Epoxy resin systems

On 27 July Mark Vine asked if anyone had experience with using fumed
silica as a thickening agent with epoxy.

I have used microballoons with epoxies on many occasions for
infilling, and have not experienced any problems with such mixes as
yet. I don't use any given formula for proportions of microballoons
to epoxy. I just keep adding microballoons to the epoxy until I get
the consistency that I need for the job. The consistency or
viscosity that one mixes will depend on several factors such as the
pot life of the epoxy, that volume & difficult of the area to be
filled, temperature etc.

The addition of any bulking powders, such as fumed silica or
microballoons, will result in a decrease in the strength of the
epoxy. It also makes it easier to sand & shape after cure.

Don't forget to wear appropriate safety equipment.

George Bailey
Objects Conservator
Australian War Memorial
Treloar Centre for Conservation
4 Callan St, Mitchell, A.C.T. 2911
Australia
+61 6 241 6122
Fax: +61 6 241 7998

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:15
                  Distributed: Friday, August 2, 1996
                       Message Id: cdl-10-15-003
                                  ***