I know kevlar cloth is compatible with epoxy resin... what about polyester resin...?

Carbon fiber dunno too much about it yet...

Im looking at pulling some things off molds, and would like to eventually get into making things out of carbon fiber as well as kevlar cloth, for strength and lightweight...

I think it'd be kool to have a biullet proof fiero... lol

anyhow, anyone know what kinda of resin is used and why..? I know the purpose but why epoxy over polyester, or polyester over epozy ?

~Tim

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:::: 87 Coupe- TR Fastback project well underway ::::

Always go with epoxy if possible. Polyester is really low grade by comparison. When epoxy hardens it's like a rock and very stable. PE "jells" quicker (less working time) but cures over a much longer time. This causes it to be dimensionally unstable and causes waviness or dips in the finished piece. Epoxy is more expensive to purchase, but less work to finish and produces a superior part.

Neil

Thanx, any other comparrisons ?

For carbon fiber epoxy
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=29&

Email their support if you need any help, they know a lot. I'm currently in the process of waiting for carbon twill to come back in stock. Can't wait to experiment with it

Epoxy should be better but -according to my "Polyservice" guy- it might change color due to UV light over time....I used my regular polyester resin on a small CF part and that worked ok. Dont know how it would work on a large surface like a fronthood or decklid though...

what about kevlar, Id have to usde epoxy resin wouldnt i...?

Tim, Are you a member of the www.Fibreglast.com forum? If not, I suggest you head over there. There is a ton of info that should help you out. Follow the link and go to Fibre Talk.

Bob

[This message has been edited by RCR (edited 04-23-2005).]

Depends what your trying to build. The epoxies tend to go soft at relatively low temps compared to other resins out there. I had hopes of making and intake manifold and did some checking. There are some very specials expoiex that handle the high heat but don't have much info, some are government aircraft grade for fighters. I made and elaborate brake duct setup with carbon/epoxy including the adapter to the rotor. There was some shrinkage and the fasteners had to be retightened. The eposy is nicer to work with, less sticky and I really like the stuff. I just used Aeropoxy from Aircraft Spruce. They have diferent setting times available. As I got a little better, I went with the faster setting. I never heard of any reason for it not working with any other cloth either. The epoxy won't disolve styrofoam if you use this for cores or molds/forms. The poly stuff will however.