Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Composite Materials Functions
- Technologies
- Product Families
Features & Benefits
- Materials Features
- Product Highlights
- Formulated for spray and roll application.
- Fast gel time and cure time that provide a good cure.
- Require only the addition of a proper amount of MEKP to cure.
- Resistant to thermal change and weathering
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Applications
- Recommended Applications
224X 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.
224X series gelcoat should be applied in an interior space and at a minimum temperature of 64° F (18°C). Parts coated with gelcoat 224X should be kept away from bad weather and direct sunlight before the polymerization is completed.
Properties
- Typical Properties
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Viscosity Brookfield RVF #4 Spindle at 20 rpm at 25°C or 77°F | 2000-2600 | cps | — |
| Gel Time at 1.8% MEKP at 25°C or 77°F | 6-12 | minutes | — |
| Lay-up Time at 25°C or 77°F | 45 - 60 | minutes | — |
| Sag Resistance at 25°C or 77°F | Good at 20 | mils | — |
| Weight per Gallon at 25°C or 77°F | 1,10-1.25 | Kg/liter | — |
| Thixotropic Index (2/20) at 25°C or 77°F | max. 6,5 | — | — |
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 MEKP-925 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. Normally, the gel coat film is tack free in 45 to 60 minutes. This time element is dependent on material temperature, room temperature, humidity, air movement, and catalyst concentration. Special fast-cure versions are available but must be requested. These products offer a «tack-free» time of 30 minutes or less depending on gel times. Fast cure products have shorter stability and should not be inventoried over 30 days.
These products (standard or fast-cure) should not be used when temperature conditions are below 60°F, 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 a 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, 224X series clear gel coats have a usage life of 30 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 usage life is cut in half for every 20°F over 73°F.