espol™ 12.02

Identification & Functionality

Chemical Family

Orthophthalics,

Polyesters,

Unsaturated Polyester (UPE)

Polymer Name

Polyester (unspecified)

Reinforcement Form

Chopped Strand Mat,

Roving

Composite Materials Functions

Resins, Binders & Matrix Materials

Technologies

Composite Materials

Product Families

Composite Materials — Polymers & Resins

Thermoset Resins

Features & Benefits

Materials Features

Excellent Mechanical Strength,

General Purpose,

Good Rigidity,

High Durability,

Rapid Wetting

Applications & Uses

Compatible Reinforcements

Glass Fiber

Composites Processing Methods

Casting,

Hand Lay-up,

Spray Lay-up

Applications

espol™ 12.02 should be stored between 5°C and 25°C in the original, unopened container in a dry, well ventilated place. Protect from freezing and direct sunlight. Avoid contact with oxidizing agents. If stored outside of these recommendations, shelf life will be significantly reduced.

Formulation Guidelines

• espol™ 12.02 should be allowed to attain workshop temperature (25°C - 30°C) before use. Stir well by hand, or with a low shear mixer to avoid aeration, and then allow to stand to regain thixotropy. espol™ 12.02 requires the addition of cobalt promoter and catalyst to start the curing reaction.
• The recommended accelerator is Cobalt (1% solution in styrene) which should be added to the resin at 1 - 2% and thoroughly incorporated into the resin, using a low shear mechanical stirrer where possible.
• The recommended catalyst is MEKP (50%) which should be added to the resin at 1 - 2% and thoroughly incorporated into the resin, using a low shear mechanical stirrer where possible.

N.B. Catalyst and accelerator must not be mixed directly together since they can react with explosive violence.

Properties

Color

Yellow

Physical Form

Fiber,

Mat

Appearance

Light pale yellow clear liquid

Cured Properties

	Value	Units	Test Method / Conditions
Barcol Hardness	40	—	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)
Deflection Temperature under Load (1.80MPa)*	70	ºC	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)
Tensile Strength*	45 - 55	MPa	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)
Tensile Modulus*	3200 - 3400	MPa	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)
Elongation at Break*	1.5 - 2.5	%	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)
Flexural Strength*	90 - 110	MPa	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)
Flexural Modulus*	3000 - 3100	MPa	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)

Uncured Properties

	Value	Units	Test Method / Conditions
Specific Gravity	1.10 - 1.14	—	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)
Viscosity (at 25°C)***	450 - 550	cP	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)
Acid Value	22 - 28	mg KOH/g	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)
Volatile Content	30 - 36	%	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)
Gel Time (at 25°C)**	9 - 15	min	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)
Peak Exotherm Temperature**	170 - 190	ºC	IS 6746-1994 (Reaffirmed 2005)

Note

• *Curing Schedule - 24 hours at 20°C, 6 hours at 80°C.
• **100g resin + 2ml Cobalt (1%) + 1.5ml MEKP (50%) Catalyst.
• ***Viscosity measured using Brookfield (RVT Model) Viscosity SPL 1 / SPD 10

Technical Details & Test Data

Post Curing

Satisfactory laminates for many applications can be made from espol™ 12.02 by curing at workshop temperature (25°C). For optimum properties, however, laminates should be post-cured before being put into service. The laminate should be allowed to cure for 24 hours at 25°C, and then be oven cured for a minimum of 6 hours 80°C.

Packaging & Availability

Packaging Type

Totes (IBC)

Packaging Information

espol™ 12.02 is available in 35kg, 220kg and bulk containers.

Storage & Handling

Shelf Life

3 Months

Storage Conditions

espol™ 12.02 should be stored between 5°C and 25°C in the original, unopened container in a dry, well ventilated place. Protect from freezing and direct sunlight. Avoid contact with oxidising agents. If stored outside of these recommendations, shelf life will be significantly reduced.