Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Chemical Family
- Composite Materials Functions
- Technologies
- Product Families
Features & Benefits
- Product Highlights
- Reduced styrene
- Black color (967BK150) that provides a visual aid to see air bubbles during lamination
- White (967WK396) available for use behind low-hide colors
- Less osmotic (water) blistering
- Improved cosmetics due to reduced fiber print-through and distortion
- Reduced back-side tack
Using the IAPMO/ANSI Z.124.1 .2 – 2005, Sec. 6.1.1. Water Resistance Test Method, Polynt Composites' test results indicate that a blister rating of 4.0 (16 to 20 mils of gel coat, no barrier) can be reduced down to nearly ZERO using 16 to 20 mils of the same gel coat backed up with ArmorGuard® 967BK150 or 967WK396. The same test shows that fiber print is reduced down from a rating of about 1.0 to less than 0.3. Do not use ArmorGuard® 967BK150 or 967WK396 as a finish coat, as exterior durability is poor, and will result in rapid chalking and fading. ArmorGuard® Vinyl Ester 967BK150 and 967WK396 gel coats meet the EPA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Boat Manufacturing and Reinforced Composites Construction. Both thixotropic and accelerated, ArmorGuard® 967BK150 and 967WK396 require only the proper amount and type of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide to cure at room temperature.
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Applications
- Application Method
- Application Method
Before mixing, ArmorGuard® 967BK150 or 967WK396 appear to be very thick in the container. It is important to mix the material before each use to provide the specified viscosity (see table above). Several suitable types of mixing equipment and styles of agitators are available for both pails and drums. Regardless of the specific type used, the equipment must have sufficient horsepower (relative to container size) to achieve thorough circulation from top to bottom and out to the sides of the container. The agitator must be properly sized for the container and must allow for uniform mixing regardless of the liquid level in the container.
Mixing once a day for 10 minutes is typically sufficient. Do not overmix ArmorGuard® 967BK150 or 967WK396. Overmixing can break down the polymer coating viscosity increasing the tendency to sag. Overmixing can also result in styrene loss which could contribute to porosity. Air bubbling should not be used for mixing. It is not effective and only serves as a potential source of water or oil contamination
Because of the low styrene nature of this product, fluid movement can be slow and sprayability can suffer if sprayed at a cold temperature. It is recommended that the temperature of the material be at least 75°F. In-line fluid heaters can be used to raise the temperature of the material to room temperature. In addition, a larger angle tip is recommended to compensate for a small fan; use a 0.021 inch orifice with a 60° fan. The fluid hose should be at least ½ inch diameter, but a four-foot length of 3/8 inch whip can be used at the gun. Preferred method of application is spray, either conventional or air atomized, air-assisted airless, or airless. Recommended delivery rate is no more than 2.5 pounds per minute with air atomized equipment and no more than 3 pounds per minute with airless equipment. Brushing or rolling is not recommended. Spray 20 to 24 mils wet, behind a cured cosmetic gel coat. CAUTION: Do not spray less than 16 mils wet.
For optimum results, uniform catalyst mix must be achieved. Even with the equipment properly calibrated, potential problems can occur due to: poorly atomized catalyst; surging problems (gel coat or catalyst); poor tip alignment (catalyst to gel coat mix); contamination; and poor application procedures, which will quickly negate all benefits of calibration. The equipment (and application procedures) must be monitored on a routine basis to ensure suitable application and cure of the barrier gel coat. Ask about and adhere to all equipment manufacturers’ recommendations.
Properties
- Color
- Typical Properties
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Lay-up Time at 77°F | 60 | minutes | — |
| Sag Resistance at 77°F(on top of a gel coat) | 24 | mils wet | — |
| Viscosity Brookfield RVF #4 Spindle at 4 rpm at 77°F | 11500 | cps | — |
| Thixotropic Index (2/20) at 77°F | 5.5 | — | — |
| Flash Point at 77°F | 88 | °F | — |
| Hazardous Air Pollutants at 77°F | 32 | % | — |
| Volatile Organic Compound at 77°F | 36.5 | % | — |
| Weight per Gallon at 77°F | 9.33 | lbs | — |
| Gel Time at 77°F | 12 | minutes | — |
| Hide at 77°F (Complete) | 22 | mils wet | — |
| Color Match at 77°F | White | — | — |
Technical Details & Test Data
- Cure
It is recommended that 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 refers specifically to Arkema Luperox® DDM-9 catalyst. Other MEKP type catalysts with low hydrogen peroxide levels similar to Luperox® DDM-9 should also be suitable.
The recommended catalyst range for proper cure is 1.2% to 2.5%, with 1.8% at 77°F being ideal. Normally, the barrier coat film is ready to lay-up within 60 minutes. Lay-up time is dependent on material temperature, room temperature, humidity, air movement, and catalyst concentration.
This product should not be used when temperature conditions are below 65°F, as cure may be adversely affected.
Storage & Handling
- Handling and Storage
Uncatalyzed, this product has a shelf life of 90 days from date of manufacture when stored at 73°F or below, in a closed, factory-sealed, opaque container, and out of direct sunlight. The 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.