The primary compounds used at these facilities are Polyester Resin, Vinyl Ester Resin and Epoxy Resins, with each compound having its own unique characteristics.
All three compounds are two part mixes which have a specific amount of time (5 minutes to 1 hour) for the application process before they become gummy and unworkable. This feature is undesirable as it produces considerable waste, rework and clean up time to save application tools for later use.
All three types of compounds require a drying or curing time which can take days depending upon mixture ratios, applied thickness and weather conditions.
The curing process can more accurately be controlled by using ovens in which the final article can be cured... but these ovens are normally associated with high energy costs and consume large ares of factory floor space.
All of these compounds also contain large amounts of VOCs which are volatilized into the atmosphere during the curing process... around a 40% loss (by weight or volume).
The EPA and the AQMD agencies write and enforce the laws that govern just how much Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs can be emitted into the air. OSHA meanwhile, is concerned about the employees health and safety when working with these toxic and potentially explosive compounds.
A NEW PART B compound is now available that eliminates the undesirable features of the Polyester Resins. Development is also underway on the Vinyl and Epoxy variations but is not quite ready for introduction.
By mixing this NEW PART B with the regular polyester PART A at a ratio of 1:2 all the VOC issues are eliminated... the new mixed compound now contains ZERO VOCs!
This NEW mixed compound no longer has a limited application life... it will not cure until the operator decides everything is perfect with the project.
At that time it is cured instantaneously with the use of a hand held UV Light Source. This outstanding feature eliminates waste as the mixed compound has unlimited shelf life (it can be put back on the shelf) and any applicators can be cleaned as the compound is still liquid.
Furthermore, due to the instant cure characteristic there is no sag or pooling associated with long dry times or lumpy material due to it going off too soon. Therefore rework is virtually eliminated.
Yet another feature is the fact that as there is nothing to volatilize (no VOCs) therefore, the final cured application thickness is the same as the liquid uncured thickness... by as much as 40% more... this means a stronger finished product or you can change your process to use less starting material for the same previous cured results.
Testing for Water Absorption showed no water uptake in the cured resin... we expect this will eliminate the delamination and blistering problems usually associated with polyester resins.
Yes, there is more... PART B can be shipped just the same as water... no special shipping requirements at all.