Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Composite Materials Functions
- Technologies
- Product Families
Features & Benefits
- Materials Features
- Product Highlights
- Superior weathering properties (compared to conventional gel coats)
- Blister resistance
- High gloss BUFFBACK® characteristics
- Smoother sprayed film (less orange peel)
ArmorFlex® 963XK161 is developed for marine application, so it is specifically formulated for use in high performance FRP applications where exterior gel coats are used. Some examples include the addition of metal flakes or backing the clear coat with a solid color.
ArmorFlex® 963XK161 addresses the following special needs involving clear coats:
- Exterior durability – Surpasses previous commercial gel coats in their resistance to yellowing, fading, and loss of gloss
- Flexibility – Excellent for reducing cracking and crazing
- Application – Easy to spray with minimal air entrapment and good air release
- Sag resistance – Sprayed films resist sagging and slumping
ArmorFlex® 963XK161 only requires the addition of the proper amount of MEKP catalyst to cure.
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Recommended Applications
ArmorFlex® 963XK161 gel coat should be thoroughly mixed prior to use in order to obtain a uniform mixture. To obtain a properly mixed gel coat, the equipment requires sufficient horsepower relative to container size so that it achieves thorough circulation from top to bottom and out to the sides of the container. The agitator needs to be properly sized for the container and must allow for uniform mixing regardless of the liquid level in the container. Do not overmix. Overmixing breaks down the viscosity and increases the potential for sag. Air bubbling should not be used for mixing, as it is not effective and only serves as a potential for water or oil contamination. Several suitable types of mixing equipment and styles of agitators are available for both pails and drums. In order to maximize the performance of the coating, it is essential that the spray equipment be wellmaintained and regularly calibrated. Poorly maintained equipment and substandard application techniques negate the valuable properties of the marine clear gel coat. The equipment and application procedures must be monitored on a routine basis in order to ensure proper application and cure of the gel coat. Inquire about and adhere to all equipment manufacturers’ recommendations. ArmorFlex® 963XK161 can be applied with conventional air atomized or air-assisted airless spray equipment. Neither brushing nor rolling is recommended. Spray application of ArmorFlex® 963XK161 may require a different equipment setup than what is used for higher VOC gel coats. Adjustments to pump pressure, delivery rate, tip size and atomization might be necessary. Polynt Composites does not recommend using fluid lines longer than 50 feet, or pumps smaller than 20:1 ratio. To minimize VOC emissions, it is important to strive for good atomization, good fan pattern (no fingers or tails), and a uniform particle size of about 1/16², while maintaining the lowest pump and atomizing pressures as practical. Over-atomization of gel coat increases emissions due to more overspray, additional monomer and solids loss, and increased odors. Polynt Composites recommends a gel coat delivery rate of no more than 2.5 pounds per minute with conventional air atomized equipment, and no more than 3 pounds per minute with airless equipment.
Properties
- Color
- Typical Properties
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Flash Point (77°F) | 79 | °F | — |
| Viscosity (77°F) | 4000 | cps | — |
| Thixotropic Index (2/20) (77°F) | 6.5 | — | — |
| Volatile Organic Compound (77°F) | 43.7 | % | — |
| Weight per Gallon (77°F) | 8.81 | lbs | — |
| Gel Time (77°F) | 11.5 | minutes | — |
| Lay-up Time (77°F) | min. 45-75 | — | — |
| Sag Resistance (77°F) | No sag @ 20 mils | — | — |
Technical Details & Test Data
- Cure
It is recommended that the gel time be checked in the customer's plant because age, temperature, humidity and catalyst will produce varied gel times. All data referencing gel or cure applies specifically to Arkema Luperox® DDM-9 catalyst. United Initiators Norox® MEKP-9, Norox® MEKP-9H, Akzo Nobel CADOX L-50a and CADOX D-50 are expected to yield similar performance. Luperox® DHD-9, United Initiators Norox® MEKP-925, Norox® MEKP-925H, and Pergan HP-90 may yield slightly shorter gel and cure times.
The ideal catalyst level should be 1.8% at 77°F, and should not exceed 3% or fall below 1.2% for proper cure. Normally, the gel coat film is ready for lamination in 45 to 90 minutes. This time element is dependent on material temperature, room temperature, humidity, air movement, and catalyst concentration. Note: ArmorFlex® CLEAR 963XK161 has a tendency to air dry and so the lay-up times may be deceiving. If the lay-up time is checked by the finger method, slight pressure and rubbing should be used.
Storage & Handling
- Handling and Storage
ArmorFlex® 963XK161 has a shelf life of 120 days starting from date of manufacture when stored at 73°F or below, in a closed, factory sealed, opaque container, and out of direct sunlight. Shelf life is cut in half for every 20°F over 73°F. Totes of product can have even shorter shelf life – 66% of that for drums.