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Hi I'm Steve from Fibre Glast.
In this video, we'll look at the roles of resins in making composites,
the resins we have at Fibre Glast dot com, and the differences among them.
Composites are a combination of fiber reinforcement and resin.
The physical properties of composites are fiber dominant, meaning that the
performance of
finished parts is more like that of reinforcement. So,
what role does resin play? Resin begins as a liquid
that, when catalyzed, cures to a solid. When combined with reinforcement, it
serves two basic purposes for the composite.
First it holds reinforcement together and helps it conform to a desired shape.
Second it helps to transfer mechanical loads from fibers of the reinforcement
to the entire part. There are three main types of resins used to make composite
parts and molds:
polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy. At Fibre Glast dot com,
we carry a selection of all three. Each has benefits and drawbacks that you
should consider before beginning any composite project.
Let's take a look at each. Polyester is the most widely used
resin in the industry. Polyester resins are generally the least expensive and
the easiest to use.
They are the most tolerant of temperature and humidity variations during mixing
and the lay-up process. They are forgiving when catalyzing
and cure quickly. However polyester resin does not deliver the physical strength
of epoxy resin
and is not as corrosive resistant as vinyl ester. At Fibre Glast dot com,
you'll find several options for polyester resin including
polyester gel coats. Vinyl ester resin is formulated for maximum corrosion
resistance to
most fuels, vapors, and chemicals. It has an excellent impact strength and
high tensile elongation.
That means it's slightly more flexible compared to other resins
while still producing parts that are hard and rigid. Vinyl ester is commonly
used in marine applications
as well as in building and repairing chemical storage tanks
because it resists water absorption and corrosion. It also has a low viscosity
so it's easy
to pour and frequently used for resin infusion. Keep in mind
vinyl ester has a more limited, three-month shelf life
so it should only be purchased on a project-to-project basis.
Epoxy resin is typically the highest strength resin in the industry.
It offers the strongest bond with reinforcement and allows for
construction of the lightest parts and most durable molds.
Epoxy is typically chosen for its excellent mechanical properties and
dimensional stability.
When properly cured, it also offers good chemical and heat resistance
and extremely low shrinkage. It is preferred for many applications in aerospace,
automotive and racing, military and defense, and sporting goods.
Compared to other residents, however, epoxy is more expensive.
It requires more precision when mixing and is much more sensitive to moisture
and temperature variance during lay-up.
Once cured, it is also more likely to yellow with UV exposure,
so a topcoat is advisable for outdoor applications. Before starting any project,
select the resin that's best for your part
based on these same considerations including service conditions
and desired characteristics for your finished part. All the resins at Fibre Glast dot
com are intended to be used to make hard laminate parts
and they are all First Quality guaranteed. With First Quality resin from
Fibre Glast dot com,
you don't have to worry about variations from batch to batch
like you would with lower-quality resins. You can expect the same color,
viscosity, and laminating and strength properties each time you order.
Learn even more by reading the article "About Resins" in the Learning Center
at Fibre Glast dot com.
To learn more about specific resins and to see our entire selection,
visit product pages on the website and watch product spotlight videos.
Thanks for watching today and don't forget to like this video.