How do I create a vacuum seal around silicone hosing?

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How do I create a vacuum seal around silicone hosing?

How do I create a vacuum seal around silicone hosing?

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Chris B	Chris B posted 12 Years Ago HOT Topic Details
Group: Forum Members Posts: 5, Visits: 25	Hey guys. I'm doing research on composite materials in the US, and I've scoured the internet looking for an answer to this question, so I'm asking you guys for help. First, pictures of my set up: http://i.imgur.com/VAfDkGV.jpg http://i.imgur.com/zqhy5a2.jpg The hose leading to the right goes to my resin jar, and the one on the left goes to my catch jar. Some background: the resin/hardener system I'm using is EPON 862/Agent W. I've never worked with it before, and it has 5 cure cycles at 2 different temperatures: 250 F and 350 F (121 C and 177 C). This led to issues with the PVC tubing as it melted when I placed it in the furnace. I noted it and got silicone rubber tubing from another supplier as it can withstand the higher temperatures. My issue arises when I attempt to create a vacuum seal in the bag. The sealant tape doesn't stick to the silicone tubing and thus can't hold a vacuum. I'm searching for a solution to this problem. I noticed Easycomposites sells silicone tubing for high temperature use, so I figured this community might have a solution to the problem. Things I've tried so far: My most successful solution was to take a small piece of brass tubing and put the sealant tape on that, then attach the silicone tubing to the brass tubing. It (strangely) holds a decent vacuum, but tiny amounts of air still leaks in. I've tried using sandpaper to rough it up a bit. Doesn't work. I've rubbed acetone on the outside of the tube. Doesn't work. I've tried black sealant tape, which is slightly tackier than the yellow stuff. It doesn't really work either, plus the black tape doesn't go up to the temperature I need it to. I've tried wrapping paper around the tube before placing it on the gum tape. Shouldn't be surprising that doesn't work. Any tips? Tags hosing silicone tubing vacuum Edited 12 Years Ago by Chris B
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