Enhanced TDS
Knowde-enriched technical product data sheet
Identification & Functionality
- Chemical Family
- Polymer Name
- Composite Materials Functions
- Technologies
- Product Families
Features & Benefits
- Effect
Interesting marble-like appearances can be obtained by adding marble dust to the resin prior to casting.
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Compatible Reinforcements
- Cure Method
- Composites Processing Methods
- Mix Ratio
The gel time and cure time are both dependent on three parameters
- The percentage of MEK-P catalyst used
- The temperatures of all ingredients and the surrounding environment
- The mass concentration of the resin, a solid-cast shape vs. thin film. A good starting point, at 72°F, is 1-1/4 % catalyst by weight. This is equivalent to 10 drops catalyst per ounce of resin, or 1 teaspoon catalyst per pint of resin. This level will result in a 15 min pot life and a 24-hour cure. As temperatures rise above 72°F, decrease catalyst, and vice-versa. Polyester resins will not cure below 60°F. Experiment until the correct ratio is determined for your specific application. In general, mix what you can use in 10 minutes. Remember to always wear eye-protection when working with polyester resin and catalyst.
- Reducing Agent
- Typically castings should be poured 1/4"-1/2" thick maximum. Castings poured thicker than this are subject to overheating due to the exotherm. Results may be cracked, browned castings.
- If using Eager Polymers’ P-series silicone or polyethylene molds, no release agent is needed for casting polyesters. If casting into any other materials (urethane, metal, gel-coated fiberglass, epoxy, etc.), it is best to first layer a few coats of release and buff them smooth. Then brush a thin coat of PVA and allow it to completely dry before casting.
- When curing, polyester resins often give off heat. For this reason, EP4101 should be cast in layers no greater than 3/4" to avoid overheating of the casting. Overheating can cause browning and cracking of the cured casting. If large castings are desired, our line of water clear urethane casting plastics can be poured up to 18" thick.
Properties
- Color
- Typical Properties
- Hardness
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Elongation | 10.0 | 10.0 | - |
| Maximum Casting Thickness | ½ - ¾ | inch | - |
| Maximum Use Temperature | 165.0 | °F | - |
| Shrinkage (Linear) | 2.0 | % | - |
| Specific Gravity | 1.11 | - | - |
| Styrene Content | 45-50 | % | - |
| Tensile Strength | 10000.0 | psi | - |
| Viscosity | 300.0 | cps | - |
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Hardness (Durometer) | 85.0 | Shore D | - |
Packaging & Availability
- Packaging Type
- EP4101 is available in the following sizes
- Quart Kit (2-1/4 lb)
- Gallon Kit (9 lb)
- 5 Gallon Kit (45 lb) + Hazardous Shipping Fee
- *55 Gallon Drum (500 lb) + Shipping
- Packaging
Quart, Gallon and 5 Gallon Kits include the catalyst. With drums, order catalyst separately
Storage & Handling
- Shelf life
Manufacturer's recommended shelf life is 3 months.
- Storage
However with the help of proper handling and storage material can last up to 6 months.