Table Of ContentI
THERMOSET RESINS FOR COMPOSITES
SECOND EDITION
Trevor Starr C Eng FIM FBIM
Mary Starr
TECHNOLEX
Consulting Engineers in Composites Technology
Crewkerne
Somerset
TA18 7AY UK
WOODHEAD PUBLISHING LIMITED
Published by
Woodhead Publishinq Limited Abinqton Hall Abinqton Carnbs CBI 6AH UK
First edition published (1993) by Elsevier Advanced Technology ISBN 1 85617 196 5
Second Edition 1998
0 Woodhead Publishing Limited 1998
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any
information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
The publisher makes no representation, express or implied, with regard to the accuracy Of
the information contained in this book and cannot accept any legal responsibility or liability
for any errors or omissions that may be made.
The information in this publication was obtained from sources which are believed to be
reliable, but no warranty or representation as to its accuracy or completeness is hereby given
or implied. Readers should therefore consider the information only as a supplement or guide
for the purposes of research. It is recommended that they seek further more complete
information from the named manufacturers or suppliers and to then undertake independent
evaluation as to the suitability of any particular resin system for any particular purpose. At
the same time the proper use, disposal, health 8, safety and protection of the environment
implications in the use of the described resins, is outside the jurisdiction of this publication;
such advice must be sought from the manufacturer or supplier concerned.
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN 1 85573 406 0
Printed in Great Britain by Prestige Print Services, Crewkerne
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PREFACE THERMOSET RESINS FOR COMPOSITES
The matrix of a ‘reinforced plastic’ composites moulding, can be
based on either a thermoplastic or thennoset polymer. Although there
is a steadily increasing growth in the use of the former, the latter
remains predominant. Indeed thermoset resin systems, coupled to
glass reinforcement, have for nearly 60 years, been the work-horse
of the composites industry.
Both polymers are man-made materials, derived principally from coal
or crude oil, and are large molecular structures comprised of rings of
carbon atoms, linked principally to hydrogen and oxygen atoms and
‘chained’ together with others such as nitrogen, chlorine, sulphur,
silicon and fluorine. A complex cross-linking of those chains is the
backbone of thermosets. So when fully polymerised from the initial
liquid to solid state, and unlike the thermoplastics, the thermosets
cannot be induced by the action of heat and/or pressure to take up
fresh shapes or be returned to mobile viscous liquids. That time-
temperature dependant change into a irreversible solid state,
promoted by chemical action, is the essential difference between the
two polymers. That leads to other clear property distinctions, and
those are in turn employed to advantage in respect of the variety of
processing techniques open to the thermoset composites moulding
fabricator, in satisfying a wide-ranging market application.
As a consequence, thermoset resin selection to ensure optimum cost-
effective component performance, demands careful comparison of
the many high-quality competitive systems now available. Following
from that, there was a need for a comprehensive volume to permit
that rapid comparison.
This second edition, built on the success of the first, has become
necessary as a result of the continuing development of the world-wide
composites industry. This has included, the entry of new companies,
new and improved thermoset resin systems and moreover major and
important changes in the whole manufacturer/supplier picture, since
the first edition was published in 1993. Whilst retaining the
comprehensive contact listing of all those companies in an initial
directory section together with some basic understanding of
thermoset chemistry, a change in the layout of the second part, has
not only allowed more resin description and property tabulation within
that databook section, but also a much more reader friendly, useful
layout.
iii
GLOSSARYOF TERMS
ACCELERATOR Also called a promoter or an activator, a low percentage chemical
addition, typically a zinc or cobalt salt, made to a thermoset resin, with
the action of speeding up the cure rate, i.e. reducing either (or both)
the time and temperature at which cure takes place.
BARCOL A number, typically between 25 and 50, which provides an indication
of the hardness of a cured thermoset (but not for phenolics) resin - or
laminate - and in turn the all-important cure condition which has been
achieved. In general, the higher the Barcol, then the better the
environmental and/or chemical resistance.
CATALYST A low percentage chemical addition, frequently a peroxide, and also
called a hardener, which promotes the cure of a thermoset resin.
Typically it oxidises the accelerator to release the necessary free
radicals which cause the molecular change associated with cure or
polymerisation.
COMPOSITE A moulding employing the fundamental principle of a fibrous
reinforcement - typically glass, carbon or aramid - improving the
properties of a matrix such as a thermoset resin, in which that
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reinforcement is contained. The result is a homogeneous but
unalloyed - mixture of normally only two, completely dissimilar
materials which confer their distinct and respective properties to each
other, without the loss of separate identity or characteristic.
CROSS-LINKING The molecular mechanism where the long polymer chains initially
formed on polymerisation, then link together into a fully integrated
structure.
CURE The layman's term for the timehemperatwe related molecular cross-
linking process - known more correctly as polymerisation - which
occurs when a thermoset resin changes from the typically viscous
liquid to the solid state. This cure process is normally also promoted
- -
following chemical activation by a catalyst or often called, hardener
addition. Other chemical accelerators may be added by the resin
manufacturer, or alternatively added to the resin immediately prior to
the catalyst addition. Cure can also be activated in other ways, such as
by the influence of ultra-violet radiation. No by-products are formed
during the formation of these long molecular cross-linked chain links.
FLOWCOATS A thin, pure resin and sometimes pigmented finish, applied as a final
operation to the reverse face only of a hand-laminated or spray-
deposited thermoset composites moulding. The purpose is to seal, or
offer further moisture and other protection to that irregular, fibre-
textured surface. It prevents the reinforcement at the surface layer
from becoming exposed during the components in-service life. To
ensure that there is no residual surface tackiness, flowcoats often
contain a small percentage of paraffin wax.
vi
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Gossary Of Terms
GELCOATS A thin (0.40 - -.90mm: 0.016" - 0.035"), usually pigmented but
unreinforced, basically pure resin layer, forming the exposed or
working face of a thermoset moulding. Although typically polyester
based, that may not always apply. Gelcoats provide a hard,
decorative finish whose resistance to fading, colour change or ultra-
violet radiation attack, can be further enhanced by the addition of
optical and other stabilisers. As gelcoats are applied by either brush or
spray as the first stage in the actual moulding process, they can also
be readily textured, taking that pattern directly from the mould-tool
surface which they accurately and faithfully replicate. Specialised
gelcoat grades offer resistance to osmosis, chemical or other more
severe corrosive attack.
GEL-TIME Relates to the length of time that an accelerated and catalysed
thermoset resin remains workable and begins to solidify.
HARDNESS See Barcol.
LAMINATE The term frequently applied to the total thickness of a thermoset
composites moulding, particularly when fabricated by hand-lay,
spray/projection, cold-press or resin injection (resin transfer) moulding
techniques. However more correctly it should only refer to the fibre-
reinforced portion of that total thickness and strictly speaking therefore,
should not include the gelcoat, or when applicable, either the flowcoat
or any other part or feature of the overall moulded component and its
construction.
POLYMERISATION The molecular process of forming long, continuous and cross-link
polymer chains.
THERMOSET Relates to resin matrices, which once changed by polymerisation from
the initial liquid state, become an irreversible, infusible and
environmentally-resistant, insoluble solid.
WET-OUT A term which refers to the speed with which the thermoset matrix resin
is completely absorbed by the fibre reinforcement, or in other words
the speed with which that matrix completely replaces the air from
around each filament, any void within that reinforcement, or other part
of the composites formulation.
vii
TRADE NAMES
As owned or used by the company shown.
Additol Vianova Resins AG Hibuild SP Systems Ltd
Ampreg SP Systems Ltd Hydropel Alphalowens-Corning
Aquaguard A C Hatrick Chemicals Ltd impact Lilly Industries Inc
Araldite Ciba Specialty Chemicals Impress Ferro (Holland) B V
Armorcote Cook Composites And Polymers lsogels Ferro Corporation
Aropol Ashland Chemical Co Ferro (Holland) B V
Huntsman Chemical Co K-Lire Diab Group
Australia Ltd Kara GTI Process
Arotec Ashland Chemical Co Lord Lord Corporation
Arotool Huntsman Chemical Co Lovocor Cook Composites & Polymers
Australia Ltd Low voc Ferro Corporation
Arotran Ashland Chemical Co Ferro Plastics Europe
Atiac DSMoBASF Structural Resins Maxguard Neste Polyester Inc
Reichhold Chemicals lnc Metalflake Polygard Inc
Baydur Bayer Corporation Metlbond Cytec Engineered Materials
Bayflex Bayer Corporation Microply YLA Inc
Baytec Bayer Corporation Modar Ashiand Chemical Co
Beetie BIP Ltd Norpol Jotun Polymer AS
Bond-Cote Hawkeye Industries Inc Norsodyne Cray Valley
BR Cytec Engineered Materials Norsophen Cray Valley
BryteCor Brtye Technologies Inc Palatal DSMeBASF Structural Resins
Cellobond Blagdon Cellobond Ltd Phencat Blagden Cellobond Ltd
Chromocoat Nuplex Industries Ltd Polycor Cook Composites & Polymers
Cleargard Polygard Inc Polyflex Naptha Resins & Chemicals
Copperclad Ferro Plastics Europe Private Ltd
comr Cytec Engineered Materials Polygrip Ashland Chemical Co
Crestomer Scott Bader Co Ltd Polylite Reichhold Chemicals Inc
crysric Scott Bader Co Ltd Polymar Marubeni Specialty Chemicals Inc
Huntsman Chemical Co Polyrock Polydy ne
Australia Ltd Prism Bayer Corporation
Cycom Cytec Aerospace Ltd ProBond Diab Group
Dara GTI Process Procast Reichhold Chemicals Inc
Daron DSM*BASF Pro-Set Gougeon Brothers Inc
Derakane Dow Chemical Co Resinf usion Ciba Specialty
Dion Reichhold Chemicals Inc Reslpol Resisa
Distigei Alusuise ltalia Red-set Georgia-Pacific Resins Inc
Lonza SPA Resorciphen Borden Inc
Distitron Alusuise ltalia Ripoxy Showa High Polymer Co Ltd
Lonza SPA Rosk ydai Vosschemie GmbH
Ditra GTI Process slnrr SP Systems Ltd
Diviiette Diab Group Siimar Huntsman Chemical Co
Durabulld Hawkeye Industries Inc Australia Ltd
Hawk International Distributors Ltd lnterplastic Corporation
Duratec Hawkeye Industries Inc Sirester SIR lndustriale
Hawk International Distributors Ltd Skybond IST (MA) Corporation
Durite Borden Inc Soma GTI Process
Dynopoi Norpol Polymer Spabond SP Systems Ltd
Endyne Cray Valley StYPOl Cook Composites & Polymers
Envirez Ashland Chemical Co Swancor Swancor Industrial Company Ltd
Epibond Ciba Specialty Chemicals Synolac Cray Valley
Epicast Ciba Polymers Synoiite DSMeBASF Structural Resins
Ciba Specialty Chemicals Tack’n Roil Bryte Technologies Inc
Epocast Ciba Polymers Trina GTI Process
Epon Shell Chemical Company Uitra 1 Ferro Corporation
Epophen Borden Chemical UK Ltd Ultrachrome Futura Coatings Inc
Eposeal SP Systems Ltd Ultraclear Ferro Corporation
Eposerts Ciba Polymers Uitracore Futura Coatings Inc
Estarez Hunstsman Chemical Co Uitraplus Ferro Corporation
Australia Ltd Uitrash ield Ferro Corporation
Fiberglass Fusion ITW Plexus Ultratooling Ferro Corporation
Filabond Scott Bader Co Ltd Ultrathane Futura Coatings Inc
Fireguard Scott Bader Co Ltd Uraiane Ciba Specialty Chemicals
Fire PRF2 Borden Inc Ureol Ciba Specialty Chemicals
FM Cytec Engineered Materials VariMac McWhorter Technologies
Fuli Jiangyin Crabec Synthetic Viapai Vianova Resins AG
Chemicals Co Ltd viscovoss Vosschemie GmbH
GP Georgia-Pacific Resins Inc Wresipol Resinous Chemicals Ltd
Glasgrip Ashland Chemical Co
viii
MANUFACTURERS, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS b DISTRIBUTORS
All manufacturers whose products are tabulated within Part Two, Databook, are here listed alphabetically in
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the left-hand column. To the right and shown by country together with the Head Office (in bold type), is
listed their selling and distribution arrangements (sales office/s, agents, distributors and wholesalers), where
advised. It should be noted that several companies shown as distributors, may also be manufacturers in
their own right.
The full address, telephone and facsimile numbers - inclusive of the country dialling code - plus where
applicable their electronic numberls, of every company listed in this way, then appears (again in alphabetical
order), in the concluding section of this Part One, Directory. The use of brackets thus (2), indicates the
number of contact addresses within the same country or under the same name shown within that directory.
A
A C Hatrick Chemicals Ltd
Australia A C Hatrick Chemicals Ltd
New Zealand A C Hatrick (NZ) Ltd
Fiber Glass International N.Z. (2)
Adtech Corooration USA Adtech Corporation
Akemi Inc Canada AdChem Adhesvies (2)
Akemi Inc
USA AdCo
Akemi Inc
BCL Engineering Inc
GLS Fiberglass (1 3)
Graco Supply
Hastings Plastics
Pontiac Plastics
R P Morrison
The Houston Co.
AIoha/Owens Corning USA Alphalowens Corning (2)
UK Hawk International Distributors Ltd
Alusuisse ltalia SoA Italy Alusuisse ltalia SPA
UK Maprac (UK) Ltd
Ashland Chemical Company
Canada Ashland Chemical Company
FRP Supply Inc (5)
Italy Ashland Chemical ltaliana
Mexico FRP Supply Inc (2)
Spain Sier SA
UK Ashland Composite Polymers Ltd
USA Ashland Chemical Company (4)
Composite Materials Inc (9)
FRP Supply Inc (43)
Ashland Chemical HisDania
Spain Ashland Chemical Hispania
3
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Manufacturers, Agents, Suppliers & Distributors
B
Bayer Corporation Canada Bayer Inc (2)
USA Bayer Corporation (6)
BIP Ltd Finland Bang & Bonsomer OY
Germany Pultex GmbH
Netherlands Firgos RPM BV
UK BIP Ltd
PP Composites
Vetrotex (UK) Ltd (4)
Blaaden Cellobond Ltd France COMAIP (Groupe Arnaud)
Denmark ICOM Composites
Netherlands Buchta Polymers
Spain Fehling Downing
UK Blagden Cellobond Ltd
Vetrotex (UK) Ltd (4)
USA FRP Services (America) Inc
Blaaden Manufactured Chemicals
Austria Pompe-Chemie Handelgesellschaft m.B.H & Co
Belgium S.A. Socomer
Denmark NS Kemitura
France Keyser & Mackay
Germany Keyser & Mackay
Netherlands Keyser & Mackay
Switzerland S A Upag AG
UK Blagden Manufactured Chemicals
Borden Chemical UK Ltd
UK Borden Chemical UK Ltd
Borden Inc USA Borden Inc
Brvte Technoloaies Inc USA Bryte Technologies Inc
C
Ciba Specialty Chemicals
Austria Ciba Polymere
France SA Ciba-Geigy
Germany Ciba Polymere
Italy Ciba Polymeri
Spain Ciba-Geigy SA
Sweden Ciba-Geigy AB
Switzerland Ciba Polymere
UK B&K Resins Ltd (2)
Ciba Specialty Chemicals
USA Ciba Specialty Chemicals (2)
Cook Composites & Polymers
Finland Bang & Bonsomer OY
Germany Pultex GmbH
Netherland Firgos RPM BV
UK Vetrotex (UK) Ltd (4)
USA Cook Composites & Polymers (4)
Composite Materials Inc (9)
4
- Manufacturers, Agents, Suppliers & Distributors
Crav Valley UK Cray Valley
Germany Cray Valley Allemagne
Cray Valley Kunstharre GmbH (2)
Netherlands Cray Valley Benelux
Spain Cray Valley lberica
France Cray Valley S A (4)
South Africa Cray Valley South Africa S A
Cvtec Industries Inc France Cytec Aerospace Ltd
Germany Cytec Aerospace
Italy Aeroteam
Aer.MA.S Srl
Spain Ricardo Gomez Gonzalet
UK Cytec Fiberite Ltd
USA Cytec Engineered Materials Inc (2)
Cytec Industries Inc
D
Dow Chemical Australia Dow Chemical (Australia) Ltd
Canada Dow Chemical Canada Inc
Mexico Dow Quimica Mexicana SA de C V
Netherlands Dow Information Centre
Switzerland Dow Europe S A
USA Dow Chemical Company
DSMoBASF Structural Resins
France DSM France SA
Germany DSMoBASF Structural Resins Deutschland GmbH
Italy DSM ltalia
Euroresins ltalia srl
Netherlands DSMeBASF Structural Resins
DSM Resins bv
DSM Resins International bv
Euroresins Benelux BV
Norway Fiber Kemi NS
Spain DSM Espafia SA
Euroresins SA
Sweden DSM Scandinavia AB
UK DSM Resins UK Ltd
Freeman Distribution Ltd
Dulux Australia Australia Dulux Australia (3)
Fiji ICI Paints (Fiji) Ltd
New Zealand PJ Hobbs
Papua New Guinea ICI Dulux Papua New Guinea PTY Ltd (LAE)
F
Ferro CorDoration Canada Ferro Corporation
Ferro Industrial Products Ltd
Denmark Ferro-Danmark NS
France Ferro Eurostar SA
Ferro France SA
Germany Ferro Plastics (Germany) GmbH
Portugal Metal Portuguesa SA
Spain Ferro Enamel EspaAola SA
UK Ferro (Great Britain) Ltd
USA Ferro Corporation (2)
5
Manufacturers, Agents, Suppliers & Distributors -
Ferro (Holland) B V Netherlands Ferro (Holland) B V
FiberCote Industries Inc
USA Fibercote Industries Inc
Fiberite Inc France Fiberite Europe GmbH
Germany Fiberite Europe GmbH
Italy Fiberite Europe GmbH
UK Fiberite Europe GmbH
USA Fiberite Inc (3)
NB. Company acquired by Cytec Industries Inc as this volume went to press. Any company name changes
have not been advised.
Futura Coatinas Inc Belgium Futura Coatings Europe N.V
UK Ureatech
USA Futura Coatings Inc
G
Geornia-Pacific Resins Inc
UK B&K Resins Ltd (2)
USA Georgia-Pacific Resins Inc
Gouneon Brothers Inc UK Wessex Resins & Adhesives Ltd
USA Gougeon Brothers Inc
GTI Process France GTI Process
Gwil Industries Inc Canada Gwil Industries Inc
H
Hawkeve Industries Inc UK Hawk International Distributors Ltd
USA Composite Materials Inc (9)
Hawkeye Industries Inc
Hawk International Distributors Ltd
UK Hawk International Distributors Ltd
HeDworth Minerals & Chemicals Ltd
UK Hepworth Minerals & Chemicals Ltd
HK Research Corporation
UK PP Composites
USA HK Research Corporation
Huntsman Chemical Co Australia Ltd
Australia Huntsman Chemical Co Australia Ltd (6)
Synthetic Resins (6)
I
Interplastic Corporation UK PP Composites
USA Interplastic Corporation (3)
ITW Plexus UK ITW Plexus Europe
USA ITW Plexus (2)
6
