Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Chemical Family
- Composite Materials Functions
- Technologies
- Product Families
Features & Benefits
- Materials Features
- Features & Benefits
Features
- Isophthalic base resin
- High elongation
- Easy to apply
- Low Viscosity
Benefits
- Excellent water / blistering resistance
- Good impact resistance
- Excellent surface finish
- Suitable for both brush and roller application
Applications & Uses
- Applications
- Composites Processing Methods
- 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 (2% Butanox M50)** Backup time (2% Butanox M50)** 15°C 23 minutes 70 minutes 20°C 14 minutes 40 minutes 25°C 8 minutes 30 minutes 30°C 7 minutes 25 minutes **Measured under laboratory conditions. Information should be used as a guide only.
- 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 in multiple passes 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
- 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 20ºC, 3hrs at 80ºC.
† Curing Schedule - 24hrs at 20ºC, 5hrs at 80ºC, 3hrs at 120ºC.
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Barcol Hardness (Model GYZJ 934-1)* | 44 | — | EN59 |
| Water Absorption (24h, at 23°C)* | 17 | mg | BS EN ISO 62 part 6.2 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (1.8 MPa)† | 65 | °C | BS EN ISO 75-2 (1996) |
| Elongation (at break)* | 2.7 | % | BS EN ISO 527-2 |
| Tensile Strength* | 61 | MPa | BS EN ISO 527-2 |
| Tensile Modulus* | 3100 | MPa | BS EN ISO 527-2 |
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Viscosity (at 25°C, 0.6 s⁻¹) | 310 | Poise | — |
| Styrene Content | 40 | % | — |
| Viscosity (at 25°C, 4500 s⁻¹) | 6.5 | Poise | — |
| Specific Gravity (at 25°C) | 1.1 | — | — |
Technical Details & Test Data
- Recommended Testing
It is recommended that customers test all pigmented gelcoats before use under their own conditions of application to ensure that the product meets requirements.
- 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 64PAX. 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.
- Post Curing
Satisfactory laminates for many applications can be made with Crystic® Gelcoat 64PA by curing at workshop temperature (15⁰C - 25⁰C). 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.
Packaging & Availability
- Packaging Type
- Packaging
Crystic ® Gelcoat 64PA is supplied in 25kg and 225kg containers
Storage & Handling
- Shelf Life
- 5 Months
- Storage
Crystic® Gelcoat 64PA 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.