LB2 Epoxy Laminating Bio Resin

LB2 Epoxy Laminating Bio Resin is medium viscosity and optimized for hand laminated applications, while it is compatible with all common fibre reinforcements it is particularly well paired with flax reinforcements to provide composite parts with a significantly reduced environmental impact.

Our bio resins are not compromised in performance but simply derive the same chemicals from plant-based sources. A key component of epoxy, epichlorohydrin, is manufactured using renewable plant-based Glycerol in place of petroleum-based propylene. Additionally, the raw materials going into our bio resins are co-products or waste products of other industrially important processes which means they do not compete with food sources or displace food-based agriculture. The resin component contains 35% plant based content. Once mixed with its hardener the overall plant-based content is ~27% which is amongst the highest in the industry.

LB2 is a high-performance bio epoxy resin suitable for use with a wide range of reinforcements including glass, carbon and aramid fibres as well as natural reinforcements such as flax and jute fibre. Its viscosity profile is particularly suitable for hand laminating and bonding applications including open hand layup and vacuum bagging processes. For resin infusion or RTM processes we have another Bio Resin, IB2, which has a lower viscosity and a cure profile that is better suited.

Uncompromised mechanical properties compared with conventional ‘non-bio’ epoxy resins. Compatible with carbon, glass, aramid and natural fibres, Hand laminating, vacuum bagging and bonding. Sustainable Resins for Greener Products

Further Information

Typical Uses

Having excellent mechanical and processing properties the LB2 Epoxy Laminating Bio Resin can be used for a wide range of uses including but not limited to:

• Sports/recreational equipment - skis, boards, canoes, archery.
• Motorsport – panels, aerodynamic elements, structural members.
• Marine – hulls, foils, masts.
• Wind energy – masts, blades, nacelles.

LB2 is the perfect choice for use in combination with our range of sustainable natural flax reinforcements from Eco-Technilin. Used together, these materials allow the development and production of greener products with significantly reduced environment impact. You can find our full range of flax fibres here: Natural Fibre Reinforcements

Compatibility Information - Dos and Don'ts

Although by no means an exhaustive list, the mould materials, pigments and additives listed below have all been tested and are known to work well with EL2.

Compatible Moulds

• Uni-Mould Mould System
• Epoxy Tooling Gelcoat
• Epoxy gelcoat based moulds
• Polypropylene and polyethylene sheet
• Aluminium
• Toughened Glass (eg. flat sheet manufacture)

Compatible Pigments

• Epoxy Colour Pigment * (for vivid opaque colours)
• CULR Pigment * (for vivid opaque colours)
• Translucent Tinting Pigment * (for less vivid opaque colours)

Compatible Fillers

• All dry filler powders

* With bold coloured laminates such as carbon fibre, the underlying colour of the fabric may still show through the pigmented resin, especially with thinner layers of resin over the underlying laminate.

Key Processing Information

• Ease of Use : LB2 resin has no unusual characteristics and offers good ease of use and reliable performance (follow SDS advice).
• Odour : LB2 is almost odourless.
• Safety Precautions : Wear gloves and goggles and work in a well-ventilated area. Always read the SDS before use.
• Ambient Conditions : Can be used from 15 to 30°C although pot-life and cure time will be affected significantly. Recommended working at an ambient of 20-25°C.
• Degassing : Not necessary in most cases. Simply mix and use.
• Mix Ratio : Mix 'Resin' and LB2 Epoxy Hardener' 100:27 by weight. Use digital scales.
• Mixing : Mix thoroughly by hand for at around 2 minutes.
• Pot-Life : Pot life of 500g @ 20 °C is 23 minutes. Increasing ambient temperature and/or batch size can significantly reduce this time.
• Exotherm (Over-Heating) : Resin will heat-up whilst it cures. Mix in small batches and use expediently. Mixed resin in a pot will quickly overheat (exotherm) and can smoke/ignite. Never leave mixed resin unattended.
• Cure Time/Demould : At 20°C you can expect a typical gel time of 4.5 hours, and an initial cure of 13.5 hours with a recommended demoulding time of 24 hours.
• Pigments and Fillers : A wide range of pigments and fillers can be added to change the properties and appearance of Resin.

Resin and Hardener Crystalisaton

The Resin and Hardener is sensitive to low temperatures and if they get cold (either in storage or transport), it can crystalise; this does not damage the product at all and can be reversed by warming the product in its container with the lid securely in place. The longer it has been crystallised, the longer it will take to reverse. This can be achieved by sitting it directly onto a radiator, putting it into an oven on a low setting or standing the container in hot water.

Specification