Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Glass finish Carbon Fibre Sheet

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic32700.aspx

By AJStubbsy - 4/25/2019 2:28:43 PM

Hi, I've been making CF panels onto glass but I don't always get the consistent finish I would like, even after doing my best to remove any bubbles from the first layer. I use Easy-Lease chemical release agent to prepare the surface of the glass and then apply some epoxy resin. I'm using a wet layup and then apply a vacuum. I'm using this method to get really good consolidation of the layers, as I'm adding defects so the panel can be examined using ultra-sonic NDT techniques and the increased density helps the sound to travel.

I find that there's sometimes very small cavities between the tow's on the top surface and although it's not a major issue I was wondering if it would be a good idea to use the GC50 gelcoat onto the easy-lease before I apply the wet material. Is this an approach you would recommend? Could I just paint a thin layer?

Thanks
By oekmont - 4/26/2019 1:27:17 PM

If it's a polyester gelcoat (a special type for epoxy) you have to fully cure it before laminating onto it. An epoxy gelcoat has to be cured to an in-between stage, where it isn't liquid anymore, but still tacky.