High temperature resin options
High temperature resin options
(OP)
Hey guys, I'm just getting into carbon fiber fabrication and I'd like to use it to fabricate myself some intercooler piping. I've done some calculations and the extreme case scenario for temperature will be around 350F, and it will need to support pressures of 25-30psi exerted from the inside at this temperature.
Can anybody recommend a resin that can support my needs, for hopefully not too much money? I'm working with my personal budget here, so if the cost too large then the project will be a no-go.
I've found a few resins that seem like they should be able to take the forces that I'll be subjecting them to, but I am unable to find a small quantity supplier online. Any recommendations?
Can anybody recommend a resin that can support my needs, for hopefully not too much money? I'm working with my personal budget here, so if the cost too large then the project will be a no-go.
I've found a few resins that seem like they should be able to take the forces that I'll be subjecting them to, but I am unable to find a small quantity supplier online. Any recommendations?





RE: High temperature resin options
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: High temperature resin options
That may be more than what you need, but I think even resins in the 350-450 range are somewhat expensive.
RE: High temperature resin options
Phenolic resin can take the heat, but work out your process with glass fiber first. The stuff is weird; it exudes water during the cure, just as it gels. You won't care much for the natural color, either; ugly coral pink. Carbon black will mask that... but of course you won't be able to see black fibers in black resin.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: High temperature resin options
B.E.
RE: High temperature resin options
Having said that, phenolic is probably still a better bet unless other things rule it out. (Phenolic doesn't do secondary bonds all that well, as Mike H. says it's ugly, laminates tend to have lower properties than epoxy/polyester/vinyl ester, and it can be hard to make low porosity laminates out of it.)
RE: High temperature resin options
You say you are doing piping, so are you filament winding this piping? Just curious...no effect on the recommendation.
RE: High temperature resin options
Thanks to all who have provided recommendations. This has been a big help about where to start looking.
RE: High temperature resin options
There are a handful of epoxy resins that offer 400F Tg's after cure/postcure. These offer the best potential for a structure that will contain water and endure the temperature.
RE: High temperature resin options
Some epoxies might work. But resins are generally considered hazardous for shipping purposes and therefore are not consumer products. Using aluminum might be a good idea.
You have to ask yourself why would any material supplier be interested in your application. Will the amount you buy even pay for the time they spend on the phone with you?
RE: High temperature resin options
ACG in the UK have LTM210 and others, Airtech in CA have CEP-G3 and others, Cytec have Cyform 22 and others. These are all prepregs, but you can usually procure the resins in film form for RFI.