Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Diolen questions

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic7715.aspx

By G200 - 9/3/2013 6:02:56 PM

Hi guys, new to this forum foun it from looking for sources of materials and seems like a very helpful forum!
A couple of questions from me, I work with composites but new to diolen and just wondering:
1. Can I use diolen (got a roll spare) for car parts eg a bonnet, front wings and front bumper, using it as the sole material as in the tutorial video for making a carbon bonnet? With a 3/5mm Soric core? I have seen diolen isn't as strong as carbon so would I need more layers/a glass layer/ or is it strong enough with the core and making both parts?
2. Is diolen ok for skinning parts as the parts won't need to be stronger so is it ok to use and easy to get a good finish on? Used to working with rc200 and doing clear coats on top but never done final coat

Hope to hear soon thanks!
By Warren (Staff) - 10/4/2013 9:27:47 AM

coremat will drape into the mould easier.  But for most slightly curved bonnets, PVC foam will bend to the shape and hold the curve easily enough with a bit of heat applied from a heat gun. 

Coremat soaks up a lot of resin so would make a bonnet a lot heavier compared to a foam cored equivilent.