Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Chemical Family
- Composite Materials Functions
- Technologies
- Product Families
Features & Benefits
- Features and Benefits
Features
- Iso-NPG base resin
- Easy to apply
- Low styrene content
Benefits
- Exceptional water and weathering resistance.
- Excellent surface finish
- Less exposure to the environment and operators
Applications & Uses
- Applications
- Application Method
- Gel time & Backup time
Catalyst level and temperature will influence the gel time. The product only requires the addition of catalyst to start curing. We recommend the use of a 50% MEKP (type Butanox M50) which should be added at 2% in the gelcoat.
Temperature Gel time (1.5% MEKP 50%)** Backup time (1.5% MEKP 50%)** 15ºC 15 minutes 110 minutes 20ºC 11 minutes 50 minutes 25ºC 8 minutes 38 minutes 30ºC 6 minutes 30 minutes **Measured under laboratory conditions. Information should be used as a guide only.
- Brush Application
Do Don’t Ensure the gelcoat has attained workshop temperature of 15°C - 25°C before use. Stir the gelcoat with high shear mixers as this will temporarily break down the thixotropy leading to drainage.
Add 2% Butanox® M-50 or equivalent catalyst. Exceed a wet film thickness of 800 microns as thick films encourage air retention.
Gently stir the gelcoat by hand or low shear stirrer. Apply excessive thickness in corner areas as this can cause pre-release.
Spray at the minimum practical pressure whilst maintaining an acceptable spray pattern and full fan width. Apply backing laminate before the gelcoat has reached an appropriate degree of cure.
Apply a mist coat and then build up thickness in long, even passes of 100 - 150 microns until the recommended wet film thickness of 600 – 800 microns is reached. Catalyze more gelcoat than can be applied before it starts to gel as this will lead to wastage and possible exothermic reaction.
Apply the first layer of laminate within 24 hours of the gelcoat. Allow vapor to be retained in deep mold sections as this can cause slow curing.
Properties
- Cured Properties
- Uncured Properties
- Note
* Curing Schedule - 24hrs at 20°C, 3hrs at 80°C.
† Curing Schedule - 24hrs at 20°C, 5hrs at 80°C, 3hrs at 120°C.
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Barcol Hardness (Model GYZJ 934-1)* | 41 | — | — |
| Water Absorption (24h, at 23°C)* | 10 | mg | — |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (1.8 MPa)† | 65 | °C | — |
| Elongation (at break)* | 2.1 | % | — |
| Tensile Strength* | 57 | MPa | — |
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Viscosity (at 25°C, 0.6 s⁻¹) | 400 | Poise | — |
| Styrene Content | 25 | % | — |
| Viscosity (at 25°C, 4500 s⁻¹) | 15 | Poise | — |
| Specific Gravity (at 25°C) | 1.2 | — | — |
Technical Details & Test Data
- Recommended Testing
- It is recommended that customers test all gelcoats before use under their own conditions of application to ensure that the product meets requirements.
- Post Curing
Satisfactory laminates for many applications can be made with Crystic® Gelcoat LS 31PA by curing at workshop temperature (15°C - 25°C). However, for optimum properties, laminates must be post-cured before being put into service. The molding should be allowed to cure for 24 hours at workshop temperature and then oven-cured for 16 hours at 40°C.
- Additives and Variants
- The information contained in this technical data sheet applies to all pigmented versions. A topcoat version of this material is available called LS 31PAX. The topcoat can be formulated by addition of 2% Crystic® Solution MW into the gelcoat.
- Incorporation of additional material may affect the working, weathering or cured properties of the gelcoat. Please check with Scott Bader’s Technical Service department before using the gelcoat outside of specified parameters.
Packaging & Availability
- Packaging Type
- Packaging
- Crystic® Gelcoat LS 31PA is available in 25kg and 225kg containers.
Storage & Handling
- Shelf Life
- 5 Months
- Storage
Crystic® Gelcoat LS 31PA should be stored in its original container, under cover, and out of direct sunlight. These must be kept closed and airtight. It is recommended that the storage temperature should be less than 25oC and the product should not be frozen. Storing the product outside of these conditions may affect the properties of the product and reduce its shelf life. Ideally, containers should be opened only immediately prior to use. Material should be used within 5 months from the date of production.