Knowde Enhanced TDS
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- Applications
- Recommended Applications
22-010LV series gelcoats are generally formulated for both airless and conventional spray applications as well as brushing and rolling. Refer to PB-16 (Application Guide) and PB-3 (Equipment Selection) Bulletins for additional specific recommendations.
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 4 pounds per minute with airless equipment. Batch mixing is recommended to achieve the best catalyst mix and cure because 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 proper application and cure of the gel coat. Ask about and adhere to all equipment manufacturers’ recommendations. For best overall performance properties, a wet film thickness of 18 ± 2 mils is recommended as ideal. Films less than 12 mils may not cure properly.
Properties
- Typical Properties
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Viscosity Brookfield RVF #4 Spindle at 20 rpm at 22°C or 72°F | 3500 - 4500 | cps | — |
| Gel Time at 1% MEC-EX at 22°C or 72°F | 6-10 | minutes | — |
| Lay-up Time at 22°C or 72°F | 30 - 40 | minutes | — |
| Sag Resistance at 22°C or 72°F | Good at 20 | mils | — |
| Weight per Gallon at 22°C or 72°F | 1,10 - 1,25 | Kg/liter | — |
| Thixotropic Index (2/20) at 22°C or 72°F | min. 6,0 | — | — |
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 NOROX MEC-EX catalyst. United Initiators NOROX MEKP-9, NOROX MEKP-9H, Akzo Nobel CADOX L-50a, ATOFINA Luperox ® DDM-9 and CADOX D-50 are expected to yield similar performance. ATOFINA Luperox ® DHD-9, NOROX MEKP-925H, and Crompton HP-90 may yield slightly shorter gel and cure times.
The catalyst level should not exceed 3.0% or fall below 1.2% for proper cure. Recommended range is 1.2% to 3.0% with 1.8% at 77°F being ideal. The gel coat film is tack free in 30 to 40 minutes. This time element is dependent on material temperature, room temperature, humidity, air movement, and catalyst concentration. These products should not be used when temperature conditions are below 60°F (16°C), as curing may be adversely affected.
Safety & Health
- Product Safety
Isophthalic gel coats are not compatible in the liquid state with ISO/NPG gel coats or ISO/NPG resins. Spray and pumping equipment must be completely clean of these gel coats or resins before isophthalic’s can be used.
Do not over-mix gel coats. Over-mixing breaks down gel coat viscosity, increasing tendencies to sag, and causes styrene loss, which could contribute to porosity. Gel coats should be mixed once a day for 10 minutes. The gel coat should be mixing to the sides and bottom of the container with the least amount of turbulence possible. Air bubbling should not be used for mixing. It is not effective and only serves as a potential for water or oil contamination.
Do not add any material, other than recommended methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, to this product without the advice of a representative of Polynt Composites.
Packaging & Availability
- Packaging Type
- Product Availability
Shipment is normally in open head, 55-gallon drums (204 liters) or 4,4 imperial gallons (20 liters).
Storage & Handling
- Handling and Storage
Uncatalyzed, standard cure gel coats have a usage life of 30 days from date of manufacture when stored at 72°F (22°C) or below, in a closed, factory sealed, opaque container, and out of direct sunlight.