Custom Laminating Epoxies

The chart compares the viscosity and cure speed of the various resin and hardener combinations.  When you select a particular combination on the chart, the technical datasheet will automatically open.  You can also use the list on the left side of the page to choose the resin/hardener combination of interest and open the technical data sheet.

Custom Laminating Systems

PRO-SET Custom Laminating Epoxies are formulated for the manufacture of lightweight, high-performance composites of glass, aramid, carbon fiber or hybrids, using contact molding, vacuum bag and resin infusion procedures. They bond to all fabrics, core materials, wood and metal. Through the use of a compatible tie coat, PRO-SET Custom Laminating Epoxies can be used with in-mold gelcoats to provide a full range of composite capabilities.

These Epoxies are formulated to yield an increased crosslink density in the epoxy matrix for superior heat resistance and moisture-exclusion effectiveness, with excellent fatigue and toughness properties. Extensive fatigue testing and infield use have demonstrated that PRO-SET Laminating Epoxies produce lightweight structures with an exceptional ability to withstand cyclic loading in harsh environments.

PRO-SET Custom Laminating Epoxies not only provide the necessary mechanical and thermal properties for high-performance composites, they are formulated to meet a wide range of process requirements for the composites manufacturing industry.

For some resin/hardener combinations, a room temperature cure will be sufficient for many applications, while others require an elevated temperature cure or post-cure. However, with optimum post-curing, all PRO-SET Custom Laminating Epoxies develop 100% of their potential physical properties. Higher Heat Deflection Temperatures (HDT) are reached by post-curing, resulting in reduced print through even under dark-colored surfaces. Even moderate post curing develops higher fatigue resistance and mechanical strength.

Resin/Hardener Selection

In some situations, the selection of a resin/hardener combination is determined by the need for specific mechanical or thermal properties for a finished part. In most situations, however, the choice of resin/hardener combination is determined by the handling characteristics required for a particular manufacturing process. There are three basic composite manufacturing processes:

In Contact molding, or open molding, the wet-out laminate cures in the mold at ambient atmospheric temperature and pressure -- nothing covers the laminate. Fiber and core can be wet out outside of the mold by hand or impregnator, or in the mold by hand or with a flow coater.

Vacuum bagging is a closed mold process in which the laminate is compressed under atmospheric pressure to reduce resin content and eliminate voids. Fiber and core may be wet out in or out of the mold. A vacuum bag, placed over the wet-out laminate, is sealed to the mold flange and a vacuum pump draws air from under the vacuum bag. Atmospheric pressure squeezes the laminate between the bag and the mold surface until the laminate is cured. The laminate can be cured at ambient or elevated temperature.

Resin infusion, or vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), is a closed mold process that also uses the vacuum bagging technique to compress the laminate. But, in this process dry laminate is placed in the mold and wet out after the vacuum is applied. After the air is evacuated from the vacuum envelope, resin is allowed to flow through ports in the vacuum bag into the laminate stack. This method offers easier handling and fitting of the dry materials in the mold, and the increased compaction produces a laminate with low resin content.

When selecting a resin/hardener combination for one of these processes, consider these handling characteristics:

• Viscosity of the resin/hardener combinations. Select a resin with a viscosity suited to application equipment and fabric weave and weight.
   
• Open time and pot life needed. Select a hardener that provides adequate open and cure time based on the ambient temperature in the work area.
   
  • (View COMPARISON OF VISCOSITY AND POT LIFE for the different Resin/Hardener Combinations.)
     
• Ability to cure at elevated temperatures. Select a combination that provides desired physical properties within the limitations of your post-cure capabilities or design post-cure equipment around the desired physical properties and resin/hardener combination.
   
  • (View individual Technical Data sheets for information about cure requirements.)

(c) 2006 Pro-Set Inc.          Modified: September 19, 2007