Processing
- Materials should be stored and used at an ambient room temperature of 23°C with relative humidity below 85%.
- Warmer temperatures will reduce pot life.
- Pre-warm resin and hardener to 28°C – 30°C prior casting to minimise air bubble entrapment, then leave to cure at 23°C – 55°C. (Warmer temperatures will reduce cure time)
- Cold temperatures below 18°C may cause cure inhibition.
- Kristal Flex can also be vacuum de-aired to minimise air bubble entrapment.
- A propane torch can be used to dissipate surface air bubbles. (Move the torch/open flame over the surface of the resin, keep the torch moving so not to burn the surface.)
Applying a Release Agent
Ease Release 200, 205 or Ram Wax can be used to effectively release cured epoxy castings to prevent adhesion on non-porous surfaces like metal, glass, melamine, or acrylic sheeting.
Adding Colour
KRISTAL FLEX epoxy can be coloured by using Epoxy Pigments, So-Strong Pigments or UVO pigments and some amazing effects can be achieved by using metallic & pearlescent powders or phosphorescent glow in the dark powders like Glow Worm.
IMPORTANT: Epoxy resin systems are exothermic, meaning that heat is generated when resin & hardener are mixed and begin to cross link. Larger volumes will create more heat and if mixed and cast in larger volumes than indicted, can generate enough heat to melt plastic mixing cups, burn skin or even ignite combustible materials. If a batch of material begins to get excessively hot from the exothermic reaction, move to an open-air environment and be careful not to breathe fumes. Please note that even though these materials are UV stabilised to promote “anti-yellowing”, ambering or yellowing will occur if continually exposed to harsh UV environments.
Pot Life and Curing Time
Epoxy casting resins are mass-sensitive, larger volumes of material will generate higher temperatures through the exothermic reaction which will reduce pot life & cure time. Thinner castings will generate less heat and will take longer to cure. Ambient room temperature will also play a significant role in the pot life & cure time. Typical cure time at 23°deg C 16 hrs.
Hardened Properties
- Withstand voltage KV/mm 20
- Electric rate 1KHZ 3.7
- Water absorption ％24Hour ＜0.1
- Bending strength Kg/mm2 55
- Volume resistance Ohm3 1×1015
- Induced electric loss 1KHZ 0.42
- Compressive strength Kg/ mm2 3.4
- Impact strength Kg/ cm/cm2 6.8
- Surface resistance Ohmm2 5X1015
- High temperature resistance ℃ 100
The above performance data is typical data measured in a laboratory environment with a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 70%.
Safety and Handling
Epoxy resins and hardeners are chemicals and the below safety precautions should be practiced when using these materials:
- Work in an environment with adequate ventilation and avoid breathing fumes (a NIOSH approved respirator is recommended).
- Use protective Nitrile gloves to avoid skin contact.
- Barrier creams can also be used to minimise skin contact.
- If accidental skin contact occurs, use soap and water or hand cleaner to wash hands (never use solvents).
Always
- Measure out part A – resin and part B hardener as indicated using an accurate digital gram scale.
- Mix resin and hardener together thoroughly for 3 – 5 minutes using a flat paddle mixer, also scraping the sides and bottom of the container several times.
- Pour mixed material into a clean container and mix for another 60 seconds before casting. (This is a “mix pour mix” technique that ensures that part A & B on the sides and bottom of the container are properly blended so that there are no tacky spots or streaking in the cured casting).
- Allow adequate time to fully cure before using.
Avoid
- Applying onto oily or contaminated surfaces.
- Applying onto damp or wet surfaces.
- Whipping and beating material while mixing, this will introduce additional unnecessary air bubbles.
Removing Epoxy
Uncured epoxy can be removed by scraping as much material as possible from the surface using a paint scraper, acetone or isopropyl alcohol can be used to remove the residue that is left.
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