Hi…
I’m new to this group, although I’ve been reading every post with great interest!!
Although I come from a windsurf/kiteboard construction background, I can understand the lack of confidence in Epoxy resin systems when it comes to flexibilty…
After doing a Sway’s search, I noticed there was no mention of M.G.S. epoxy systems…
This is the epoxy resin system I’ve been using for kiteboard construction for the last 5 years: M.G.S. Epoxy 335 + Hardener H335/340… it’s bomber!!, and it’s very low viscosity, it features an adjustable fast /slow hardener content making it a dream to work with when vac bagging and post curing…
Here’s a quote from a product fact sheet:
“High modulus laminating epoxies manufactured in Germany by Martin G, Scheufler. Most MGS systems are certified for aircraft use by the German Federal Aviation”
“Excellent working properties with most of the MGS resin systems; low toxicity, low viscosity, excellent wet-out, minimal spill-out from fabrics on vertical surfaces, and cure at room temperature. Excellent resin systems for vacuum bagging or infusion. Working time can be customized from batch to batch by blending hardeners. Most systems will allow for working time up to 6 hrs. MGS resins have excellent Tg (heat resistance) and machanical properties when post-cured at elevated temperatures. Recommended post -cure schedules available for all MGS systems.”
The MGS 335 system I use is the cheapest, but still an excellent epoxy system…
For those concerned about epoxy’s lack of flexibility:
MGS makes an additive that increases the resins flexibility more than enough for our boardbuilding needs!!
The additive is called ; V51 Flexibiliser…
The fact sheet quote is:
" A reactive flexibiliser that is incorporated into the epoxy molecule during cure. Can be added to MGS 335, MGS 285, or MGS 418. Cured epoxy tensile elongation as high as 45% can be obtained with the addition of V51. As as much as 1:1 ratio of V51 to MGS epoxy resin. Note: Resin/hardener mix ratio must be adjusted after addition of V51"
This resin system is worth a try, it’s the best I’ve ever used!!
Considering that the standard Tensile Elongation for 335 is 5% > 6.5%, the added TE that the V51 offers is just the answer for those who think that epoxy is just too stiff…
I realise that the percentage of V51 would have to be adjusted by trial and error to get the desired PE/PU equiv. flex, but not a bad option for $40.CAN, per liter, $25 CAN per 5ooml…
A.P.