Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Chemical Family
- Composite Materials Functions
- Technologies
- Product Families
Features & Benefits
- Materials Features
- Features and Benefits
- Isophthalic base resin
- High elongation
- Easy to apply
- Excellent water / blistering resistance
- Good impact resistance
- Excellent surface finish
Applications & Uses
- Applications
- Application Method
- Recommended Testing
It is recommended that customers test all pigmented gelcoats before use under their own conditions of application to ensure the required surface finish is achieved. We recommend that Customers new to GelTint or customers using new GelTint colors test the product before use in full scale production. Due to the nature and fast service of the GelTint process, retain samples of the final product are not taken.
- Brush Application
Do:
- Ensure the gelcoat has attained workshop temperature of 15°C - 25°C before use.
- Add 2% Butanox® M-50 or equivalent catalyst.
- Gently stir the gelcoat by hand or low shear stirrer.
- Use long brush strokes and even pressure to apply the gelcoat in an even film across the mold surface.
- Brush through the gelcoat until the recommended wet film thickness of 600-800 microns is reached.
- Apply the first layer of laminate within 24 hours of the gelcoat.
Don’t:
- Stir the gelcoat with high shear mixers as this will temporarily break down the thixotropy leading to drainage
- Exceed a wet film thickness of 800 microns as thick films encourage air retention.
- Apply excessive thickness in corner areas as this can cause pre-release
- Apply backing laminate before the gelcoat has reached an appropriate degree of cure.
- Catalyze more gelcoat than can be applied before it starts to gel as this will lead to wastage and possible exothermic reaction.
- Allow vapor to be retained in deep mold sections as this can cause slow curing.
- 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® M-50) which should be added at 2% in the gelcoat.
Temperature Gel time (2% Butanox® M-50)** Backup time (2% Butanox® M-50)** 15 °C 19 minutes 90 minutes 20°C 12 minutes 45 minutes 25°C 8 minutes 30 minutes 30°C 6 minutes 25 minutes **Measured under laboratory conditions. Information should be used as a guide only
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)* | 42 | — | EN59 |
| Water Absorption (24h, at 23°C)* | 18 | mg | BS EN ISO 62 part 6.2 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (1.8 MPa)† | 75 | °C | BS EN ISO 75-2 (1996) |
| Elongation (at break)* | 3 | % | BS EN ISO 527-2 |
| Tensile Strength* | 75 | MPa | BS EN ISO 527-2 |
| Tensile Modulus* | 3500 | MPa | BS EN ISO 527-2 |
| Flexural Strength* | 126 | MPa | BS EN ISO 178 |
| Flexural Modulus* | 4300 | MPa | BS EN ISO 178 |
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Viscosity (at 25°C, 0.6 s⁻¹) | 400 | Poise | — |
| Styrene Content | 34 | % | — |
| Viscosity (at 25°C, 4500 s⁻¹) | 15 | Poise | — |
| Specific Gravity (at 25°C) | 1.1 | — | — |
Technical Details & Test Data
- Additives and Variants
Crystic® Gelcoat GT-600 should only be used with specified GelTint pigments. The information contained in this technical data sheet applies to all pigmented versions. A topcoat version of this material is available called GT-600 PAX. Incorporation of additional material may affect the working, weathering or cured properties of the gelcoat.
- Post Curing
Satisfactory laminates for many applications can be made with Crystic® Gelcoat GT-600 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.
Safety & Health
- Health and Safety
Unsaturated polyester products release heat when they cure in bulk.
Packaging & Availability
- Country Availability
- Packaging Type
- Regional Availability
- Packaging
Crystic® Gelcoat GT-600 is available in 20kg containers.
Storage & Handling
- Shelf Life
- 5 Months
- Storage
Crystic® Gelcoat GT-600 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 25°C 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 date of production.