N347 PDF
N347 PDF
N347 PDF
1
Designing high-performance gel coats with Eastman NPG™ glycol (Continued}
gel coat contained 20 wt% titanium dioxide. Eastman™ DMAA, 0.4% 0.63
Lupersol DDM-9, methyl ethyl
™ d
1.57
Test laminates 3.18 mm (0.125 inch) thick were prepared ketone peroxide,1.0%
by pouring gel coat catalyzed with 1 wt% methyl ethyl
Total 229.69
ketone peroxide (MEKP) on a polished glass plate and
a
DuPont
using a drawdown applicator to obtain an 18- to 20-mil b
Cabot
cured coating. After gelation, the coating was allowed c
Based on weight of polyester resin and styrene
to cure at room temperature until almost tack-free. A d
Elf Atochem
general-purpose laminating resin was then poured onto
the gel coat film and reinforced with three plies of 42.5-g
(1.5-ounce) chopped-strand fiberglass mat. On a weight
basis, a resin:fiberglass ratio of 70:30 was maintained for
each of the laminates. The laminates were cured at room
temperature until the exotherm subsided, then postcured
for 2 hours at 66°C (150°F). Test specimens cut from the
laminates were evaluated by conventional test methods.
Since each part of the composite influences gel coat
performance, the same amount and type of laminating
resin and fiberglass were used in preparing each laminate.
2
Designing high-performance gel coats with Eastman NPG™ glycol (Continued}
3
Designing high-performance gel coats with Eastman NPG™ glycol (Continued}
Stain resistance The mold was placed in a vertical position and the solution
slowly poured into it to avoid air entrapment. The resin
After being subjected to a variety of stains, the gel coat
solution was permitted to gel overnight. The clamps, tape,
laminates were evaluated for resistance to those reagents.
and rubber gaskets were then removed. With the casting
The results, summarized in Table 6, reveal that the
still between the glass plates, it was placed in an oven at
predominant variable in reducing staining is the choice of
120°C for 2 hours to postcure. The mold was removed
glycol. Again, Eastman NPG™ glycol proved to be superior
from the oven and allowed to cool to room temperature
to propylene glycol.
(about 4 hours). The mold was removed by pulling the glass
Table 6 Stain resistancea and Mylar™ from the casting.
Resin system
Table 7 Clear casting formulation
Performance areas NPG/PIA/MA PG/PIA/MA
Composition Wt, grams
Black shoe polish 1 2
Polyester resin (55 wt% solids in styrene) 225.00
Gentian violet 2 5
Cobalt octoate (6% Co metal), 0.3% a
0.68
Iodine (30 min.) 2 3
Eastman DMAA, 0.25%
™ a
0.56
Total 5 10
Eastman™ HQ, 175 ppma 0.04
a
ANSI Z124.1; lowest values indicate best performance
Lupersol DDM-9,b 2.25
methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, 1.0%a
Preparation of clear castings Total 228.53
The mechanical properties of the resins were evaluated a
Percentage based on weight of polyester resin and styrene
b
Elf Atochem
using clear castings. Castings 3.18 mm (0.125 in.) thick
were prepared by dispersing the additives listed in Table
7 into the polyester resin, adding the MEKP last. Each Evaluation of clear castings
component was slowly stirred in before the next was
Clear castings were prepared from both of the resin
added. A mold was prepared for the clear casting using 2
formulations listed in Table 1. A summary of the initial
tempered glass plates 25.4 x 30.5 cm (10 x 12 in.), 2 pieces
mechanical properties and the changes that resulted from
of 5-mil Mylar™ 25.4 x 30.5 cm (10 x 12 in.), 3 pieces of
exposure of the castings to 5 wt% sodium hydroxide
rubber gasket material 1.3 x 30.5 x 0.3 cm (0.5 x 12 x
(NaOH) solution at 66°C is provided in Table 8. The
0.125 in.), and 12 large clamps or equivalent. The glass
retention of mechanical properties after exposure to this
plates were cleaned with acetone and a piece of Mylar
corrosive environment was superior for the castings based
placed on top. A strip of rubber gasket material was placed
on Eastman NPG™ glycol compared with those based on
along the outer edge of 3 sides of the glass, and the pieces
propylene glycol.
butted together to ensure a leakproof seal. A second piece
of Mylar was placed on top of the rubber gasket and the
second glass plate placed on top. Next, 2-in.-wide masking
tape was used to seal the 3 sides fitted with gasket
material. The sides and bottom were then secured using
clamps to prevent leakage.
4
Designing high-performance gel coats with Eastman NPG™ glycol (Continued}
Table 8 Changes in mechanical properties of clear castings exposed to 5 wt% NaOH @ 60°C
Resin system
NPG/PIA/MA PG/PIA/MA
Exposure time, weeks
Mechanical properties 0 6 12 0 6 12
Tensile strength @ 67 (9,710) 63 (9,155) 67 (9,680) 56 (8,050) 41 (5,975) 38 (5,495)
fracture,a MPa (psi)
Tensile modulus of 3,792 (5.50) 3,840 (5.57) 3,585 (5.20) 3,585 (5.20) 3,903 (5.66) 3,654 (5.30)
elasticity,a MPa (105 psi)
Flexural modulus of 3,558 (5.16) 3,682 (5.34) 3,634 (5.27) 3,716 (5.39) 3,723 (5.40) 3,634 (5.27)
elasticity,b MPa (105 psi)
Flexural strength,b 131 (18,930) 109 (15,800) 110 (16,000) 130 (18,790) 102 (14,800) 82 (11,900)
MPa (psi)
a
ASTM D638
b
ASTM D790
Summary
The selection of Eastman NPG™ glycol is important for the
preparation of a premium-quality gel coat resin. In this
study based on the combination of a single glycol with a
single saturated diacid and maleic anhydride, results clearly
demonstrate that NPG glycol provides several performance
advantages (improved hydrolytic stability, better
weathering, and superior stain resistance) over propylene
glycol in gel coat applications.
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Eastman Chemical Company
Corporate Headquarters
P.O. Box 431
Kingsport, TN 37662-5280 U.S.A.
Telephone:
U.S.A. and Canada, 800-EASTMAN (800-327-8626)
Other Locations, (1) 423-229-2000
Fax: (1) 423-229-1193
N-347A 4/13