it suitable for adding fillers and powders. It is also suitable for many bonding and impregnating applications where its low viscosity yields excellent wetting and resin saturation. PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS Easy 2:1 Parts by Volume Mix Ratio, Brush, Roller Coat, Pour Applied The Clearest Epoxy Resin System Available The Lowest Viscosity Formulation For Fast Fiber Wet-Out and Flow 100% Reactive, No Excessive Plasticizer Fillers Silicone-based Wetting Agents Free for Excellent EMBEDDING Adhesion Balanced Working Time For Dry and Wet Lay-up Excellent Gloss and Color Retention, Non-Blushing Excellent For Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber, Aramid Fibers (Kevlar, Nomex) Excellent Impact Resistance Excellent Balance of Strength and Flexibility Excellent Water/Salt Water Resistant for Marine/Aero Applications Excellent Chemical and Solvent Resistance Low Shrinkage, Wide range of service temperature Tested For Aerospace Application Under NASA Low Out Gassing Specifications THIS KIT INCLUDES A SET OF YORKER CAPS FOR CONTROLLED DISPENSING. Use these Yorker caps to dispense the material with ease and minimize over pouring and reduce spills. We do not recommend using dispensing pumps. The curing agent or part B of any epoxy resin system is sensitive to moisture and carbon dioxide, which will react with the curing agent and form carbamate crystals (salt-like crystals that form on the tip of the pump) and reduce reactivity. CARBAMATE CRYSTALS THAT FORM ON THE PUMP WHEN THE CURING AGENT IS EXPOSED AMBIENT MOISTURE AND CARBON DIOXIDE. THESE CRYSTALS ARE INSOLUBLE IN EPOXY RESIN RESULTING IN CONTAMINATION AND CAUSES POOR CURE AND AMINE-BLUSHING. Use these Yorker caps and cut the tip to meter the orifice of the of the tip for accurate dispensing. When done, just replace the tip cap and it will exclude ambient moisture and air and keep the resin system viable for years. Unless the kit is used continuously and within a short period of time, using dispensing pumps will cause more problems than ease-of-use. The pump leaves the bottle open to moisture (from the pressure-relief hole) and unless you plan on using the whole 2-gallon kit in less than a month, the curing agent will degrade and cause other curing problems. To use the caps, cut off the tip to the desired hole size, and attach, do not cus pass the ridgeline that keeps the tip cap in place. To dispense, lay the plastic jug unto its side and apply pressure on the bottle to dispense the contents. When done replace the tip cap and the container is sealed and it will be usable for years. We highly recommend using a scale to measure each component accurately. RESIN CRYSTALLIZATION FROM PROLONGED STORAGE OR COLD WEATHER EXPOSURE The resin component or the PART A may crystallize due to cold temperature exposure. Please inspect the resin component for any solidified crystals which will appear as waxy solid or cloudiness on the bottom of the PART A bottle. An information postcard is included with each package. Please cut and paste this link for more processing instructions https://theepoxyexperts.com/coldweathernotice/ View the following video for identification and processing. DO NOT USE UNLESS PROCESSED TO REVERT ANY CRYSTALIZED RESIN BACK TO A LIQUID STATE AND AVOID POOR CURED RESULTS. Physical Properties Density 1.10 g/cc Form and Color Clear Liquid Viscosity 200 +/- 25 cPS @ 25°C Mixed Mix Ratio 50 Parts B to 100 Parts A By Weight Working Time 30 Minutes @25°C (77°F 100 gm mass) Peak Exotherm 70°C (158°F,100 gm mass) Handle Time 2.5 Hours Thin Film Set Time Full Cure Time 48 Hours minimum @ 25°C (77°F) Mechanical Properties Hardness 87 +/- 5 Shore D Tee-Peel Strength 5.7 Lbs Per Inch Width Polycarbonate Tensile Shear Strength 2,300 psi @ 25°C (77°F) 6063 T4 Aluminum 1,800 psi @ -80°C (-112°F) Overlap Shear 550 psi @ 100°C (212°F) Elongation 3.0% @ 25°C (77°F) Flexural Strength 13,500 psi @ 25°C (77°F) Flexural Modulus 500 psi @ 25°C (77°F) Compressive Strength 8,200 psi @ 25°C (77°F) Heat Distortion Temp 80°C (176°F) ABSOLUTE CLARITY AND TRANSPARENCY CAUSES OF TURBIDITY AND POOR RESIN CLARITY Silicone defoamers are formulation additives that cause mixed air bubbles to be unstable and causes self-degassing. It is commonly used in all types of industrial fluids to prevent foaming during processing. It is an integral additive in paints protective and conformal coatings as an antifoam additive. However, silicone defoamers and surfactants create turbidity in clear epoxy resin. Silicone defoamers are formulated to be immiscible (will not blend with or form a stable solution) with epoxy resin polymers so when air bubbles formed from mixing of the curing agent to initiate polymer crosslinking, it causes air bubbles to be unstable. When an air bubble encounters the silicone defoamer compound within the mixture, the lamella or the skin boundary of the bubble loose structural equilibrium and causes it to burst due to the differential surface tension of the polymer resin and the suspended silicone molecules. These physical dynamics cause a defoaming action within the resin matrix. The incompatibility between the epoxy polymer and the silicone defoamer cause turbidity and loss of optical transparency that is increasingly evident in thick castings or coatings. MAX 1618 A/B is formulated without the use of any silicone based surfactants that cause turbidity even in very thick castings. MAX 1618 A/B COLOR STABILITY COMPARISON Clear epoxy systems formulated using plasticizers and accelerators such as the specimen The left specimen demonstrates poor color stability even if it is unexposed to direct sunlight or elevated temperature. Note the MAX 1618 A/B specimen that was formed at the same time and kept in a temperature controlled (25.0°C +/- 0.5 °C) chamber that filters out any UV radiation from an ambient light source. MAX 1618 A/B SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE STUDY Note the low yellowing performance of MAX 1618 A/B compared to a common brand epoxy resin after equal direct sunlight exposure of 2 months. Competitive brand clear resin system formulated with nonylphenol plasticizers after sunlight exposure COLOR STABILITY STUDY BY ACCELERATED UV EXPOSURE Note the absolute clarity of the MAX 1618 A/B specimen exhibiting excellent crystal clear transparency EPOXY RESIN MIXING TECHNIQUE PLEASE VIEW THE FOLLOWING VIDEO FOR THE PROPER MIXING OF EPOXY RESINS. ALTHOUGH THE RESIN SYSTEM DEMONSTRATED IS MAX CLR A/B, IT DEMONSTRATES THE PROPER TECHNIQUE OF MIXING ANY TYPE OF EPOXY RESIN SYSTEM. THE PROPER CURE AND FINAL PERFORMANCE OF ANY EPOXY RESIN SYSTEM ARE HIGHLY DEPENDENT ON THE QUALITY AND THOROUGHNESS OF THE MIX. THE RESIN AND CURING AGENT MUST BE MIXED TO HOMOGENEOUS CONSISTENCY. The use of a weighing scale is highly recommended for proportioning the 2:1 mix ratio. Using volumetric measuring is fine, however, weighing the resin and curing agent yields better-cured mechanical properties, batch repeatability, and less waste from mixing over-sized batch. Use this digital scale to precisely weigh the resin and curing agent and ensure full polymerization of the resin and curing agent and prevent leaching. Purchase this scale with any of our product offering and the shipping cost of the scale is free. https://www.ebay.com/itm/222630300203 MIXING TECHNIQUE How To Mix Epoxy Resin For Food Contact Coating. Avoid Tacky Spots, Minimize Air Bubble When Mixing - YouTube Video will open in a new window Using the eBay App? Paste link into a browser window: [isdntekvideo] EVIDENCE OF POOR MIXING Air Bubble Removal Technique Cutting And Polishing MORE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS AT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL PolymerProductsPCI on YouTube DOWNLOAD OUR MAX 1618 TABLETOP COATINGS BULLETIN FOR DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD MAX 1618 A/B WOOD COATINGS APPLICATIONS River rock embedding with MAX 1618 A/B COVERAGE AND YIELD PER GALLON USE THESE THEORETICAL FACTORS TO DETERMINE COVERAGE TO UNFILLED EPOXY RESIN AS A THEORETICAL GUIDE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A 1.5 GALLON KIT AND THESE NUMBERS ARE BASED ON THEORETICAL PHYSICAL DATA. IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER THE TYPE OF SUBSTRATE TO BE COATED IN REGARDS TO ITS SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND POROSITY OR ABSORBENCY. EXAMPLE TO CALCULATE THE RESIN COVERAGE ON A FLAT SMOOTH SURFACE, DETERMINE THE LENGTH X WIDTH X THICKNESS IN INCHES EQUALS THE CUBIC VOLUME INCH OF THE MIXED RESIN NEEDED. (LENGTH X WIDTH X COATING THICKNESS)/ 231 CUBIC INCHES PER GALLON = CUBIC INCHES OF COATING NEEDED 50 INCHES X 36 INCHES X 0.010 (10 MILS) = 18 CUBIC INCHES 18/231= . 0779 GALLON OF MIXED RESIN USE THESE FACTORS TO CONVERT GALLON NEEDED INTO VOLUMETRIC OR WEIGHT MEASUREMENTS USE THE FOLLOWING FACTORS BY THE GALLON NEEDED: FOR EXAMPLE: 231 X .0779 = 17.99 CUBIC INCHES OR 4195 GRAMS X . 0779 = 326.79 GRAMS USE THE FOLLOWING EQUATION FOR THIN COATINGS APPLICATION 1 GALLON OF RESIN CAN COVERS 1608 SQUARE FEET PER 1 MIL OR 0.001 INCH CURED COATING THICKNESS THERE ARE 231 CUBIC INCHES PER 1 US GALLON 231/ DESIRED COATING THICKNESS= AMOUNT OF MIXED RESIN NEEED FLUID GALLON VOLUME CONVERSION 1 GALLON = 231 CUBIC INCHES= 1 GALLON = 128 OUNCES 1 GALLON = 3.7854 LITERS 1 GALLON = 4 QUARTS 1 GALLON = 16 CUPS FLUID GALLON MASS CONVERSIONS 1 GALLON OF MIXED UNFILLED EPOXY RESIN = 9.23 POUNDS 1 GALLON OF MIXED UNFILLED EPOXY RESIN = 4195 GRAMS USE AN INFRARED HEAT LAMP FOR LARGER PARTS POSSIBLE HEAT CURING TECHNIQUES If an oven is not available to provide the needed thermal post cure, exposing the assembled part to direct solar heat (sun exposure) for a period will provide enough heat cure for the part to be handled. Other heat curing such as infrared heat lamps can be used if a heat chamber or oven is not available. OTHER INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES Please cut and paste these slideshow links to view more for more application and usage for this resin system: https://theepoxyexperts.com/max-1618-slideshow-1/ https://theepoxyexperts.com/max-1618-slideshow-4/ COMPOSITE FABRICATING BASIC GUIDELINES By resolute definition, a fabricated COMPOSITE material is a manufactured collection of two or more ingredients or products intentionally combined to form a new homogeneous material that is defined by its performance that should uniquely greater than the sum of its individual parts. This method is also defined as a SYNERGISTIC COMPOSITION. COMPOSITE MATERIAL COMPOSITION REINFORCING FABRIC & IMPREGNATING RESIN PLUS 'ENGINEERED PROCESS' EQUALS COMPOSITE LAMINATE WITH THE BEST WEIGHT TO STRENGTH PERFORMANCE With respect to the raw materials selection -fabric and resin, the fabricating process and the and curing and test validation of composite part, these aspects must be carefully considered and in the engineering phase of the composite. Step One: Fabric Selection TYPES OF FABRIC WEAVE STYLE AND SURFACE FINISHING FOR RESIN TYPE COMPATIBILITY Fabrics are generally considered ”balanced” if the breaking strength is within 15% warp to fill and are best in bias applications on lightweight structures. “Unbalanced” fabrics are excellent when a greater load is required one direction and a lesser load in the perpendicular direction. Tow: The bundle of individual carbon filaments used to weave carbon fabric. 50k tow means there are 48-50,000 carbon filaments in the tow. Smaller tow i.e. 12k, 6k, 3k and 1k are obtained by dividing the 50k tow into smaller bundles. Thread Count: The number of threads (tow in carbon and yarn in Aramid) per inch. The first number will be the warp count and the second will be the fill count. Fill: The threads that run the width of the roll or bolt and perpendicular to the warp threads. Warp: The threads that run the length of the roll or bolt and perpendicular to the fill threads. Finish: The chemical treatment to fiberglass making it compatible with resin systems, therefore improving the bond between the fiber and the resin. Finishing fiberglass typically decreases the fiber strength by as much as 50%. Both Silane and Volan finishes are epoxy compatible. Historically, Volan has been considered a softer finish for a more pliable fabric, but recent advances have yielded some excellent soft Silane finishes. Thickness: Measured in fractions of an inch. The thicker the fabric the more resin required to fill the weave to obtain a surface-smooth finished part. Weaves: Plain weave means the warp and fill threads cross alternately. This is the most common weave. 4 Harness (4 HS Satin or crowfoot) weave means the fill thread floats over three warp threads, then under one warp thread. This weave is more pliable than the plain weave, therefore conforms to complex curves more easily. 8 Harness (8 HS Satin) weave means the fill thread floats over seven warp threads, then under one warp thread. This weave is the most pliable of the standard fiberglass weaves. 2 x 2 Twill weave means the fill thread floats over two warp threads, then fewer than two warp threads. This weave is found most commonly in carbon fabrics and is more pliable than plain weave. Most fabrics are stronger in the warp than the fill because higher tension is placed on the warp fiber keeping it straighter during the weaving process. Rare exceptions occur when a larger, therefore stronger thread is used in the fill direction than the warp direction. PLAIN WEAVE Is a very simple weave pattern and the most common style. The warp and fill yarns are interlaced over and under each other in alternating fashion. Plain weave provides good stability, porosity and the least yarn slippage for a given yarn count. 8 HARNESS SATIN WEAVE The eight-harness satin is similar to the four-harness satin except that one filling yarn floats over seven warp yarns and under one. This is a very pliable weave and is used for forming over curved surfaces . 4 HARNESS SATIN WEAVE The four-harness satin weave is more pliable than the plain weave and is easier to conform to curved surfaces typical in reinforced plastics. In this weave pattern, there is a three by one interfacing where a filling yarn floats over three warp yarns and under one. 2x2 TWILL WEAVE Twill weave is more pliable than the plain weave and has better drivability while maintaining more fabric stability than a four or eight harness satin weave. The weave pattern is characterized by a diagonal rib created by one warp yarn floating over at least two filling yarns. SATIN WEAVE TYPE CONFORMITY UNTO CURVED SHAPES Plain Weaves, Bi-axial, Unidirectional Styles For Directional High Strength Parts Use this weave style cloth when high strength parts are desired. It is ideal for reinforcement, mold making, aircraft and auto parts tooling, marine, and other composite lightweight applications. 7544 Fiberglass - YouTube FIBERGLASS FINISHING FOR RESIN COMPATIBILITY All of the fiberglass fabrics is woven By HEXCEL COMPOSITES, a leading manufacturer of composite materials engineered for high-performance applications in marine, aerospace for commercial and military, automotive, sporting goods and other application-critical performance. These fabrics are 100% epoxy-compatible and will yield the best mechanical properties when properly fabricated. Finishing Cross Reference And Resin Type Compatibility RESIN COMPATIBILITY Burlington Industries Clark Schwebel J.P Stevens Uniglass Industries Epoxy, Polyester VOLAN A VOLAN A VOLAN A VOLAN A Epoxy, Polyester I-550 CS-550 S-550 UM-550 Phenolic, Melamine I-588 A1100 A1100 A1100 Epoxy, Polyimide I-589 Z6040 S-920 UM-675 Epoxy I-399 CS-272A S-935 UM-702 Epoxy CS-307 UM-718 Epoxy CS-344 UM-724 Silicone 112 112 n-pH (neutral pH) AVAILABLE FIBERGLASS, CARBON FIBER, AND KEVLAR FABRICS HEXCEL 120 1.5-OUNCE FIBERGLASS PLAIN WEAVE 5 YARDS https://www.ebay.com/itm/222623985867 HEXCEL 120 1.5-OUNCE FIBERGLASS PLAIN WEAVE 10 YARDS https://www.ebay.com/itm/311946399588 HEXCEL 7532 7-OUNCE FIBERGLASS PLAIN WEAVE 5 YARDS https://www.ebay.com/itm/222624899999 HEXCEL 7500 10 OUNCE FIBERGLASS PLAIN WEAVE 3 YARDS https://www.ebay.com/itm/222624968104 HEXCEL 7500 10 OUNCE FIBERGLASS PLAIN WEAVE 5 YARDS https://www.ebay.com/itm/311946460378 HEXCEL 3582 14 OUNCE FIBERGLASS SATIN WEAVE 5 YARDS https://www.ebay.com/itm/312023587290 HEXCEL 3582 14 OUNCE FIBERGLASS SATIN WEAVE 10 YARDS https://www.ebay.com/itm/222753506374 HEXCEL 1584 26 OUNCE FIBERGLASS SATIN WEAVE 3 YARDS https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947365010 HEXCEL 1584 26 OUNCE FIBERGLASS SATIN WEAVE 5 YARDS https://www.ebay.com/itm/222629157570 FIBERGLASS 45+/45- DOUBLE BIAS 3 YARDS https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947299244 CARBON FIBER FABRIC 3K 2x2 TWILL WEAVE 6 OZ. 3 YARDS https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947275431 CARBON FIBER FABRIC 3K PLAIN WEAVE 6 OZ 3 YARDS https://www.ebay.com/itm /311947292012 KEVLAR 49 HEXCEL 351 PLAIN WEAVE FABRIC 2.2 OZ https://www.ebay.com/itm/222623951106 Step Two: Choose The Best Epoxy Resin System For The Application The epoxy resin used in fabricating a laminate will dictate how the FRP will perform when load or pressure is implied on the part. To choose the proper resin system, consider the following factors that is crucial to a laminate's performance. SIZE AND CONFIGURATION OF THE PART (NUMBER OF PLIES AND CONTOURED, FLAT OR PROFILED) CONSOLIDATING FORCE (FREE STANDING DRY OR HAND LAY-UP, VACUUM BAG OR PLATEN PRESS CURING) CURING CAPABILITIES (HEAT CURED OR ROOM TEMPERATURE CURED) LOAD PARAMETERS (SHEARING FORCE, TORSIONAL AND DIRECTIONAL LOAD, BEAM STRENGTH) ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE The principal role of the resin is to bind the fabric into a homogeneous rigid substrate (OPERATING TEMPERATURE, AMBIENT CONDITIONS, CHEMICAL EXPOSURE, CYCLIC FORCE LOADING) MATERIAL AND PRODUCTION COST (BUYING IN BULK WILL ALWAYS PROVIDE THE BEST OVERALL COSTS) These factors will dictate the design and the composition of the part and must be carefully considered during the design and engineering phase of the fabrication. TOP SELLING IMPREGNATING RESIN SYSTEM MAX BOND LOW VISCOSITY A/B Marine Grade Boat Building Resin System, Fiberglassing/Impregnating, Water Resistance, Cured Structural Strength MAX BOND LOW VISCOSITY 32-Ounce kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947109148 MAX BOND LOW VISCOSITY 64-Ounce Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947125422 MAX BOND LOW VISCOSITY 1-Gallon Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947117608 MAX BOND LOW VISCOSITY 2-Gallon kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/311946370391 MAX BOND LOW VISCOSITY 10-Gallon Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/222624960548 MAX 1618 A/B Crystal Clear, High Strength, Lowest Viscosity (Thin), Durability & Toughness, Excellent Wood Working Resin MAX 1618 A/B 48-Ounce Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/222627258390 MAX 1618 A/B 3/4-Gallon Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/222625113128 MAX 1618 A/B 3/4-Gallon Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/222627258390 MAX 1618 A/B 1.5-Gallon Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/311946441558 MAX CLR A/B Water Clear Transparency, Chemical Resistance, FDA Compliant For Food Contact, High Impact, Low Viscosity MAX CLR A/B 24-Ounce Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/222623963194 MAX CLR A/B 48-Ounce Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947320101 MAX CLR A/B 96-Ounce Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/222625329068 MAX CLR A/B 96-Ounce Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/222625338230 MAX CLR A/B 1.5-Gallon Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/222626972426 MAX GRE A/B GASOLINE RESISTANT EPOXY RESIN Resistant To Gasoline/E85 Blend, Acids & Bases, Sealing, Coating, Impregnating Resin MAX GRE A/B 48-Ounce Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/311946473553 MAX GRE A/B 96-Ounce Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947247402 MAX HTE A/B HIGH-TEMPERATURE EPOXY Heat Cured Resin System For Temperature Resistant Bonding, Electronic Potting, Coating, Bonding MAX HTE A/B 80-Ounce Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/222624247814 MAX HTE A/B 40-Ounce Kit https://www.ebay.com/itm/222624236832 Step Three: Proper Lay-Up Technique -Putting It All Together Pre-lay-up notes Lay out the fabric and pre-cut to size and set aside Avoid distorting the weave pattern as much as possible For fiberglass molding, ensure the mold is clean and adequate mold release is used View our video presentation above "MAX EPOXY RESIN MIXING TECHNIQUE" Mix the resin only when all needed materials and implements needed are ready and within reach Mix the proper amount of resin needed and be accurate proportioning the resin and curing agent. Adding more curing agent than the recommended mix ratio will not promote a faster cure. Over saturation or starving the fiberglass or any composite fabric will yield poor mechanical performance. When mechanical load or pressure is applied to the composite laminate, the physical strength of the fabric should bear the stress and not the resin. If the laminate is over saturated with the resin it will most likely to fracture or shatter instead of rebounding and resist damage. Don’t how much resin to use to go with the fiberglass? A good rule of thumb is to maintain a minimum of 30 to 35% resin content by weight, this is the optimum ratio used in high-performance prepreg (or pre-impregnated fabrics) typically used in aerospace and high-performance structural application. For general hand lay-ups, calculate using 60% fabric weight to 40% resin weight as a safety factor. This will ensure that the fabricated laminate will be below 40% resin content depending on the waste factor accrued during fabrication. Place the entire pre-cut fiberglass to be used on a digital scale to determine the fabric to resin weight ratio. Measuring by weight will ensure accurate composite fabrication and repeatability, rather than using OSY data. THE USE OF A WEIGHING SCALE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Purchase this scale with any of our product offering and the shipping cost of the scale is free. https://www.ebay.com/itm/222630300203 A good rule of thumb is to maintain a minimum of 30 to 35% resin content by weight, this is the optimum ratio used in high-performance prepreg (or pre-impregnated fabrics) typically used in aerospace and high-performance structural application. For general hand lay-ups, calculate using 60% fabric weight to 40% resin weight as a safety factor. This will ensure that the fabricated laminate will be below 40% resin content depending on the waste factor accrued during fabrication. Place the entire pre-cut fiberglass to be used on a digital scale to determine the fabric to resin weight ratio. Measuring by weight will ensure accurate composite fabrication and repeatability, rather than using OSY data. Typical fabric weight regardless of weave pattern 1 ounce per square yard is equal to 28.35 grams 1 square yard equals to 1296 square inches (36 inches x 36 inches) FOR EXAMPLE 1 yard of 8-ounces per square yard (OSY) fabric weighs 226 grams 1 yard of 10-ounces per square yard (OSY) fabric weighs 283 grams Ounces per square yard or OSY is also known as aerial weight, which is the most common unit of measurement for composite fabrics. To determine how much resin is needed to adequately impregnate the fiberglass, use the following equation: (Total Weight of Fabric divided by 60%)X( 40%)= weight of mixed resin needed OR fw= fabric weight rc= target resin content rn=resin needed MASTER EQUATION (fw/60%)x(40%)=rn FOR EXAMPLE 1 SQUARE YARD OF 8-OSY FIBERGLASS FABRIC WEIGHS 226 GRAMS (226 grams of dry fiberglass / 60%) X 40% = 150.66 grams of resin needed So for every square yard of 8-ounce fabric, it will need 150.66 grams of mixed resin. Computing For Resin And Curing Agent Amount 150.66 grams of resin needed MIX RATIO OF RESIN SYSTEM IS 2:1 OR 50 PHR (per hundred resin) 2 = 66.67% (2/3) + 1 = 33.33%(1/3) = (2+1)=3 or (66.67%+33.33%)=100% or (2/3+1/3)= 3/3 150.66 x 66.67%= 100.45 grams of Part A RESIN 150.66 x 33.33%= 50.21 grams of Part B CURING AGENT 100.45 + 50.21 = 150.66 A/B MIXTURE GENERAL LAY-UP PROCEDURE Apply the mixed resin onto the surface and then lay the fabric and allow the resin to saturate through the fabric. NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND This is one of the most common processing error that yields sub-standard laminates. By laying the fiberglass onto a layer of the prepared resin, fewer air bubbles are entrapped during the wetting-out stage. Air is pushed up and outwards instead of forcing the resin through the fabric which will entrap air bubbles. This technique will displace air pockets unhindered and uniformly disperse the impregnating resin throughout the fiberglass. HAND LAY-UP TECHNIQUE Eliminating air entrapment or void porosity in an epoxy/fiberglass lay-up process Fiberglass Hand Lay Up For Canoe and Kayak Building- Cedar Strip Kayak Fiberglassing - YouTube Video will open in a new window Basic Hand Lay-up Fiberglassing Video will open in a new window VACUUM BAGGING PROCESS For performance critical application used in aerospace vehicles, composite framing for automotive vehicles and marine vessels, a process called 'Vacuum Bagging' is employed to ensure the complete consolidation of every layer of fabric. The entire tooling and lay-up are encased in an airtight envelope or bagging and a high-efficiency vacuum pump is used to draw out the air within the vacuum bag to create a negative atmospheric pressure. Once a full vacuum (29.9 Inches of Mercury) is achieved, the negative pressure applies a compacting force of 14.4 pounds per square inch (maximum vacuum pressure at sea level) is applied to the vacuum bag transferring the force to the entire surface area of the laminate. Vacuum pressure is maintained until the resin cures to a solid. For room temperature curing resin system, the vacuum pump is left in operation for a minimum of 18 hours. External heat can be applied to the entire lay-up, thus accelerating the cure of the resin system. The vacuum force also removes any entrapped air bubble between the layers of fabric and eliminate what is called, porosity or air voids. Porosity within a laminate creates weak spots in the structure that can be the source of mechanical failure when force or load is applied to the laminate. The standard atmosphere (symbol: atm) is a unit of pressure defined as 1 01325 Pa (1.01325 bar), equivalent to 760 mm Mercury or 29.92 inches Mercury or 14.696 pounds per square inch of pressure. FiberglaSs And Carbon Fiber Vacuum Bagging and Flat Panel Laminate - YouTube Video will open in a new window AUTOCLAVE CURING PROCESS Autoclave curing processing is the most common method used in large-scale production of composite products. The Aerospace Industry, which includes space exploration rockets and vehicles, deep space structures, and commercial and military airplane utilizes this composite fabrication process due to the critical nature of the application. The mechanical demands of the composite are often pushed to the upper limits and autoclaved process yields composites with the best weight to strength ratio. BASIC OPERATION OF THE AUTOCLAVE PROCESS In the autoclave process, high pressure and heat are applied to the part through the autoclave atmosphere, with a vacuum bag used to apply additional pressure and protect the laminate from the autoclave gases. The cure cycle for a specific application is usually determined empirically and, as a result, several cure cycles may be developed for a single material system, to account for differences in laminate thickness or to optimize particular properties in the cured part. The typical autoclave cure cycle is a two-step process. First, vacuum and pressure are applied while the temperature is ramped up to an intermediate level and held there for a short period of time. The heat reduces the resin viscosity, allowing it to flow and making it easier for trapped air and volatiles to escape. The resin also begins wetting the fibers at this stage. In the second ramp up, the temperature is raised to the final cure temperature and held for a sufficient length of time to complete the cure reaction. During this step, the viscosity continues to drop, but preset temperature ramp rates and hold times then stabilize viscosity at a level that permits adequate consolidation and fiber wetting, while avoiding excessive flow and subsequent resin starvation. These control factors also slow the reaction rate, which prevents excessive heat generation from the exothermic polymerization process . Upon completion, the cured mechanical performance of the composite is often much stronger and lighter compared to a hand lay-up, or vacuum bagged composite laminate. VACUUM INFUSION PROCESS Vacuum Infusion Process is also known in the composites industry as Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding or VARTM. Similar to the Vacuum Bagging Process where the negative pressure is used to apply consolidation force to the laminate while the resin cures, the resin is infused into the fabric lay-up by sucking the impregnating resin and thus forming the composite laminate. The VARTM Process produces parts that require less secondary steps, such as trimming, polishing or grinding with excellent mechanical properties. However, the vacuum infusion requires more additional or supplemental related equipment and expendable materials. So the pros and cons of each presented composite fabrication process should be carefully determined to suit the user's capabilities and needs. Please view the following video demonstration which explains the process of Vacuum Infusion or VARTM process. MAX 1618 A/B VACUUM ASSISTED RE SIN TRANSFER MOLDING PROCESS CARBON FIBER VACUUM INFUSION WITH EPOXY RESIN - VACUUM BAGGING WITH MAX 1618 EPOXY RESIN - YouTube Video will open in a new window Step Four: Proper Curing Although we have formulated all of ur MAX EPOXY RESIN SYSTEM product line to be resistant to amine-blush, it is recommended not to mix any resin systems in high humidity conditions, greater than 60%. Always make sure that the substrate or material the epoxy resin system is being applied to is well prepared as possible to ensure the best-cured performance. Always review the published data and information for proper usage, application, and general safety information. Our expert staff of engineers is always available for consultation and assistance. Allow the lay-up to cure for a minimum of 24 to 36 hours before handling. Optimum cured properties can take up to 7 days depending on the ambient cure condition. The ideal temperature cure condition of most room temperature epoxy resin is 22 to 27 degrees Celsius at 20% relative humidity. Higher ambient curing temperatures will promote faster polymerization and development of cured mechanical properties. Improving mechanical performance via post heat cure A short heat post cure will further improve the mechanical performance of most epoxy resins. Allow the applied resin system to cure at room temperature until for 18 to 24 hours and if possible, expose heat cure it in an oven or other sources of radiant heat (220°F to 250°F) for45 minute to an hour. You can also expose it to direct sunlight but place a dark colored cover, such as a tarp or cardboard to protect it from ultraviolet exposure. In general room temperature cured epoxy resin has a maximum operating temperature of 160°F or lower. A short heat post cure will ensure that the mixed epoxy system is fully cured, especially for room temperature cure system that can take up to 7 days to achieve 100% cure Some darkening or yellowing of the epoxy resin may occur if overexposed to high temperature (>250 F). AMINE BLUSH The affinity of an amine compound (curing agent) to moisture and carbon dioxide creates a carbonate compound and forms what is called amine blush. Amine blush is a wax-like layer that forms as most epoxies cure. If the epoxy system is cured in extreme humidity (>70%). It will be seen as a white and waxy layer that must be removed by physical sanding of the surface followed by an acetone wipe. OTHER TYPES OF EPOXY RESIN CURE MECHANISM LATENT CURING SYSTEMS Latent epoxy resins are systems that are mixed together at room temperature and will begin polymerization but it will not achieve full cure unless it is exposed to a heat cure cycle. In general, these are high-performance systems that demonstrate exceptional performance under extreme conditions such as high mechanical performance under heat and cryogenic temperatures, chemical resistance or any environment that epoxy room temperature system perform marginally or poorly. Upon the mixing of the resin and curing agent polymerization will begin and will only achieve a partial cure. Some resins may appear cured or dry to the touch, this state is called 'B-Stage Cure', but upon application of force will either be gummy or brittle almost glass-like and will dissolve in most solvents. The semi-cured resin must be exposed to an elevated temperature for it to continue polymerization and achieve full cure. HEAT ACTIVATED CURING SYSTEMS This type of epoxy system will not polymerize unless it is exposed to the activation temperature of the curing agent which can be as low as 200F and as high as 400F. In most instances, our MAX EPOXY SYSTEMS epoxy system can be stored at room temperature and remain liquid for up to six months and longer. TESTING THE COMPOSITE DETERMINATION OF THE FABRIC-RESIN RATIO TESTING FABRIC TO RESIN RATIO VIA RESIN BURN OUT - YouTube Video will open in a new window ULTIMATE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH ULTIMATE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST OF FIBERGLASS LAMINATE TOOLING BOARD. - YouTube Video will open in a new window 6500 pounds to failure / 0.498 square inch = 13,052 psi max compressive strength SPECIMEN EXAMINATION AFTER COMPRESSION TEST - YouTube Video will open in a new window Other mechanical and physical test should be used to determine other aspect of performance. Here is a link to a technical journal that discusses the importance of validation and testing of composite materials. Please cut and paste the following link to review the journal. https://nopr.niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/20966/1/IJEMS%2020(4)%20299-309.pdf ********************************************** DON'T FORGET OUR EPOXY MIXING KIT Click The Link to add to order https://www.ebay.com/itm/222623932456 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MEASURE, MIX, DISPENSE OR APPLY ANY OF OUR MAX EPOXY RESIN IN ONE CONVENIENT KIT Proportioning the correct amount is equally as important to attain the intended cured properties of the resin system. T he container in which the epoxy and curing agent is mixed is an important consideration when mixing an epoxy resin system. The container must withstand the tenacity of the chemical and must be free of contamination. Most epoxy curing agent has a degree of corrosivity, as a general practice, protective gloves should be worn when handling chemicals of the same nature. MIXING KIT CONTENTS 4 each 32 ounce (1 Quart) clear HDPE plastic tubs 4 each 16 ounce (1 pint) clear HDPE plastic tubs 4 each clear HDPE Plastic Lids for the plastic tubs 4 each 8 ounce (1/2-Pint) Wax Free Paper Cups 5 pairs one size fits all Powder-Free Latex Gloves (Large) 6 Piece HDPE Plastic Measuring Spoon Kit (1 tablespoon to 1/8 teaspoon) 10 Piece HDPE Plastic Measuring Cup (1 Cup to 1/8 Teaspoon) 2 each None Sterile Graduated 10 cc Syringes 1 pack of Wooden Stir Sticks (Disposable Chopsticks) 1 pack Assorted Size Bristle Brush (5 per pack) PLEASE CHECK OUT OTHER AVAILABLE RESIN SYSTEMS AT OUR eBay STORE For our complete listing, please Visit our eBay store! IMPORTANT NOTICE Your purchase constitutes the acceptance of this disclaimer. Please review before purchasing this product. The user should thoroughly test any proposed use of this product and independently conclude satisfactory performance in the application. Likewise, if the manner in which this product is used requires government approval or clearance, the user must obtain said approval. The information contained herein is based on data believed to be accurate at the time of publication. Data and parameters cited have been obtained through published information, PolymerProducts laboratories using materials under controlled conditions. Data of this type should not be used for a specification for fabrication and design. It is the user's responsibility to determine this Composites fitness for use. There is no warranty of merchantability of fitness for use, nor any other express implied warranty. The user's exclusive remedy and the manufacturer's liability are limited to refund of the purchase price or replacement of the product within the agreed warranty period. PolymerProducts and its direct representative will not be liable for incidental or consequential damages of any kind. Determination of the suitability of any kind of information or product for the use contemplated by the user, the manner of that use and whether there is any infringement of patents is the sole liability of the user.