Composites

Selection Parameters
The selection of the right peroxide system involves many parameters. In a cold curing system consider the following:

Part produced: final use, size, thickness (and controls they operate on the final parts), tests linked with approvals of final parts.

Associated process:  hand lay-up, filament winding, RTM, etc. and associated machines.

Processing Temperature

Timing of the process: length of each step, pot-life, gel time, and cure time of the formulated resin.

Nature of the pure resin used (orthophtalic, isophtalic, vinylester, etc.)

Formulation: fillers (nature, concentration, etc.)? Is the formulation contain accelerators or inhibitors (nature, concentration)? Dosage of peroxide (volume, or weight, added to the resin, etc.)?

Optimum performance can then be achieved by controlling the type and concentration of peroxide and promoter.

Typical initiator concentrations run from 1 to 3% by weight based on clear resin and, for accelerators, (mostly cobalt) from 0.25 to 4% based on 1% metal content solution. Under or overdosing can result in deterioration of cure and mechanical properties.

For additional information, consult our product specifier.