KRISTAL PS

is an optically clear, two-part copolymer resin used to encapsulate and embed a wide variety of visual articles e.g. paperweights, sculptures, flower vases, tabletops, logos, key fobs, promotional items, electronic encapsulation / potting etc. 

      

The resin is low viscosity, therefore is free-flowing and self-levelling. 
Pot life at 20 ºC using 0.5-1% catalyst is approx. 20 minutes. 

The resin will set at ambient temperatures. To help prevent shrinkage and cracking use minimum catalyst. 

The resin can be pigmented by the addition of pigment pastes or/and pigments.

Pigments are used to colour the resin and gelcoat. Pigments tend to detract from the mechanical properties of the resin therefore no more pigment should be added than is necessary. Use 6% addition by weight for strong dark colours but never more than 10%. 

        

FEATURES and BENEFITS

• Acrylic-modified
• Low-shrink
• Specially promoted
• Refractive index of glass
• Resistant to weathering
• Outstanding air release
• Short gel and cure times
• Clear, water-white when cured

For optimum clarity, air bubbles introduced by hand mixing and catalysing need to escape quickly. Pre-warm the resin to approx. 25ºC then add a small amount of catalyst ( approx. 0,5 - 1,5 % by volume, i.e 5-15 ml catalyst to 1kg of resin ). A plastic teaspoon, not metal can also be used. 
Thorough mixing of catalyst into resins is very important. Also the correct additions should be observed to maintain good results. Dispensers are advised for accuracy. The table below gives the correct ratios of catalyst to resin by weight. 0,5% is considered a slow mix, 1% is ideal, 1,5% is a fast mix. Additions outside these bands in not advisable for proper curing, in fact adding more than 3% may result in a failure to cure. The pot life of these mixes is also determined by temperature. The higher the temperature the faster the cure. As a general guide 1% addition at 20ºC  gives 15-20 minutes pot life. The resin will always cure quicker if left in a mass such as the mixing bucket or in castings.

Recommended quantities of Katalizator PS depending on total mixture quantity:

Total mixture       Quantity of Katalizator PS
10-50 g                            1,5 – 2,0  %
50-200 g                          1,0 – 1,5  %
200-1.000 g                              1,0  %
1 kg – 10 kg                              0,8  %
10 kg ali več                              0,6  %

Curing times of mixtures of different quantities of Katalizator PS (values for 100 gr mixture at 20°C):

Quantity of Katalizator PS      Pot life of mixture         Curing time:
0,5 %                                        45 minut                          10  h
0,8 %                                        40 minut                          3,0 h
1,0 %                                        35 minut                          2,5 h
1,5 %                                        25 minut                          2,0 h
2,0 %                                        20 minut                          1,5 h
2,5 %                                        15 minut                          45 minutes

Recommended working temperature: 16 – 25 °C.

SAFETY

NEVER ADD METAL SALTS (PROMOTERS) OR PROMOTED RESINS TO A PEROXIDE.
When adding peroxides to a resin solution, promptly and thoroughly mix the resulting product. Never add organic peroxides to a hot diluent or process. Prevent contamination with foreign materials, including without limitation, accelerators or promoters(such as dimethyl aniline, other amines, and cobalt compounds), heavy-metal oxides or salts (particularly those ofcobalt, iron, and copper), strong acids, and sanding dusts. Use containers made of glass, polypropylene, Teflon®,polyethylene, or ceramic to prevent contamination of this material during its handling.

STORAGE

Keep away from ignition sources: flames, pilot lights, electrical sparks, and sparking tools. NO SMOKING. Do not store in direct sunlight. Store separate from oxidizing materials, peroxides, and metal salts. Keep container closed when not in use. To ensure maximum stability and maintain optimum resin properties, resins should be stored in closed containers at temperatures below 25°C. Copper or copper containing alloys should be avoided ascontainers. Inventory levels should be kept to a reasonable minimum with first-in, first-out stock rotation.Shelf Life can be two to three months. Minimum shelf life performance referes to product in the original, unopened,container. Shelf stability is affected by storage conditions.