Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Additives to create light-diffusing properties in cast resins?

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic24438.aspx

By Ren Delf - 12/4/2017 6:41:15 PM

Hello folks. 

I'm fairly new to the composites game, having only really used epoxies to create glassy finishes on work surfaces so far. 

I'm currently making some prototypes, and want to create a piece of cast resin which will diffuse light similarly to commercially available polycarbonate diffusing sheets. 

I'm hoping to use standard casting resin, a silicon mould/other form and an additive. 
I've read that there are silicon-based products that may be able to achieve this effect, but haven't been able to ascertain if this is the case or what I'd need to use. 

Any help appreciated! 

Cheers, 

Ren 

By Warren (Staff) - 12/5/2017 9:46:13 AM

You could try experimenting with opaque pigments.  Added in very small quantities I would expect you to gradually go from a tint all the way to opaque with a middle ground where the light still shines through but is diffused somewhat by the pigment so is not really translucent.

Might take a bit of experimenting to find the sweet spot and see if you would get an even appearance.