Revision date (March, 2011)

DION FR 9300
Brominated Bisphenol- A Epoxy Vinyl Ester Resins
DESCRIPTION

The DION FR 9300 series of resins are flame-retardant brominated, bisphenol-A epoxy vinyl esters that
provide corrosion-resistance in a wide variety of acidic and alkaline environments. These tough, highstrength resins can be used to produce glass-reinforced laminates with excellent impact and stress-fatigue
resistance. DION FR 9300 resins are ideal for filament winding operations and applications that require
resistance to corrosive environments and thermal cycling.

FEATURES
Premium epoxy vinyl ester polymer

BENEFITS
Very good high temperature stability
Resistant to a wide variety of corrosive
environments
Produces tough, crack and stress-fatigue
resistant laminates

Brominated polymer backbone

ASTM E-84 Class A flame-spread with 1.5%

antimony trioxide or 3.0% NYACOL APE3040
antimony pentoxide

Meets MIL-R-24719(SH) Grade B, Class 1

Can be used for applications requiring Coast

Guard Approval

Manufactured using statistical process and

quality controls

Consistent batch-to-batch performance

VERSIONS
Version
9300-00
9300-10

Viscosity,
cps
400 - 500
200 - 260

Gel Time,
Minutes
---

Description
Unpromoted
Unpromoted, lower viscosity version

TYPICAL PROPERTIES 1

TYPICAL LIQUID PROPERTIES AT 25C/77F

Properties
NV
Viscosity RVF #2 @20 rpm
Thix Index
Room Temperature Gel
Gel to Peak
Peak Exotherm
Spec. Gravity
Flash point (Seta Closed Cup)

Unit
%
cps
-min
min
C/F
C/F

Value
53 - 60
200 - 500
-18 - 23
8 - 16
121-162/250-324
1.12 1.17
31.6/89

TYPICAL NON REINFORCED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AT 25C/77F

Properties
Unit
Value
Tensile Strength
psi
10,900
Tensile Modulus x105
psi
5.1
Tensile Elongation
%
4.0
Flexural Strength
psi
21,900
Flexural Modulus x105
psi
5.2
Heat Deflection Temperature
C/F
110/230
Hardness, Barcol Model 934-1
40

TYPICAL LAMINATE PROPERTIES AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURES

Flexural Strength
Temp
Tensile Strength
Tensile Modulus
(psi)
C/F
(psi)
(x105, psi)
25/77
26,600
21.6
31,700
65.5/150
29,100
19.4
30,600
93/200
30,100
18.2
30,500
121/250
21,200
16.2
5,100
149/300
13,700
11.8
2,800
Laminate Construction: V/M/M/WR/M/WR/M/M
Glass Content: 42%
Thickness: 0.25 inch
1

Test Method
18-001
18-021
-18-050
18-050
18-050
18-030

Test Method
ASTM D 638-02
ASTM D 638-02
ASTM D 638-02
ASTM D 790-02
ASTM D 790-02
ASTM D 648
ASTM D 2583-99

Flexural Modulus
(x105, psi)
15.3
13.5
12.2
2.3
1.9

Properties reported in this bulletin are typical of those obtained in controlled laboratory tests and will vary in
production conditons.

DION FR 9300
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GUIDELINES FOR INITIATOR AND PROMOTER ADDITIONS

DION FR resins are formulated for use with methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) initiator systems. They can
also be used with benzoyl peroxide. Unpromoted versions of DION FR 9300 require the addition of either cobalt
octoate, (or cobalt naphthenate), and dimethylanaline (DMA) before adding MEKP initiator to obtain an optimal
cure. Prepromoted versions require addition of initiator only. Vinyl ester resins are acutely sensitive to cobalt. If
the gel time must be adjusted, use DMA to accelerate it or a 10% solution of tertiary-butyl catechol (TBC-10) to
slow it down. Maintain an MEKP level of 1.00% - 2.0%.
The curing performance of DION FR 9300 is also sensitive to changes in temperature. For best results, use of
less than 1.00% MEKP initiator is not recommended. When long gel times at high ambient temperatures are
required, the initiator level should be maintained at 1.00 -1.25% and gel time adjusted by adding TBC-10 or 2,4
Pentandione. At ambient temperatures below 60F, it may be necessary to add additional dimethylaniline and/or
increase initiator to accelerate gel and cure rates.

GUIDELINES FOR DION FR 9300-00 INITIATOR AND PROMOTER ADDITIONS

Ambient
Temperature
(F)
55-65

70-80

80-90

Gel Time (Minutes)

Additive
(phr)
6% Cobalt*
DMA
MEKP
6% Cobalt*
DMA
MEKP
6% Cobalt*
DMA
MEKP

10
0.4
0.3
2.0
0.3
0.2
2.0

20
0.5
0.3
2.0
0.4
0.15
1.25
0.2
0.1
2.0

30
0.4
0.15
2.0
0.4
0.1
1.5
0.2
0.1
1.25

60
0.4
0.075
1.5
0.3
0.05
1.0
0.2
0.05
1.0

90
0.4
0.05
2.0
0.3
2.0
0.2
1.5

*Caution: Excessive cobalt can inhibit cure and degrade corrosion resistance. Do not use more than 0.5% of
cobalt 6% or 0.25% of cobalt 12%. If using cobalt octoate (12%), use half of the amount indicated in the chart for
cobalt 6%.

MEKP (9% Oxygen) such as MEKP 925, HiPoint 90 or equivalent. Trigonox 239A has been shown to reduce or
eliminate foaming upon initiator addition. Other brands of MEKP have also been used successfully. A thorough
evaluation of initiator characteristics is suggested prior to fabrication.

DION FR 9300
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SUGGESTED TOPCOAT FORMULATION

Even fully cured resin can retain a tacky surface. Surface cure may be improved by incorporating a paraffin wax
into the resin used in the final ply. Alternatively, a wax modified resin can be added as a topcoat once the
laminate has hardened.
COMPONENT
DION FR 9300-00, Parts
10% Paraffin wax solution
DMA
6% cobalt naphthenate
Tween 20 or 80
Fumed silica thixotrope*
MEKP 925, HiPoint 90 or equivalent
initiators

PARTS
100.0
5.0
0.2
0.4
0.3
1.5
1.3

Approximate gel time, mins.

20

Use in sodium hypochlorite environments will result in decreased chemical resistance. Hydrophobic grades
of fumed silica are suggested for vinyl ester resins.

CERTIFICATIONS
ASTM E-84 Flame Spread Ratings

TEST

ADDITIVE

ASTM E-84
(Tunnel test)

TEST VALUE

None (C glass veil)

30 flame spread (Class B)*

1.5% antimony trioxide

20 flame spread (Class A)**

3% antimony trioxide (Nexus veil)

15 flame spread (Class A)***

3% antimony trioxide (C glass veil)

15 flame spread (Class A)****

3% antimony pentoxide NYACOL APE3040

25 flame spread (Class A)****

(C glass veil)

ASTM D-2863 (Oxygen Index)

None (Nexus veil)

26.5 LOI ***

3% antimony trioxide (Nexus veil)

33 LOI ***

3% antimony trioxide (C glass veil)

34 LOI ***

Laminate construction: Glass Content: 30%; Thickness: 0.13 in.

**

Laminate construction: Glass Content: 25-30%; Thickness: 0.118 in.

*** Laminate construction: Glass Content: 25-30%; Thickness: 0.125 in.

**** Laminate construction: Glass Content: 25-30%; Thickness: 0.110 in.

DION FR 9300
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STORAGE
To ensure maximum stability and maintain optimum resin properties, resins should be stored in the original closed
container at temperature below 24C/75F and away from heat ignition sources and sunlight. Resin should be
warmed to at least 18C/65F prior to use in order to assure proper curing and handling. All storage areas and
containers should conform to local fire and building codes. Copper or copper containing alloys should be avoided
as containers. Store separate from oxidizing materials, peroxides and metal salts. Keep containers closed when
not in use. Inventory levels should be kept to a reasonable minimum with first-in, first-out stock rotation.
Additional information on handling and storing unsaturated polyesters is available in Reichholds application
bulletin Bulk Storage and Handling of Unsaturated Polyester Resins. For information on other Reichhold resins,
additives or initiators, contact your sales representative or authorized Reichhold distributor.

SHELF LIFE
Shelf life is six months from date of shipment. Minimum shelf life performance refers to product in the original,
unopened container.

STANDARD PACKAGE
This product is available in non-returnable 55-gallon metal drums (452 lbs net) or 42,000 44,000-lb. tank truck.

SAFETY
READ AND UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET BEFORE WORKING WITH THIS
PRODUCT
Obtain a copy of the material safety data sheet on this product or contact the Reichhold service center prior to
use. Material safety data sheets are available from your Reichhold sales representative. Such information should
be requested from suppliers of all products and understood prior to working with their materials.
DIRECTLY MIXING ANY ORGANIC PEROXIDE WITH A METAL SOAP, AMINE, OR OTHER
POLYMERIZATION ACCELERATOR OR PROMOTER WILL RESULT IN VIOLENT DECOMPOSTION. WHEN
ADDING ORGANIC PEROXIDES TO A RESIN SOLUTION, PROMPTLY AND THOROUGHLY MIX THE
RESULTING PRODUCT. NEVER ADD ORGANIC PEROXIDES TO A HOT DILUENT OR PROCESS.
PREVENT CONTAMINATION WITH FOREIGHN MATERIALS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION,
ACCELERATORS (SUCH AS DIMETHYL, ANILINE, OTHER AMINES OR COBALT COMPOUNDS), HEAVYMETAL OXIDES OR SALTS (PARTICULARLY THOSE OF COBALT, IRON AND COPPER), STRONG ACIDS
AND SANDING DUSTS. USE CLEAN CONTAINERS MADE OF GLASS, POLYPROPYLENE, TEFLON,
POLYETHYLENE, OR CERAMIC TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF ORGANIC PEROXIDES DURING ITS
HANDLING.

DION FR 9300
Page 5

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Reichholds technical support staff has extensive practical experience with various composites resins, end use
performance and manufacturing techniques. Please do not hesitate to request our assistance through your
Reichhold sales or technical representative.
Copies of test methods used to determine reported properties are available through your Reichhold
representative.
Each user must determine the suitability of this product to his/her particular mode of operation and
intended end use application. A Reichhold representative will be available to assist in the proper
selection of all Reichhold products available for commercial use.
Properties reported in this bulletin are typical of those obtained in controlled laboratory tests and may vary in
actual production; therefore, we require our customers to inspect and test our products before using them to
satisfy themselves as to contents and suitability. We warrant that our products will meet our written
specifications. Nothing herein shall constitute any other warranty express or implied, including any
warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, nor is protection from any law or patent to
be inferred.

DION is a registered trademark of Reichhold, Inc.

NYACOL is a registered trademark of Nyacol Nano Technologies, Inc.

DION FR 9300
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