Hi Folks,

I'd like to pick your brains on the subject of epoxy resins...

In planning this project I came across a recommendation by Jim Marske for a resin called Aeropoxy - excellent strength and workability, and a high Tg temperature following post curing. The only problem is that importing Aeropoxy from the States to Ireland (it can't be got here in Europe) is prohibitively expensive as it is classed as a haz-mat substance by the airlines. It is also not well suited for using in Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion - it's too thick / viscous.

I have come across another resin supplier, in the UK, and much closer to home, who is able to supply Infusion Resin in volume at a reasonable price. Easy Composites IN2-Infusion-Resin is a possible alternative, and I'd welcome any comments or observations on the suitability of this product for use in building a Carbon Dragon.

There is one significant difference in the post-cured properties of the two resins - the IN2 Inusion resin appears to have a much lower Tensile Strength. Given that the carbon fiber is carrying the lion's share of the load, is the tensile strength of the epoxy actually that important?

Aeropoxy Easy Composites
PR2032/PH3665 IN2-Infusion Resin

Viscosity (cps=mPa.s.) 925 - 975cps @ 25C 225mPa.s. @ 25C
Pot Life 120mins 80-100mins
Glass Transition Tg 194F / 90C 201-212F / 94-100C
Cured Hardness 87 Shore D 84.5 - 88.5 Shore D
Tensile Strength 45,870psi (=316MN/m2) 65.5 - 73.5 MN/m2

The data sheet states that the tensile strength of the Aeropoxy was derived from a 10-ply laminate hand lay-up using style 181 fiberglass fabric, 55% glass content. No similar information is given for how the data for the Easy Composites IN-2 Infusion Resin is derived. Given the huge disparity in the tensile strengths of the two resins, could the Easy Composites data be referring to the tensile strength of the un-reinforced resin alone (no CF involved)?

You can find the data sheets for both products here:

Easy Composites IN2 - www.easycomposites.co.uk/downloads/TDS/E...2-Infusion-Resin.pdf
Aeropoxy - www.ptm-w.com/dynamicdata/data/docs/PTM_...neCatalog30Jun06.pdf - pg.32-33

Happy New Year all,

Phil.