Hi.

I would like to try resin infusion on some parts of a model aircraft but on other parts it is not possible. It may be an ‘open’ layup or laminated before bagging.

If I use IN2 on a normal layup, is the resins low viscosity likely to cause bleed out on non horizontal surfaces?

Do you suggest a different epoxy for non infusion (Im trying to avoid buying 2 lots)?

 

Vince

 

 

Hi Vince,

IN2 (our infusion resin) and EL2 (our laminating resin) are very similar (in fact so similar that they use the same hardeners. The main difference, as you've identified, is the viscosity. You can certainly use IN2 as a laminating resin on flatter surfaces but on steep sided moulds you are likely to find its viscosity too low, whereby the resin will run down and pool at the bottom of the mould. On flatter shapes (like making flat sheet for example) it's not a problem and we sometimes use the infusion resin for laminating of flat sheet, where a very low viscosity can be helpful.

I wouldn't suggest adding fumed silica to the infusion resin in order to increase its viscosity as this is likely to make it considerably harder to wet-out the reinforcement meaning that your options are to accept the lower viscosity or to invest in some EL2 as well.

I hope this helps.

Matt

Matt Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Sales

Hi,
on the other hand, can I use EL2 resin in an infusion setup ?
Thanks

The situation is pretty much the opposite - in this case the EL2 is too thick to infuse very well. It does infuse a little bit but no where near as well as the lower viscosity IN2 which means you would really struggle on anything but very small parts.  We would recommend you stick to a dedicated low viscosity infusion resin for infusion. 

Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant