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The current resin that is to be used is the West System 105 Epoxy Resin (http://www.westsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/User-Manual-2015.pdf). It has a viscosity of 1000 centipoise, very thick for the vacuum infusion process. However this can be compensated for by the resin hardener used. The most likely hardener to be used is the West System 209 Extra-Slow Cure Hardener. This has the following characteristics:
- Mix ratio: 3 parts resin - 1 part hardener
- Pot life at 72°F / 22°C: 40-50min
- Cure to solid state: (72°F / 22°C) 20-24 hours, (95°F / 35°C) 6-8 hours
- Cure to working strength: (72°F / 22°C) 4-9 days
The temperature is a major factor to the curing time, with a reduction to ca. 1/3 of the curing time at 35°C. It is probably most efficient to perform the infusion at 22°C, but after that is completed the curing should be completed at 35°C.
- Physical properties not an issue
- Just have to make sure watertight!
- Otherwise consider fiberglass first
- http://www.fibreglast.com/product/System_2000_Epoxy_Resin_2000/Epoxy_Resins
- 45,170 psi tensile strength with fibreglass
- Potlife (time for handling) 1 hour – 2 hours
- Density: 0.401 lb/in3 = 11099.7 kg/m3
- http://www.fibreglast.com/product/System-1000-Epoxy/Epoxy_Resins
- 46,168 – 42,784 psi tensile strength
- Potlife: 11 – 23 minutes
- Density: ?
- http://www.westsysteminternational.com/en/west-system/west-system-105-epoxy-resin
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