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COMPOSIT 101,202 AND ADVANCE Newsletter. -Temperature Vs Resins. |
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In this issue of the Composite 101, 202 and Advance Newsletter: In this issue of the Composite 101, 202 and Advance Newsletter: 1. A composite question FROM SUBSCRIBERS.Subscriber’s question by Michael Raymano: -“How Temperature affect resins hardening when working outside?” Composite 101, 202 and Advance answer: The resin manufacturers design their resin in control conditions and to a specific temperature. The specified working temperature is specified on the spec sheet of the resin and it’s somewhere around 22°C (72°F). If you are working significantly below or above this temperature, you may experience faulty resin hardening. Below the recommended temperature use and the resin will be “thicker” with an undesired viscosity. Also, the resin may take forever to harden of not harden at all. Sometime the hardening happen but the cure can be affected by this improper resin temperature, this is often seen when the part is demolded and the part become deformed; The cure is slowed by this improper use of the resin and the effect are carried throughout the process. Above the recommended temperature use and the resin will harden too quickly and this will affect the whole process it can cause pre-release. In both situations (above or below the recommended working temperature), the mechanical properties of the resin can be affected to various degrees. So, if you are working outside it’s important to stay as close as possible to the recommended working temperature. Maybe work early in the day if you expect a warm day and work in the shade to avoid direct sun, which will heat the resin and mold and trigger a faster hardening. In cold weather you should, if possible, keep the mold and resin inside in warmth until the last minute. Sincerely, |