Composite Materials Surface Finish D

Identification

Chemical Family

Polyesters

Categories

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

Markets → Automotive & Transportation → Applications → Transportation → Rail & Mass Transit

Applications & Uses

Product Applications

Composite Materials Surface Finish D is designed for spray application.

Do	Don’t
Stir the gelcoat by hand or low shear stirrer before use. In the event filler sedimentation occurs during storage, make sure this is completely redispersed again in the gelcoat before use.	Allow vapor to be retained in deep mold sections as this can cause slow curing.
Ensure the gelcoat has attained a workshop temperature of 20°C - 25°C before use.	Apply excessive thickness in corner areas as this can cause pre-release.
Add between 1.0 – 1.5% of a medium reactivity MEKP type catalyst. Stir the gelcoat by hand or low shear stirrer.	Apply backing laminate before the gelcoat has reached an appropriate degree of cure.
Apply a mist coat and then build up thickness in long, even passes until the recommended wet film thickness of 0.5mm (500 micron) is reached.	Stir the gelcoat with high shear mixers as this will temporarily break down the thixotropy leading to drainage.
Apply the first layer of laminate within 24 hours of gelcoat application.	Apply more or less than 500 microns in any area.

• Note 1: Successful application of Composite Materials Surface Finish D depends on many variables such as the pump ratio, air input pressure, nozzle tip size and angle, tube hose size diameter and length. Scott Bader recommend the use of an airless spray machine with a minimum pump ratio of 20:1 and a nozzle size/angle of 623/50°. Alternatively, if using a standard gravity pot gun, use an air pressure of 4-5.5 bar (70 – 80 PSI) and a size 7 or 8 nozzle tip.
• Note 2: To maximize the fire properties, the gelcoat wet film should be applied at a thickness of 500 microns. The laminating process can be carried out approximately 1 hour after gelcoat application thereby ensuring excellent adhesion between the gelcoat and the backing resin. To ensure adequate adhesion between the gelcoat and the backing resin, lamination must occur within 24h from gelcoat application. For components that will be exposed to the outdoor environment, Scott Bader recommend the use of a suitable protective paint and/or varnish. The thickness of the final laminate and its entire construction, including any coatings, applications, sandwich components, etc., also has a decisive influence on fire performance. Please note that individual component tests are mandatory for most applications.

Additives - The addition of fillers or pigments to Composite Materials Surface Finish D will adversely affect the fire properties and cure of this material and is not recommended.

Before use - Composite Materials Surface Finish D should be allowed to attain a working temperature between 23°C-25°C before use for best spraying application. Stir well by hand or with a low shear stirrer to avoid aeration and then allow to stand to regain thixotropy. Composite Materials Surface Finish D requires only the addition of a medium reactivity MEKP (50%) type catalyst to start the curing reaction. The catalyst should be added at 1.0% into the gelcoat and then thoroughly incorporated with a low shear mechanical stirrer where possible.

Post curing - For many applications, Composite Materials Surface Finish D will perform adequately when cured at workshop temperature (20°C - 25°C). However, for optimum properties, and to achieve the highest fire performance, the components should be allowed to cure for 24 hours at 20°C, and then be oven-cured for 16 hours at 40°C or 3 hours at 80°C.

Features

Materials Features

Flame Retardant,

Low Smoke Emission

Functions

Composite Materials Functions

Surface Finish

Function

Surface Finishes

Packaging & Availability

Country Availability

United Kingdom,

India

Packaging Type

Totes (IBC)

Regional Availability

• Europe
• Asia

Packaging Information

Composite Materials Surface Finish D is supplied in 25gk, 225kg & 1100kg containers.

Properties

Color (Properties)

Grey

Notes

* Curing Schedule - 24hrs at 20°C, 3hrs at 80°C.

Regulatory & Compliance

Certifications & Compliance

ISO 14001,

ISO 9001,

ISO 45001

Quality Standards

EN 45545-2:2013

Approvals

Properly cured laminates produced with Composite Materials Surface Finish D resin and gelcoat Composite Materials Surface Finish D can achieve HL2 - R1/R7/R10/R17 fire ratings as per EN 45545-2:2013 for railway applications.

Storage & Handling

Storage Information

Composite Materials Surface Finish D 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. Stored outside of these recommendations, shelf life will be significantly reduced.

Technical Details & Test Data

Geltimes & Back-up Times

Temperature	Geltime (2.0% MEKP 50%)**	Back-up time (2.0% MEKP 50%)**
25°C	10 - 14 minutes	45 - 60 minutes

**Geltimes and back-up times tested under laboratory conditions and are to be used for guidance only. For longer geltimes, alternative catalysts and/or inhibitors can be used. Please consult the technical support department for more information.