Post by Ray (Flock Man) on Aug 5, 2010 23:22:01 GMT -5
This many not apply to all epoxies, but there is some good information here to get you started. This information is from somewhere on the net that I had copied and pasted in a notepad somewhere along the line in my glue research.
Thinning down epoxy
By thinning down the epoxy, you increase the range of possible uses. For example, thinned Epoxy can be used for the following
· Prime substrate
· Spray application
· A more fluid application
· Increased flexibility of cure product
To thin down Epoxy use acetone. The Epoxy can be thinned down to a maximum of 25%.
Note: If acetone is added to the mix, then the epoxy will remain slightly flexible once cured
Adhesive should cover at least 10% of flock fibre length
The adhesive must be viscose enough to support the flock fibres during the cure.
Curing Times
The length of time it will take to cure (dry) the epoxy will depend on the temperature that it is setting in. The warmer the surrounding air, the less time it will take to cure.
Air Temperature Curing Time
Working Cure Full Cure
15°C 18hrs 36hrs
20°C 12hrs 24hrs
70°C 2hrs 3hrs
The cure process stops if the temperature falls below 8°C, but restarts once above this temperature
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Storage
The epoxy should be stored between 10°C and 25°C.
Do not store the epoxy below 10°C, as waxing or crystallisation is likely to occur. In the event that waxing or crystallisation does occur, the epoxy should be heated at 50°C for 1 hour in order to reverse the process (e.g. dissolve the crystals back into the epoxy).
The epoxy has a storage life of up to 12 months when stored in an unopened container in dry conditions at a temperature between 10°C and 25°C.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Clean-up
Vinegar is an effective and safe solvent for cleaning tools, brushes and most surfaces contaminated with epoxy resin or hardener. Vinegar is particularly recommended for cleaning any residue off human skin, rather than acetone; both liquids will dissolve the resin, but the resin/acetone solution can easily pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream, unlike vinegar. Citrus-based, waterless hand-cleaners will help to remove fresh resin from the skin. One should always follow the initial removal of epoxy from the skin with washing with soap and water.
White vinegar can even clean up epoxy resin that is beginning to harden/cure. Once the epoxy has cured it will be necessary to use acetone to remove any unwanted residue. DME (dimethoxyethane) is also a good solvent for removing epoxy resin and hardener that gives off very little vapour.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Health & Safety
Epoxy should always be used in a well ventilated space.
· Nytrile gloves should always be worn.
· Avoid contact with skin. If contact does occur, wash immediately and thoroughly.
· Eye protection should be worn when mixing, using or cleaning epoxy. In the event of contact with the eye(s), rinse immediately with plenty of clean water and seek medical advice.
· Respiratory masks of protection class FFP3 should be worn in the event of prolonged or frequent exposure.
· If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Seek medical advice immediately.
The primary risk associated with epoxy use is sensitisation to the hardener, which, over time, can induce an allergic reaction. It is a main source of occupational asthma among users of plastics.
Bisphenol-A, which is used in many Epoxies, is a known endochrine disruptor.
Thinning down epoxy
By thinning down the epoxy, you increase the range of possible uses. For example, thinned Epoxy can be used for the following
· Prime substrate
· Spray application
· A more fluid application
· Increased flexibility of cure product
To thin down Epoxy use acetone. The Epoxy can be thinned down to a maximum of 25%.
Note: If acetone is added to the mix, then the epoxy will remain slightly flexible once cured
Adhesive should cover at least 10% of flock fibre length
The adhesive must be viscose enough to support the flock fibres during the cure.
Curing Times
The length of time it will take to cure (dry) the epoxy will depend on the temperature that it is setting in. The warmer the surrounding air, the less time it will take to cure.
Air Temperature Curing Time
Working Cure Full Cure
15°C 18hrs 36hrs
20°C 12hrs 24hrs
70°C 2hrs 3hrs
The cure process stops if the temperature falls below 8°C, but restarts once above this temperature
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Storage
The epoxy should be stored between 10°C and 25°C.
Do not store the epoxy below 10°C, as waxing or crystallisation is likely to occur. In the event that waxing or crystallisation does occur, the epoxy should be heated at 50°C for 1 hour in order to reverse the process (e.g. dissolve the crystals back into the epoxy).
The epoxy has a storage life of up to 12 months when stored in an unopened container in dry conditions at a temperature between 10°C and 25°C.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Clean-up
Vinegar is an effective and safe solvent for cleaning tools, brushes and most surfaces contaminated with epoxy resin or hardener. Vinegar is particularly recommended for cleaning any residue off human skin, rather than acetone; both liquids will dissolve the resin, but the resin/acetone solution can easily pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream, unlike vinegar. Citrus-based, waterless hand-cleaners will help to remove fresh resin from the skin. One should always follow the initial removal of epoxy from the skin with washing with soap and water.
White vinegar can even clean up epoxy resin that is beginning to harden/cure. Once the epoxy has cured it will be necessary to use acetone to remove any unwanted residue. DME (dimethoxyethane) is also a good solvent for removing epoxy resin and hardener that gives off very little vapour.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Health & Safety
Epoxy should always be used in a well ventilated space.
· Nytrile gloves should always be worn.
· Avoid contact with skin. If contact does occur, wash immediately and thoroughly.
· Eye protection should be worn when mixing, using or cleaning epoxy. In the event of contact with the eye(s), rinse immediately with plenty of clean water and seek medical advice.
· Respiratory masks of protection class FFP3 should be worn in the event of prolonged or frequent exposure.
· If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Seek medical advice immediately.
The primary risk associated with epoxy use is sensitisation to the hardener, which, over time, can induce an allergic reaction. It is a main source of occupational asthma among users of plastics.
Bisphenol-A, which is used in many Epoxies, is a known endochrine disruptor.
