Enhanced TDS
Knowde-enriched technical product data sheet
Identification & Functionality
- Chemical Family
- Composite Materials Functions
- Technologies
- Product Families
Features & Benefits
- Materials Features
- Features and Benefits
- Easy to apply
- Easy to sand
- Excellent surface finish
- Excellent base for post painting
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Applications
- Application Method
- Brush Application
Do Don’t Ensure the gelcoat has attained workshop temperature of 15°C - 25°C before use. Stir the gelcoat with high shear mixers as this will temporarily break down the thixotropy leading to drainage Add 2% Butanox® M-50 or equivalent catalyst. Exceed a wet film thickness of 800 microns as thick films encourage air retention. Gently stir the gelcoat by hand or low shear stirrer. Apply excessive thickness in corner areas as this can cause pre-release. Use long brush strokes and even pressure to apply the gelcoat in an even film across the mold surface Apply backing laminate before the gelcoat has reached an appropriate degree of cure. Brush through the gelcoat until the recommended wet film thickness of 600-800 microns is reached. Catalyze more gelcoat than can be applied before it starts to gel as this will lead to wastage and possible exothermic reaction. Apply the first layer of laminate within 24 hours of the gelcoat. Allow vapor to be retained in deep mold sections as this can cause slow curing. - Gel Time & Backup Time
Catalyst level and temperature will influence the gel time. The product only requires the addition of catalyst to start curing. We recommend the use of a 50% MEKP (type Butanox® M-50) which should be added at 2% in the gelcoat.
Temperature Gel time (2% Butanox® M-50)** Backup time (2% Butanox® M-50)** 15°C 29 minutes 60 minutes 20°C 16 minutes 36 minutes 25°C 10 minutes 28 minutes 30°C 6 minutes 26 minutes **Measured under laboratory conditions. Information should be used as a guide only.
Properties
- Cured Properties
Value Units Test Method / Conditions Viscosity (at 25°C, 0.6 s⁻¹) 410 Poise - Viscosity (at 25°C, 4500 s⁻¹) 12 Poise - Specific Gravity (at 25°C) 1.3 - - - Uncured Properties
Value Units Test Method / Conditions Barcol Hardness (Model GYZJ 934-1)* 37 - EN59 Water Absorption (24h, at 23°C)* 20 mg BS EN ISO 62 part 6.2 Heat Deflection Temperature (1.8 MPa)† 54 °C BS EN ISO 75-2 (1996) Elongation (at break)* 2.1 % BS EN ISO 527-2 Tensile Strength* 46 MPa BS EN ISO 527-2 Tensile Modulus* 3658 MPa BS EN ISO 527-2 - Note
* Curing Schedule - 24hrs at 20°C, 3hrs at 80°C.
† Curing Schedule - 24hrs at 20°C, 5hrs at 80°C, 3hrs at 120°C.
Technical Details & Test Data
- Additives and Variants
The gelcoat is available in a limited range of colors and the information contained in this leaflet also applies to these pigmented versions. Incorporation of additional material may affect the working, weathering or cured properties of the gelcoat. Please check with Scott Bader’s Technical Service department before using the gelcoat outside of specified parameters.
- Recommended Testing
- It is recommended that customers test all gelcoats before use under their own conditions of application to ensure that the product meets requirements.
- Post Curing
- Satisfactory laminates for many applications can be made with Crystic Gelcoat 42PA by curing at workshop temperature (15°C - 25°C). However, for optimum properties, laminates must be post-cured before being put into service. The molding should be allowed to cure for 24 hours at workshop temperature and then oven-cured for 16 hours at 40°C.
Packaging & Availability
- Packaging Type
- Packaging
- Crystic® Gelcoat 42PA is available in 25kg and 225kg containers.
Storage & Handling
- Shelf Life
- 5 Months
- Storage
- Crystic Gelcoat 42PA should be stored in its original container, under cover, and out of direct sunlight. These must be kept closed and airtight. It is recommended that the storage temperature should be less than 25ºC and the product should not be frozen. Storing the product outside of these conditions may affect the properties of the product and reduce its shelf life. Ideally, containers should be opened only immediately prior to use. Material should be used within 5 months from the date of production.