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Choosing the Appropriate Resin

Epoxy vs. Vinylester vs. Polyester Resins


Jon Soller
Soller Composites
Copyright 2004
All Rights Reserved

I. Introduction

There are three main types of Resins used today for use with Carbon Fiber,
Fiberglass, and Aramid (Kevlar). These are Epoxy, Vinylester, Polyester Resins.
Each has different characteristics and associated costs. Below we briefly discuss
each of these resins.

Please be aware that all resins & hardeners have their safety related issues. Please
research the products you intend to use and fully read the manufacturers safety
information and follow their recommendations.

II. Epoxy resins

These are the most expensive of the three resin types, but well worth the cost.

Epoxy resins are typically about three times stronger than the next strongest resin
type. Epoxy adheres to Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass, and Aramid (Kevlar), very well
and forms a virtually leak- proof barrier. Epoxy also adheres to older epoxy and
most materials quite well.

Most epoxies do have a tendency of yellowing when exposed to water. When


purchasing epoxy for applications that have extreme temperature changes or are
exposed to water, make sure you purchase an all weather epoxy hardener. One
example of such a hardener is West Systems 207 Hardener.

Note that most epoxies are slightly amber in color. When you apply the typical
amount of resin to a composite, that is just enough to wet-out the composite, the
epoxy is clear. The exception to this is when you wet-out yellow Kevlar or white
colored fiberglass. In these cases you will see the yellow kevlar darken slightly
and you will most likely see a very slight yellow tint to a white colored fiberglass.

You can buy perfectly clear epoxy resins. West System's 207 hardener is now
perfectly clear and has UV protection. It is the only epoxy hardene rwe are aware
of that has both of these characteristics.

Don't confuse the "yellowing" of epoxies over time with the slight amber initial
color of most epoxies. There are only about 4 epoxies in the market that will not
yellow over time. The West System 207 is the best of them all (that is the reason
we sell West System's Epoxy). Even for indoor applications, UV will eventually
yellow your epoxy. So if you don't plan on painting you piece/application and you
want your piece to look good and last as long as possible, plan either protecting it
with UV coating (such as a UV urethane), and/or use the 207 hardener.
III. Vinylester Resins

These resins typically have about one third the strength of Epoxy resins. They
adhere poorly to Carbon Fiber and Aramid (Kevlar), but can be used for aesthetic
applications for these fibers. Vinylester resins are primarily used with fiberglass,
but are also commonly used with carbon mostly for cosmetic applications when a
polyester clear coat or polyester based gelcoat is needed. This type of resin should
not be used with carbon or aramid fabric if strength is a primary requirement.
Note that urethane based clear coats can be used with epoxies.

IV. Polyester Resins

These are the cheapest of all the resins. They have poor bonding capability and
should never be used for any structural carbon or aramid work. They typically
work well only on fiberglass. One should generally never consider using this resin
with structural applications with Carbon Fiber or Aramid.

Epoxy Page

CARBON FIBER 101 by OPP


Congratulations, you have just taken a huge step towards becoming an educated consumer in
the WORLD OF CARBON FIBER PRODUCTS. First of all, not all carbon fiber products are
EQUAL. Please read this carefully and consider all the facts before buying any carbon fiber parts.
It does not matter if you buy from OPP or any other company. We want to teach YOU how to buy
carbon fiber products and get your money's worth.

Why do we care? We care because too many consumers are unaware about BAD carbon fiber
products. There are established manufacturers and Ebay sellers who are promoting inferior carbon
fiber products. Too many consumers make the wrong decision before purchasing a product. Most
manufacturers will not give you any of this information because a sale is a sale and they do not
care about the consumer. We are going to revolutionize the carbon fiber industry by telling YOU all
of the secrets that the other manufacturers do not want you to know!

HERE IS THE SCOOP!


Carbon fiber products are composed of two materials: resin and fabric. Good carbon fiber products
should only be made with EPOXY RESIN and CARBON FIBER FABRIC. OPP carbon fiber products
are made only with epoxy resin and carbon fiber fabric.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EPOXY RESIN


Before you buy, ask your seller: "What kind of resin does your company use for carbon
fiber and its derivatives?"

The wrong answer is POLYESTER RESIN!!!

Polyester resin is the cheapest product that any company can buy when working with carbon fiber
or its derivatives.
1. Polyester resin has a blueish finish instead of a clear finish. The blue tint significantly
reduces the appearance of the product.

2. Polyester resin is inflexible and will spider-crack at the mere thought of bending. Spider
cracks fracture from the point of damage and are very difficult to fix.

3. Excessive amounts of polyester resin need to be used during the molding process. This
adds considerable weight to the product and defeats the purpose of purchasing lightweight
carbon fiber.

4. Polyester resin will shrink over time and alter the shape of the final product, resulting in
installation headaches and additional modifications for fit.

5. Polyester resin is not UV resistant and will turn yellow over time.

The correct answer is EPOXY RESIN!!!

Epoxy resin is the industry standard for high-performance race products.

1. Epoxy resin is extremely flexible. The flexibility allows a carbon fiber product to absorb a
high level of impact force without breaking.

2. Epoxy resin does not spider-crack. When epoxy reaches it's maximum bending potential
(MBP), it will form only a single crack at the stress point.

3. Epoxy resin has a transparent finish that allows the deep, black 3D appearance of the
carbon fiber to show through.

4. Epoxy resin does not shrink.

5. Epoxy is 100% UV resistant.

Photo Examples of Polyester Resin problems


Flexible Epoxy vs. Inflexible Polyester

Spider-Cracks
Above- Look at the multiple spider cracks on polyester resin based fender (this is NOT
made by us!)

(above) Polyester resin: Note the spider crack, and excessive resin around mounting
hole:

(above)OPP using Epoxy Resin: By comparison, look at a cracked OPP fender with Epoxy
resin, you can barely see the crack. Remember, Epoxy resin will form only a single crack
at stress point after reaching Maximum bending potential.

Blueish Tint vs. Clear Tint


(above): Note the blueish finish on the polyester resin.

(above): OPP fender on left, Polyester resin on right. Note how the colour comes
through better on the 100% clear Epoxy resin finish of the OPP piece.
(above): Again, OPP fender on left, Polyester resin on right. The polyester resin's non-
clear coating can be seen here.

Most manufacturers do not use epoxy resin because they are more interested in profits rather than
delivering light, flexible and durable carbon fiber. Epoxy resin costs about 3x (three times) more
than polyester resin. Epoxy resin (which is a liquid-like material) is more difficult to work with than
polyester resin (which is a thicker viscous material). Epoxy resin is also toxic in its natural liquid
form and requires high-grade ventilation systems to work with it safely. Yet these manufacturers
who use polyester resin charge the same prices as carbon fiber products made with epoxy resin!

THE IMPORTANCE OF USING ONLY CARBON FIBER FABRIC


Before you buy, ask your seller: "How many layers of carbon fiber does your company
use?"

Most companies claim that they manufacture carbon fiber products, however, this is only half the
truth. 95% of companies use only ONE LAYER OF CARBON FIBER and TWO-THREE LAYERS
OF FIBERGLASS. They spray paint the inside black so you cannot see the clear white fiberglass.
Consumers are paying premium prices associated with pure carbon fiber products but are receiving
inferior products made with fiberglass.

High-end companies will use two to three layers of carbon fiber. Sometimes a silk glass product is
used to seal the edges and overlapping carbon fiber is used to prevent splinters and smooth
transitions in layers. This silk glass product is called Avio-fiber; it is extremely expensive but
results in a lightweight, superior product. Avio-fiber is best in Race Kevlar bodywork and
overlapping carbon fiber in every carbon fiber manufacturing process.

RESIN AND FABRIC IS IMPORTANT FOR MOLDS TOO!


Resin and fabric is also important in the creation of molds! In order to create a carbon fiber part, a
mold needs to be created. This mold provides the shape of the part. The mold is the first and most
expensive part of the manufacturing process. To save money, bad manufacturers will make their
molds from polyester resin and fiberglass. The polyester resin will shrink over time and will cause
the mold to become deformed. Fiberglass is not durable so the mold will eventually twist and
crack. These manufacturers will try to repair the mold and continue to manufacture defective
carbon fiber parts that will require substantial modification to install.

High quality molds are made with epoxy resin and carbon fiber, just like the final product. We only
sell epoxy resin products and carbon fiber for its molds so the final product is always perfect.
THE FINAL WORD ABOUT CARBON FIBER
So now you are informed about what you need to buy good quality carbon fiber products. Call your
company and ask what kind of products they sell. If you hear "fiberglass" or "polyester resin",
hang up. If they stumble and give you a BS answer, you know what the real answer is. You have
just been educated. Good luck on your future purchases!

ABOUT OPP
OPP-Optimum Performance Products Inc. (OPP) is committed to providing sportbike riders with
top-quality carbon fiber products at fair, competitive prices. OPP offers a wide range of bodywork
including Carbon Fiber, Carbon Kevlar, Titanium Silver, Fiberglass and Race Kevlar.

We are the exclusive distributors and partners with FullSix Carbon fiber by CDT Group. The leading
edge company that provides only the finest carbon fiber products hands down, no if , no buts ,
PERIOD. Read about CDT Group and their flag ship carbon fiber products which is registered under
the brand name FullSix carbon fiber.

OPP was the first distributor to provide carbon kevlar reinforced mounting points, a practice which
has now become an industry standard. OPP is associated with numerous European race
organizations and is a leader in introducing bodywork for new models.

OPP is also committed to providing top-quality products from industry-leading manufacturers such
as Gilles Tooling (Europe's #1 Clip-on and Rear Set manufacturer), Galespeed (Japan's #1 forged
aluminum wheel manufacturer) and LighTech (Europe's #1 manufacturer of carbon fiber mirrors
and anodized ergal-aluminum accessories).

COMPANIES THAT CUSTOMER SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM

1) SEBIMOTO (located in czech republic)

produce fiberglass , carbon fiber ( lol )

This company is a true scam ! If you ever had the unpleasent experience of purchasing some of
their products from companies like Yoyoclown, then you know what a true nightmare this product
is. All molds produced in polyester resin, the molds are made poorly and quickly , therefore no
parts ever fit ! If you love using a dremel , file and spend a dozen hours messing around , then
this is the product you need to buy !!

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