1 : 1 Fiberglass Laminating Epoxy Recommendations?
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I used West Systems 105/206B for a couple years. It is easy to work with but it does have a low glass transition temperature: onset at 129 F and ultimate at 142 F. I have made a bunch of scratch built rockets (tubing, fins and all). I never had any structural problems, but my rockets never exceeded Mach 1.8 and heating generally isn't a problem until one hits Mach 2 to 2.5.
This winter I switched to Aeropoxy because it has a glass transition temperature of 194F. It seems less likely to melt in the car in the desert in summer I anticipate eventually going fast enough to have heating issues. Search posts for Aeropoxy and you will find more info. I have been using the PR2032 resin and the PH3663 hardener. I find the Aeropoxy is not as easy to use as the West Systems, but it isn't much more difficult. Even though this combination of resin/hardener claims low viscosity, it seems stiffer unless it is heated up a little. Warming it above room temp can make it flow really nicely. I haven't flown any of my new rocket builds with Aeropoxy, but they seem stiff and I don't anticipate any probems.
The cost of the two products is similar, at least before considering shipping. West Systems is available in many hardware and marine stores.
I have both products sitting on my shelf. Having used both, I plan on using up the West Systems on less critical things like making nose cone molds and then only buying the Aeropoxy going forward. Unless I find something else better...
This winter I switched to Aeropoxy because it has a glass transition temperature of 194F. It seems less likely to melt in the car in the desert in summer I anticipate eventually going fast enough to have heating issues. Search posts for Aeropoxy and you will find more info. I have been using the PR2032 resin and the PH3663 hardener. I find the Aeropoxy is not as easy to use as the West Systems, but it isn't much more difficult. Even though this combination of resin/hardener claims low viscosity, it seems stiffer unless it is heated up a little. Warming it above room temp can make it flow really nicely. I haven't flown any of my new rocket builds with Aeropoxy, but they seem stiff and I don't anticipate any probems.
The cost of the two products is similar, at least before considering shipping. West Systems is available in many hardware and marine stores.
I have both products sitting on my shelf. Having used both, I plan on using up the West Systems on less critical things like making nose cone molds and then only buying the Aeropoxy going forward. Unless I find something else better...
I am going to love this forum. I'm from Los Angeles and if there is anyone here from area, would love to introduce myself. I belong to ROC.
One thing I think I can contribute first to is some info on adhesives and structural reinforcement. Been communicating with Solor and Cotronics. You all must have heard of Cotronics because of a certain epoxy for high mach, high temp applications that has been used by members and says its has been successful. Speaking to them they have a better option which I'm going to experiment with on current build. I'll keep you all posted.
One thing I think I can contribute first to is some info on adhesives and structural reinforcement. Been communicating with Solor and Cotronics. You all must have heard of Cotronics because of a certain epoxy for high mach, high temp applications that has been used by members and says its has been successful. Speaking to them they have a better option which I'm going to experiment with on current build. I'll keep you all posted.
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