![]() ![]() In some applications, this can result in entrapped air. If the resin is used immediately, it will cure faster and have a shorter working time. When you remove the resin from the heat, it will be at an elevated temperature. Do not leave any EcoPoxy kit at elevated temperatures for longer than 8 hours. For larger volumes, hold resin at 50☌ (122☏) for 1-3 hours, for smaller volumes, less time is required. Resin should be heated throughout otherwise, remaining crystals will cause recrystallization. To heat the resin, bring a water bath to 50☌ (122☏) and place the jug of resin inside. Resins with signs of crystallization should be heated to remove the crystals before use. This can cause your resin to appear cloudy and eventually solidify. Over time, crystals can develop in epoxy resin (part A). Why did my epoxy overheat and turn yellow? Always consult your product’s Technical Data Sheet or Application Guide for recommended volume and thickness. Thicker castings cannot shed heat as efficiently and may overheat.įor the same volume of epoxy, a thinner casting will have a larger top surface area and will shed heat more efficiently compared to a thicker casting with a smaller top surface area.ĮcoPoxy systems are developed to have reactivity levels suited to their intended applications. The ability to shed heat is largely governed by the ratio of top surface area that is open to the air relative to the volume.įor the same resin system, thinner castings will have greater top surface areas in comparison to overall volume and will shed heat more efficiently. The curing epoxy must be able to shed the heat it generates efficiently enough to avoid overheating. ![]() That is, a certain amount of mixed part A and part B will result in the release in a certain amount of heat. The amount of heat released depends on the epoxy’s chemistry and the amount of epoxy used. Heat is released during the chemical reaction that converts liquid part A and part B into solid epoxy. If there is not enough reacting resin generating heat, the cure will proceed extremely slowly. Insufficient resin mass – Most casting resin systems rely on the generation of heat from the reacting resin to complete the curing process.Temperature is too low – If the ambient conditions or epoxy temperatures are too low, the chemical reaction necessary for curing the liquid epoxy to a solid will be slow to start. Consult the product’s Technical Data Sheet for recommended working temperatures.This is why we recommend that you do not scrape the sides or bottom of the container when pouring, to get every drop. Even with careful mixing, some areas of the mixing cup may have remnants of unmixed resin and hardener. This can affect the entire project or be localized to small areas that remain tacky. Poor mixing – Poor mixing can result in uncured resin.This can result in a project that is tacky or a soft cured epoxy. Wrong mix ratio – Too much resin or too much hardener will result in unreacted product left that cannot form cross-links.Listed below are a few possible causes of why an epoxy project doesn’t cure: Additionally, the mold or mold material will insulate the curing resin and may play a role in overheating. The ability to shed heat is related to the surface area of the project relative to the volume of resin used. These formulations are tailored to cure as fast as possible while avoiding overheating. Ability of your project setup to shed heat – Due to the resin system’s chemistry, it will generate a certain amount of heat to complete the cure.Lower volume projects will be slower to cure. These projects have the potential to overheat and should be monitored during cure. Project size or volume – Larger or higher volume projects will generate more heat and will cure faster.Temperature of your resin and hardener – Similar to ambient temperature, warmer products will react more quickly than colder products.Follow the recommendations for working temperatures in the product’s Technical Data Sheet. At the extreme, working in areas that are too warm or too cold can result in overheating or failure to cure, respectively. Ambient conditions – Resin will cure faster in warmer conditions and slower in cooler conditions.Unmixed resin can result in soft or tacky areas of uncured resin on your project. Do not scrape the container when pouring. Ensure product is clear and streak free before use. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the container during mixing. Inadequate mixing – Mix the product for the recommended duration.Inaccurate mixing is a common cause of cure-related issues. Keep in mind volume and weight ratios are different. Mix ratio – Follow the mix ratio closely.However, other factors play a role in how an epoxy cures. Individual resin systems are formulated to have an appropriate reactivity level for their end application. ![]()
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