Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Composite Materials Functions
- Technologies
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Features & Benefits
- Materials Features
Applications & Uses
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- Applications
- Recommended Applications
32X series barrier coats are generally formulated for both airless and conventional spray applications. Neither brushing nor rolling is recommended. Refer to PB-16 (Application Guide) and PB-3 (Equipment Selection) Bulletins for additional specific recommendations. The 32x series barrier coat should be applied on a gelcoat that is partly cured but still sticky. The lay-up time should be 30-50 minutes even in the best conditions (25 °C / 77°F)
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.
Avoid over-spray settling on mold surfaces by beginning the spray pattern closest to the vapor/air exhaust and progressing to the opposite mold end. Maintain recommended spray distances from the mold surface.
For best overall performance properties, a wet film thickness of 15± 2mils is ideal. (3 pass of 5 mills) Films less than 12 mils may not cure properly, may be hard to patch, have more print-through, and are more susceptible to water blisters. Films above 20 mills may prerelease, trap porosity crack or sag.
Properties
- Typical Properties
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Viscosity Brookfield RVF #4 at 20 rpm at 25°C or 77°C | 3500 - 4600 | — | — |
| Specific Gel Time 1,8% NOROX MEKP 925 at 25°C or 77°C | 5-10 | minutes | — |
| Lay-up Time at 25°C or 77°C | 30 - 50 | minutes | — |
| Sagging resistance good at 25°C or 77°C | 15 | mils | — |
| Thixotropic Index 2/20 at 25°C or 77°C | 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 MEKP-925 catalyst.
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 ready for lamination 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 lay-up times 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
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 20 liters containers.
Storage & Handling
- Storage and Shelf Life
- Steel drum 195 kg net
- Bulk
- IBC 1000 Kg