Low viscosity epoxy for vacuum infusion
KINETIX R118 is a very low viscosity epoxy with hardeners suited to most vacuum composite processes such as SCRIMP, VARTM and RIFT. Low viscosity improves fiber wet-out and reduces voids, giving strong parts with excellent moisture resistance.
Typical applications
- Yachts and boats
- Kayaks
- Sports equipment
- Lightweight, high-strength composite parts
Choosing a hardener
- H117 – cures at room temperature and can be demolded after 5 hours. R118/H117 gives excellent mechanical properties without post-cure.
- H126 and H120 – cure at room temperature and give excellent properties without post-cure.
- H103 – longest working time and highest Tg. It can become brittle as ambient temperature rises, so a post-cure at a minimum of 50°C may be needed for optimum mechanical and strain properties.
Mix ratio
100 parts R118 : 25 parts hardener, by weight. Measure and mix carefully. Do not try to control cure time by changing the hardener ratio – choose a different hardener instead.
Physical properties
| R118 | H117 | H126 | H120 | H103 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear liquid | Pale yellow liquid | Light brown liquid | Yellow liquid | Clear liquid |
| Viscosity, mPa·s @ 25°C | 450 | 230 | 113 | 45 | 20 |
| Specific gravity, g/ml @ 25°C | 1.11 | 1.02 | 0.98 | 0.94 | 0.93 |
Processing properties (R118 + hardener)
| H117 | H126 | H120 | H103 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pot life – 100 g @ 25°C | 15 min | 42 min | 75 min | 145 min |
| Mixed viscosity, mPa·s @ 25°C | 400 | 340 | 240 | 220 |
| Shore D hardness (2 weeks) | 83 | 84 | 84 | 85 |
| Tg: 24 h @ 25°C | 44°C | 42°C | 45°C | 43°C |
| Tg: + 16 h @ 40°C | 59°C | 61°C | 63°C | 62°C |
| Tg: + 8 h @ 60°C | 68°C | 76°C | 68°C | 78°C |
| Tg: + 8 h @ 80°C | 75°C | 79°C | 75°C | 90°C |
| Ultimate Tg* | 75°C | 82°C | 75°C | 96°C |
* Ultimate Tg after 24 h @ 25°C + 2 h @ 120°C. All post-cure Tg values follow 24 h @ 25°C.
Frequently asked questions
What is the R118 mix ratio?
100 parts R118 : 25 parts hardener by weight. Do not change the ratio to adjust cure time.
Which hardener should I choose?
By the working time you need (pot life 100 g @ 25°C): H117 15 min, H126 42 min, H120 75 min, H103 145 min.
Is post-cure required?
H117, H120 and H126 cure at room temperature without post-cure. H103 may need a post-cure at a minimum of 50°C for optimum properties.
What is the maximum Tg?
After 24 h @ 25°C + 2 h @ 120°C: H117 75°C, H126 82°C, H120 75°C, H103 96°C.
Which processes is R118 for?
Vacuum infusion processes such as SCRIMP, VARTM and RIFT.
Current documents are provided by GKFRP upon request for the correct product grade and application.
Data on this page is taken from the ATL Composites KINETIX R118 technical data. Pot life and Tg depend on batch mass, temperature and actual cure schedule; trial on a sample part before production.
Product information and image source: ATL Composites