Acrylic resin: characteristic and application

Acrylic resins are intended for the production of plastics, as well as polymer composite materials and products made of them - cast stone, acrylic marble, polymer concrete, accessories, artificial acrylic stone, mosaic tiles, artificial marble, reinforcing insulation material. They are used in the manufacture of acrylic bathtubs, monuments, fountains, reservoirs, for the installation of liquid polymer floors, as well as paint and varnish coatings.

Acrylic resin is used along with polyester and epoxy resins. It is characterized by high speed of curing and minimal toxicity, which can not be said about epoxy and polyester resins. Working with this material should be provided with individual protective equipment (rubber gloves, respirators, cotton gowns, protective goggles) and overalls. All operations when working with artificial resins should be carried out in rooms that are equipped with supply and exhaust ventilation. In case of contact of resin components in the eyes, an abundant rinsing with water is necessary.

Acrylic resin can be used both independently and with different fillers. The composition of the material on its basis includes a hardener (powder) - up to 3% of the total mass. The optimum air temperature in the room for polymerization of the resin should be above +15 ºС. At temperatures below + 15 ° C, experts recommend adding up to 3.5% hardener to the mixture. It should be noted that at a temperature below +10 ºС the polymerization time of this material increases several times. Considering that the hardener is sufficiently moist, it must be dried before use. To do this, you need to put it on a clean sheet of paper and allow it to dry thoroughly. It should be remembered that a wet curing agent slows down the polymerization process, while the composition itself can change color. Hardener refers to explosive substances, so it is stored in a moist state away from heating and heating devices, direct sunlight (ultraviolet).

Acrylic resin is poured into plastic containers (a bucket, a cup, a bowl, etc.), after which a hardener is added to it, then the mixture is thoroughly mixed until the granules are completely dissolved (about five minutes at room temperature). The resulting mixture is poured into the required molds. These forms are pre-lubricated with anti-adhesive agents (lacquers "Izokol", "Izolak", lithol, solidol or any other plastic lubricating materials). After about 20-50 minutes (depending on the ambient temperature), the mixture will polymerize. During the polymerization, it is heated (up to 60 ºС and even higher), therefore, in order to avoid burns, it is not recommended to touch the molds with hands during the polymerization. Full hardening occurs within a day, the specific time depends on the ambient temperature, mass and volume of the product.

Acrylic resin with filler: a method of application

The resin is mixed with the hardener, after which organic and inorganic fillers are added to the resulting mixture. As a filler used marble chips, crushed stone, sand, gravel, etc. (most often - marble chips). It should be remembered that for non-ferrous products it is necessary to introduce inert pigments. All components of the mixture are thoroughly mixed, and then poured into appropriate forms. The optimum ratio of acrylic resin and filler is 30:70.

Artificial resin: storage method

The resin should be stored indoors, which is protected from weathering, the effects of ultraviolet radiation. If the storage rules are observed, the expiration date of the artificial resin is 1 year.