B-staged epoxy meets Airbus standards 24 August 2020

Master Bond EP36FR is a specialised one part epoxy that bonds well to metals, composites, glass and many plastics. The epoxy also meets Airbus specifications for toxic gas emissions and passes the 12 second vertical burn test, intended for use in determining the resistance of materials to flames.

EP36FR also withstands rigorous thermal cycling, as well as thermal and mechanical shocks, and has a high temperature resistance up to 500°F (260°C), despite a low glass transition temperature of 95°F – 100°F (35°C – 37.7°C). The epoxy maintains its toughness or hardness across a wide temperature range and is ideal for potting, encapsulation, sealing, as well as coating applications.

The EP36FR formulation is B-staged, meaning it is a solid at room temperature and must be heated in a forced air or convection oven to transform it to a liquid at around 200°F (93.3°C). This feature allows it to be reused when it resolidifies at room temperature, provided it has not been cured. After liquifying the product at 200°F (93.3°C), and applying it on the substrates in the application, heat curing is required for 2 – 3 hours at 350°F (176.6°C).

Rohit Ramnath, senior product engineer at Master Bond, said: “These Airbus ratings are not just relevant for manufacturing aircraft components, but they are also considered to be among the most stringent certifications for flame retardancy and toxicity. The ratings serve as a good starting point for various composite applications across the aerospace, marine, transportation, electrical and automotive industries.”

Editor

Claire Aldridge Editor t: +44 (0) 1727 743 889

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Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.

Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.