HI, I need some help understanding the TECHNICAL DATA SHEET for VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE LAMINATING RESIN since this the 1st time I have worked with carbon fiber and epoxy resin.

I am a bit confused about the following statements:

POT LIFE & CURE..Full Cure @ 25°C 1 week.

CURED PROPERTIES H.D.T TMA 180°C

At first I thought this meant that if I let the resin set 1 week @ 25*C it would reach a H.D.T of 180*C.

but then I read:

POST CURE..."To achieve full high temperature properties, a stepped post cure treatment is required. Allow the product to cure at room temperature for at least 24 hours, then follow the following recommended elevated temperature post-cure cycle:

40°C 1hr...60°C 1 hr....80°C 1 hr...100°C 1hr...120°C 1hr...140°C 1 hr..160°C 2 hr.

Then allow the product to slowly return to room temperature. The product can be used without post cure or with partial post cure, but will not achieve full high temperature properties."


My questions:

1. Do I follow the stepped post cure and then let set for 1 week @ 25°C?

2. Do I let set for 1 week @ 25°C then follow the stepped post cure treatment?

3. Is the post-cure cycle just a means to achive a faster end product...24 hrs room temperature + 8 hrs post cure ( 32 hrs ) vs 1 week Full Cure @ 25°C?

4. Am I totaly misunderstanding Full Cure @ 25°C 1 week?

Any help or advice you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

                                                 Thank you for your time.
                                                         James