Prime 37 is suitable for the female moulding of large, complex components incorporating advanced fibres such as carbon and aramid*.
Typical projects include spars, hulls and reinforcing structures.
Prime 37 offers outstanding performance in a variety of liquid infusion processes including SCRIMPTM, RIFT (resin infusion under flexible tooling), VARTM (vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding) and RTM (resin transfer moulding).
Prime 37 resin uses a wide range of hardeners to give a range of working times and cure speeds. This enables the gel time of the resin to be closely matched to the required infusion time for any particular size of moulded part. It achieves excellent mechanical and physical properties, including a high Tg from a moderate (50°) post cure.
The system has an exceptionally low exotherm characteristic, which allows thick sections to be manufactured without risk of premature gelation due to exothermic heat build-up. This low exotherm will also extend the life of the mould tools.
This system is available with Fast, Slow and Extra-Slow A3X Hardener speeds, as well as PRIME High Tg hardener and in a wide range of formats from small pack sizes to drums and IBCs.
Transport & storage
The resin and hardeners should be kept in securely closed containers during transport and storage. Any accidental spillage should be soaked up with sand, sawdust, cotton waste or any other absorbent material. The area should then be washed clean (see appropriate Safety Data Sheet).
Adequate long term storage conditions will result in a shelf life of 24 months for both the resin and hardeners. Storage should be in a warm dry place out of direct sunlight and protected from frost. The storage temperature should be kept constant between 10°C and 25°C, cyclic fluctuations in temperature can cause crystallization. Containers should be firmly closed. Hardeners, in particular, will suffer serious degradation if left exposed to air.
Instructions for use:
Mixing & handling
Accurate measurement and thorough mixing are essential when using this system, and any deviation from the prescribed mix ratios will seriously degrade the physical properties of the cured system. The resin and hardener must be stirred well for two minutes or more, with particular attention being paid to the sides and bottom of the container. As soon as the material is mixed the reaction begins. This reaction produces heat (exothermic), which will in turn accelerate the reaction. If this mixed material is left in a confined mixing vessel the heat cannot disperse and the reaction will become uncontrollable.
Prime™ 37 resin and A3X hardeners have been designed for use in closed-mould processes. This includes the mixing phase, which should ideally be carried out by automated mixing machines*. It is not suitable for open-mould processing and strict adherence to the health and safety procedures stated in the product SDS is essential.
If using Slow or Extra Slow Hardener the part requires a post-cure before de-moulding. When sanding or machining a component made from PRIME™ 37, which has seen no heat, there will be very low degree of cure, and the sanding dust will be more irritating than dust from a laminate, which has seen heat to effect more thorough cross-linking.
Gurit produces a separate full Safety Data Sheet for each component of this system. Please ensure that you have the correct SDS to hand for the materials you are using before commencing work. A more detailed guide for the safe use of Gurit resin systems is also available from Gurit and can be found on our website at www.gurit.com. Any accidental spillage should be soaked up with sand, sawdust, cotton waste or any other absorbent material. The area should then be washed clean (see appropriate Safety Data Sheet).
*Other mixing methods can be used.
Application
Prime™ 37 resin used with Prime™ hardeners is intended for use in any established resin infusion process. The information provided in the tables in this data sheet should allow the user to achieve a successful result with this system. However, if further information is required please contact Gurit Technical Support.
Cure schedule
A post-cure is required to generate optimum mechanical properties for this system. The recommended minimum cure schedule is 7 hours at 65°C or 16 hours at 50°C. Ambient temperature cure of this system will not generate adequate mechanical properties and is therefore not recommended.
Infused parts can be pre-cured on the mould at temperatures just above ambient (eg 30-45°C) to give the part sufficient strength and stiffness to allow earlier demoulding. Such parts should still be post cured for the minimum recommended time/temperature indicated above, to obtain adequate inservice mechanical properties. Contact Gurit Technical Support for “pre-cure” time and temperature recommendations.
See Technical Data Sheet for detailed information and instructions.