Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Post Curing even when 2k clearing?

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic37918.aspx

By bennyT - 9/16/2020 9:36:38 PM

Hey All,

I'm just wondering whether the experts on here post cure their carbon fibre parts that are going to be exposed to UV rays even when they are going to 2K clear the part as well.

As I understand it, both methods will protect carbon fibre from UV exposure and stop the item getting soft in the heat so therefore is there a need to do both? 
By Warren (Staff) - 9/21/2020 3:49:18 PM

 
chriscnf - 9/19/2020 8:14:05 AM
 
Warren (Staff) - 9/18/2020 2:25:44 PM
UV stability and Heat resistance are entirely different and unrelated.

An oven post cure is done usually to maximise the HDT of a part, especially where exposed to higher temperatures so that the part will not go soft when exposed to heat in service.

A UV protective clear coat is an entirely separate process.  The only overlap is if the lacquer also needs a postcure for heat reasons.

Does post cure have a significant effect on strength and stability?

With most room cured resins it does make a noticable difference. Its hard to guestimate but perhaps 20% improvement at best?  Where it does help significantly is with HDT of the cured part.