[Jewelry making - Article 00574] - Re: [Orchid] Epoxy resin problems

[jkbrennan]

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    Epoxy resins cure  by reaction of the resin with a curing agent. The
    mix ratios are rather critical and will depend on the formulas you
    have. Too much of either component does not help. 

    Polyester resins  are different in that the component added  is a
    true  catalyst which  promotes the reaction but does not take part in
    it otherwise. Too little catalyst  will still make the reaction go
    but it will be slower. Too much and the reaction goes too fast  and
    heats  up damaging the result or even causing  a fire. This is the
    type resin used in  simple fiberglassing ( epoxy some time used there
    also). Casting resins are also  commonly polyester-- not always. 

    Heat makes  curing go faster  with both systems. Polyester  resins
    will  eventually get hard by themselves without any added
    catalyst.-- epoxies won't  cure by themselves. 

    Unless you are a polymer chemist  follow the instructions. 

jesse

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