SYNTACTIC FOAM does not expand, the air is pre trapped in the little glass spheres.
Both the epoxy and Vinylester are thermosetting resins
like polyester, when catalyzed, they
create their own curing temperatures which is, as
you know, no where near the 3-400 degrees
unless you're in a real hurry and mix what we call
a Smoker batch which dramatically weakens
the batch and is not recommended (unless) it's really
cold in your shop or you're mixing small
batches to apply in very thin layers and you can
work very fast. If left in the pot too long, you've got
a stinky SMOKER which have been known to burst into
flame.
Doc
Captain Nemo wrote:
Aloha, Doc! I wish I had CAD. Maybe one day. I still use the "Flintstones" method: graph paper and pen; models; etc. But you're right: a model sure does help during wet testing in the pool; and after the sub's done, ya got a neat souvenir, no? Hey, about SYNTACTIC FOAM: I haven't used it yet; thinking about it, though. Some questions: 1. Does SYN expand like liquid polyurethane foam does when you pour it into the mold? 2. The 300 to 400 degree curing temperature Bob mentioned: does this mean it must be cured in an oven or pressurized autoclave; or does it generate that kind of heat internally when curing? (The latter seems outrageous to me; but polyesther resin does generate some heat when curing, so....) Either way, this high temperature looks like it could be a factor in choosing the types of molds and other materials used with it. What's the scoop? VBR, Pat