Polynt Group 54X

Polynt Group 54X series gelcoat are formulated with a particular mix of polyester resins, for use in applications where sun exposure and weather conditions are a factor. They are suitable for boats, truck cabs, water slides and environments with humidity and direct sun exposure. This unique formulation is easier and quicker gloss recovery with less buffing time to achieve gloss.

Functions: Surface Finish

Color: Off White, White

Technical Data Sheet
  • TypeDocument Name
View All Documents

Knowde Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Composite Materials Functions

Features & Benefits

Product Highlights
  • Very good resistance to yellowing and fading due to sun exposure
  • Resist to thermal change and weathering
  • May be used in submerged application
  • Chalking resistant
  • Easy to sand and polish

Applications & Uses

Recommended Applications

54X series gelcoats 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. 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 18 ± 2 mils is recommended as ideal. 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 24 mils may pre-release, trap porosity, or crack, and are more subject to weathering discoloration. If water blisters are of a great concern (boat hulls), 20 to 24 mils would perform better than a thinner film, but resistance to sag, porosity and cracking could suffer. If weathering (yellowing from sunlight, decks) is of great concern, then thinner films (12 to 16 mils) would perform better, but patchability and resistance to print-through and blistering could suffer.

Properties

Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Viscosity Brookfield RVF #4 Spindle at 20 rpm (colored) at 25°C or 77°F3300 - 5300cps
Viscosity Brookfield RVF #4 Spindle at 20 rpm (white and off white) at 25°C or 77°F3500 - 5500cps
Thixotropic Index (2/20) at 25°C or 77°Fmin. 5
Gel Time at 1.8% MEKP at 25°C or 77°F10-18minutes
Lay-up Time at 25°C or 77°F40 - 60minutes
Sag Resistance (good) at 25°C or 77°F20mils
Hide (Most Formulations) (Completed) at 25°C or 77°F12mils
Weight per Gallon at 25°C or 77°F1,20 - 1,35Kg/liter

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. Norac 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 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

ISO/NPG gel coats are not compatible in the liquid state with Isophthalic gel coats or Isophthalic resins. Spray and pumping equipment must be completely clean of these gel coats or resins before ISO/NPG 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 recommend 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 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. Fast Cure gel coats are stable for 30 days. The usage life is cut in half for every 20°F over 73°F.