EpoxyThickening Agent
For Thickening Epoxy and Other Resin Materials
Epoxy.com Product #71
Epoxy Thickening Agent Product #71 is a synthetic, amorphous, untreated
fumed silicon dioxide. Because of its inert nature, it has been used in food
such as ketchup as well as in shampoo and some cosmetics. When mixed into liquid
resin, Epoxy Thickening Agent Product #71 functions as a resin thickener (flow control agent) and sometimes
as an anti-settling, anti-caking agent. Its applications are many, including
thickening, epoxy, polyester, and urethane. It is a versatile thickening agent
that has even been used to "thicken" fresh water and sea water
Epoxy Thickening Agent Product #71 is an extremely fine particle size silica (silicon-dioxide / SiO2).
It is pure white and free-flowing. Each volume contains about 94% dead air
space, with a density of only 2.3 lb/cu ft. On the other hand, water (density
62.4 lb / cu ft) weighs about 27 times more.
During the cure cycle, polyesters and epoxies being liquids tend to run off of
vertical surfaces and accumulate on horizontal surfaces. The vertical surfaces
become resin starved, whereas valleys become resin rich. The resin starved areas
fail to achieve expected strength, and the resin rich areas suffer excessive
shrinkage and warpage. Both of these undesirable conditions can be eliminated
with the addition of the proper amount of Epoxy Thickening Agent Product #71. This thixotropic agent holds
the liquid resin in place until the curing agent takes over and hardens it.
Normally, Epoxy Thickening Agent Product #71 is added at a 1% to 7% proportion based on the weight of the
liquid (resin, hardener, thinner) involved. Because resin and Epoxy Thickening
Agent Product #71 have such
different densities, weight proportions are awkward. For example, one gallon of
polyester weighs 9 pounds; 7% of 9 lbs is 10 ounces, which for Epoxy Thickening
Agent Product #71 is about
1.25 gallons by volume.
For many situations, volumetric proportions are more
convenient. A gallon of resin and a gallon of Epoxy Thickening Agent Product #71 is a 50/50 ratio by
volume, but only 5% by weight. Incidentally, this 50/50 volume ratio results in
a resin consistency about like vaseline. Lesser amounts yield a more liquid
consistency, whereas greater amounts yield thicker pastes. The exact amount used
is determined by the application. The addition of Epoxy Thickening Agent Product
#71 has no effect on such
properties as pot life, cure time , etc., and only affects strength to the
degree that entrapped air reduced cross-sectional area.
For preciseness, a distinction has to be made between thickness and thixotropic.
These terms are not the same. Thixotropic fluids are not always thick. They are
only thick when they are left undisturbed. When they are being mixed or brushed,
they appear to be fluid, but when left undisturbed for 20 to 30 seconds, they
become thicker and stop flowing. This is how it is possible to have a liquid
that is easy to brush, but will not run.
In order to get the maximum effect with the least amount of Epoxy Thickening
Agent Product #71, the
microscopic particles must be homogeneously dispersed throughout the resin. For
best results, use a high shear mixing blade running at maximum speed. If a
mixing stick must be used, expect to consume more of the agent. Whenever
thixotrophy is needed, no finer, more effective product exists than Epoxy.com
Product #71 Epoxy Thickening Agent Product #71.
PROPERTIES:
Weight per Gallon: Approximately 8 oz.
pH (4% aqueous slurry): 3.7 - 4.3
B.E.T. Surface Area: 200 m2 / g
325 mesh (44 microns) residue: 0.02% max
Bulk Density: 3.0 lb / cu ft (max)
Pour Density: 50 g/l Tap Density
Loss on Heating: <1.5% max
Loss on Ignition (@1000C): <2 wt%
Refractive Index: 1.46
X-ray form: Amorphous
Assay (Percent Silicon Dioxide): >99.8%
Oil Adsorption: 350 g / 100 g oil
Average Particle (Aggregate) Size: 0.2-0.3 microns
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Proper mixing and installation is critical to the optimal success of all products.
See
Installation Tips,
Techdata, &
MSDS for more details on our products.
Be sure to contact us with any questions and/or concerns that you have.
For more information please contact:
Epoxy.com
A Division of Epoxy Systems, Inc
A Vermont Corporation
USA
We have products that have passed the test of time as well as the best new Systems available today.
Since 1980 - 40 years of the highest quality products
Hours: 9AM-4PM Eastern Time (6AM-1PM Pacific Time)
Closed for lunch from 12Noon to 1PM
321-206-1833 Customer Service - Ordering and Order Status
Katey Lambert-Fontaine, VP - Chief Operations Officer
sales@epoxy.com
Technical Support
352-533-2167 Norm Lambert, President - Technical Support Director
info@epoxy.com
352-489-1666 Accounting and Administration
Debby Lambert, CEO, and CFO
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online information about the right product for the right job for nearly 30 years) EPOXY.COM a
division of Epoxy Systems, Inc. -
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