Composite Materials Surface Finish C

Identification

Chemical Family

Epoxy & Epoxy Derivatives

Categories

Technologies → Composite Materials → Product Families → Surface Finishes → Gelcoats & Topcoats

Markets → Industrial → Applications → Chemical & Industrial Manufacturing → Tooling & Moldmaking

Applications & Uses

Application

• Manufacturing of vacuum forming tools
• Manufacturing of injection molds as well as laminating molds and bonding fixtures

Processing

• The material, processing and mold temperature should be at least 18 ─ 25 °C.
• Component A must be stirred thoroughly before use.
• Recommended release agents are Sika® Liquid Wax-815 or Sika® Pasty Wax-818. For more information, see Product Data Sheets of the release agents.
• Pay attention to dry conditions and dry mold surfaces while processing.
• Porous surfaces have to be well sealed before.
• Both components have to be mixed thoroughly according to mixing ratio with a spatula or slow speed mixing equipment.
• Apply the gelcoat in a homogenous thickness on the mold by using a flat, short-haired brush. We recommend to apply the material in a uniform direction in order to get a homogeneous, even and void-free surface coat.
• Within the geltime of gelcoat we recommend to apply a coupling layer or other backfilling layer in order to avoid adhesion problems.
• In order to improve resistance of gelcoat and final part against temperature influences, solvents as well as exposition of water, a post curing process of 1 h / 80 °C and 2 h / 160 °C of the final part is recommended. In this case a slow increase and slow decrease of temperature is required.
• Further post curing of the demoulded part can improve the final mechanical properties.
• Depending on the geometry and weight of the part, it is recommended to use a conformer while post curing.
• For cleaning the final part from release agent residues, we recommend Sika® Reinigungsmittel-5. Before use of other cleaners, compatibility must be tested.

Features

Materials Features

Abrasion Resistant,

Temperature Resistance

Features & Benefits

Product Highlights

• Very good heat resistance up to 150 °C
• Good spreading properties
• Good mechanical resistance

Functions

Composite Materials Functions

Surface Finish

Function

Surface Finishes

Packaging & Availability

Packaging Type

Boxes

Packaging

• Resin (A), Composite Materials Surface Finish C : 4 kg
• Hardener (B), Composite Materials Surface Finish C : 6 x 0.48 kg
• Kit (AB), Composite Materials Surface Finish C : Box: 6 x 0.5 kg (A) + 6 x 0.06 kg (B)

Processing Methods

Composites Processing Methods

Vacuum Bagging

Properties

Color (Properties)

Black

Storage & Handling

Storage Conditions

Shelf life

• Resin (A), Composite Materials Surface Finish C : 12 months
• Hardener (B), Composite Materials Surface Finish C : 12 months

Storage temperature

• Resin (A), Composite Materials Surface Finish C : 18 ─ 25 °C
• Hardener (B), Composite Materials Surface Finish C : 18 ─ 25 °C

Crystallization

• After prolonged storage at low temperature, crystallization of components may occur.
• This is easily removed by warming up for a sufficient time to a maximum of 70 °C.
• Allow to cool to room temperature before use.

Opened packagings

• Containers must be closed tightly immediately after use to prevent moisture ingress.
• The residual material needs to be used up as soon as possible.