PRF Composite Materials RS-L285

Other characteristics

Polymer Name

Epoxy Resins & Compounds

Processing Methods

Compression Molding, Filament Winding, Hand Lay-up, Injection Molding, Pultrusion, Vacuum Bagging, Vacuum Infusion Processing (VIP)

Caution

• Do not heat over a naked flame; • Before warming, open containers to equalize pressure; • Use safety equipment (gloves, safety glasses, respirator); • Work in a well ventilated area.

Markets

• Automotive & Transportation
• Consumer Goods
• Industrial

Storage

The resins and hardeners may be stored for a minimum of 12 months in the original sealed containers at 15 -30°C in low humidity. Epoxy resins are super cooled liquids, therefore crystallization may occur at temperatures below 15°C. In an early stage, crystallization is visible as a clouding, and can progress to a stage where the resin becomes a wax-like solid. This physical phenomenon is reversible and is no restriction to quality after its reversion, in fact a high purity of material will increase a tendency for crystallization. Crystallization can be reversed by slow heating of the product to approx. 40 - 60°C in a water bath or oven, and stirring or mixing until the liquid becomes clear. Use only completely transparent products

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Gel Time

Measuring conditions: Film thickness 1mm at different temperatures

Approvals

• German Federal Aviation Authority approved for the manufacture of gliders, motor gliders and light aircraft.

Introduction

This low viscosity laminating system has been designed for the manufacture of aircraft components requiring high static and dynamic loadability. The resins and hardeners are approved by the German Federal Aviation Authority for the processing of glass, carbon and aramid fiber composites. For optimum processing flexibility, there is a range of 3 hardeners varying in reactivity, with pot life from approximately 30 minutes to 3.5 hours. The individual hardeners have the same mixing ratio and can be inter-mixed in any ratio, enabling users to optimize the pot life of the system to meet their individual requirements. All of the resin/hardener combinations will cure, and are de-mouldable, at room temperature (20-25°C). The cured laminate surface will have a high gloss and will be tack-free even in an unfavorable working environment, for instance, high humidity and low temperatures. The mixed viscosity of the RS-L285 laminating system is very low, ensuring a fast and complete impregnation of reinforcement fibers without drainage on vertical surfaces. The addition of fillers such as colloidal silica, microballoons, metal powder etc., is also acceptable to obtain special properties. The RS-L285 epoxy resin system exhibits good mechanical properties after curing at room temperature. If high temperature strength (≥ +60°C) or aircraft approval is not required, finished products made with the selection of hardener RS-H285 may be used without further heat treatment. Post curing (heat treatment) will further enhance the mechanical properties and will also increase the high temperature strength, up to 100°C being achievable depending on the selected hardener and post cure cycle used. The properties indicated in this document may only be achieved by curing/post-curing above 50°C. This system meets the requirements for gliders and motor-gliders after post curing at 50 - 55°C (operational temperatures -60 - +54°C) and for powered light aircraft when cured above 80°C (operational temperatures -60 - +72°C). Due to the hydrophilic nature of this resin system - high moisture absorption, low resistance to water vapor diffusion - compatibility problems are not expected when combined with suitable gelcoats on UP, PU and EP basis. However, comprehensive tests are recommended. Since the approval of laminating resin RS-L285 in 1985, it has been used by nearly all manufacturers of planes and gliders and - especially because of the extremely good physiological compatibility - it is the most commonly used system in the aircraft industry today. It often happens that workers who have experienced problems with some epoxy resins concerning allergies of skin irritation are able to process RS-L285.

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