Hi there

I'm relatively new to using composites and not familiar with the different types of resins available. I am looking to make fiber glass petrol tanks for competition motorcycles. There are a lot of people already using these on the Pre65 Trials circuit but in the last few years a lot of them have started to delaminate and bubble. Additionally the resin has been clogging up the carburettors. This is attributed to the Ethanol in modern fuels.

Is there a resin available that is resistant to ethanol even at the quantities used in E85 which has yet to reach our shores.

Many thanks

Steve

We don't stock any resins designed for petrol tank and ethanol resistance. You would likely need to use a special tank sealer after making the tank to ensure it is properly sealed.

Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant

Hi Warren - thanks for your reply. About a year ago I read about a Phenolic resin that was allegedly Ethanol proof. I think it was called Christic 99 but I can't find any record of it now. It's possible I imagined it and it could have just as easily been a vinylester or polyester resin, but from what I remember of the curing process it was most likely Phenolic. If I didn't imagine it, I'm not sure whether whether there is a gel coat that works with Phenolic resins. Possbily a polyester coating would but with reduced fire retardation, which I'd be prepared to live with if it was ethanol proof. Would you have access to any resources to be able to research this further please?