Polypropylene sheet as mould material

Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Back

Polypropylene sheet as mould material

Author	Message
flooddylan	flooddylan posted 10 Years Ago HOT Topic Details
Group: Forum Members Posts: 9, Visits: 51	Hi, Do you foresee problems if I use a sheet of polypropylene (smooth, no texture) as surface for wet-lay sheets approx 1.2 x 1m? I have been told glass is ideal for this (thank you Wozza!) but I want to create a shallow curve in the sheet. I can test on a smaller scale but I'm not sure what might happen on this larger scale regarding release, reactions and warping? Many thanks for your advice. Tags chemical reaction polypropylene release agent
	Reply Like 3
ChrisR	ChrisR posted 10 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Forum Members Posts: 363, Visits: 3K	It should be OK but do a test first. I use acrylic sheet for smooth double curvature projects, just well supported on a jig and I personally use TR104 hi-temp wax which has released perfectly so far.
	Reply Like 2
Warren (Staff)	Warren (Staff) posted 10 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Administrators Posts: 2.5K, Visits: 7.9K	Polypropylene sheet is great for making a few flat/curved sheets. Ensure it is pure polypropylene and not coated. Epoxy does not stick to pure polypropylene. You will find compared to glass that it quickly picks up scratches and dulls, so take good care of it if you need to make a few sheets. Warren Penalver Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
	Reply Like 2
flooddylan	flooddylan posted 10 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Forum Members Posts: 9, Visits: 51	Thanks both. Very helpful. Jess
	Reply Like 2
flooddylan	flooddylan posted 10 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Forum Members Posts: 9, Visits: 51	Hi Warren, Would you advise to use a release agent on pure polypropylene even though it won't stick? Many thanks Jess
	Reply Like 3
Warren (Staff)	Warren (Staff) posted 10 Years Ago HOT Post Details
Group: Administrators Posts: 2.5K, Visits: 7.9K	You dont need to as such. For good cosmetic finish sheets i would avoid it as any flaw or uneveness in the release coat application may show up on the sheet. Warren Penalver Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
	Reply Like 2