Gel Coat

Summary:

Gelcoat is a thin layer of resin (0.5 mm) applied over the release film in a mould.

Our products can be used to improve the following characteristics:

• Flame retardant (ATH)
• Surface quality (ATH)
• Crack prevention (Wollastonite)
• Outdoor durability (Wollastonite)

Detail:

Gelcoat is a thin layer of resin (0.5 mm) applied over the release film in a mould. The gelcoat serves the following purposes:

• provides colour and glossiness to the product
• it conceals the fibre pattern of the underlying laminate (often a fibreglass reinforced polyester)
• it provides a resin rich layer that protects against water, chemicals and UV

Typically the gel coat is applied by spraying (see picture). In order to prevent sagging the gel coat needs to have thixotropic properties, usually achieved by the addition of 2 or 3 % fumed silica. The filler loading of the gel coat typically is quite low, especially if the gel coat is in contact with water or chemicals.

By adding special fillers to the formulation one can obtain improvements in:

• Flame retardancy (ATH)
• Crack prevention (Wollastonite)
• UV Resistance (Barite)
• Abrasion Resistance ( Milled E-glass, Nephenyl Syenite)