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RAW MATERIALS FOR FRP PRODUCT MANUFACTURING
Curing agent: also called initiator , is an unstable peroxide. Its function is to generate free radicals to initiate the curing reaction of the resin.
Accelerator: Its function is to significantly reduce the energy required for the decomposition of the curing agent , allowing the curing agent to decompose rapidly at room temperature to generate free radicals, thereby achieving room temperature curing of the resin.
Products Description
Relationship between curing agents and accelerators
Curing agent: also called initiator , is an unstable peroxide. Its function is to generate free radicals to initiate the curing reaction of the resin.
Accelerator: Its function is to significantly reduce the energy required for the decomposition of the curing agent , allowing the curing agent to decompose rapidly at room temperature to generate free radicals, thereby achieving room temperature curing of the resin.
· Without accelerators, many curing agents decompose very slowly at room temperature, and the resin may not cure for several days.
1. Unsaturated polyester resin & vinyl ester resin system
This is the most typical scenario for using a "curing agent-accelerator" system.
The most classic and common combination for room temperature curing of fiberglass is as follows. Its core characteristic is " adding them separately and reacting upon contact".
Important Note:
Never mix hardeners and accelerators directly! They are highly reactive chemicals, and direct mixing can cause violent reactions, even combustion or explosion .
The accelerator must be added to the resin and stirred until homogeneous before adding the curing agent and stirring until homogeneous again.
2. Other combined systems
In addition to the classic cobalt-MEKP combination, there are other systems used for specific processes:
| System Name | curing agent | Accelerator | Features and Applications |
| Cobalt-MEKP system | MEKP | Accelerator E (cobalt salt) | The most versatile , used in hand lay-up, spraying, vacuum injection, etc. |
| "Amine-BPO system" | BPO (benzoyl peroxide) | Accelerator D (dimethylaniline) | It cures quickly, but can cause yellowing of the finished product . It is often used for quick repairs or for products where color is not a primary concern. |
| "Two-component system" | A peroxide | A metal salt + amine | Premixing the two accelerators in the resin provides faster results. |
2. Epoxy Resin System
The curing mechanism of epoxy resin is different. It does not use the concept of "accelerator", but uses the "curing agent" itself to participate in the reaction.
accelerators are sometimes added to adjust the curing speed .
Main curing agents: such as polyamide, fatty amine, acid anhydride, etc.
Accelerators , such as tertiary amines and phenols , accelerate the reaction rate between the curing agent and the epoxy resin .
For example, adding a small amount of tertiary amine to anhydride curing agents can significantly reduce the curing temperature or shorten the curing time.
The key to epoxy systems is precise mixing ; the amount of curing agent and accelerator must be added strictly according to the proportions provided by the supplier.
Safety first!
The curing agent (peroxide) is a strong oxidizing agent, which is flammable and explosive. It must be kept away from heat sources and sparks, and friction and impact should be avoided.
Accelerators (cobalt salts, amines) also have a certain degree of toxicity and corrosiveness.
Always wear personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, protective clothing).
Do not mix the curing agent and the accelerator directly!
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