ARALDITE® LY 5054 / FOAMING AGENT DY5054 / ARADUR® 5003-1 / ARADUR® 5172-1

• The combination of resin with the different hardeners (reaction resin mixture = RRM) produces expanding epoxy resin systems which are suitable for the economic manufacture of rigid, very light, dimensionally stable components, from the prototype stage to series production.
• All of the listed systems allow the production of sandwich components and monolithic laminates. Any chemical contraction is counterbalanced by the expansion. The expanding epoxy resin systems listed contain no halogenated hydrocarbons. These hardeners show different reactivities (increasing from top to bottom) and can each be processed with Araldite LY 5054.

Gel Time : The values quoted apply to small quantities of pure resin/hardener mix; in the fiberreinforced composite the gel times may deviate appreciably from the given values, depending on the fiber content and the thickness of the laminate.
Typical Pressing Times : The optimum curing/pressing times must be determined for each individual case. They are strongly dependent on the thickness of the component and the type of tools.

During the reaction of the RRM, gas is generated. The expansion pressure produced in the closed, heated mould serves several purposes:

• To impregnate the fibrous materials laid in the mould;
• To compensate for the loss of volume of the epoxy resin system in the liquid phase;
• To mold components with different layer thicknesses exactly to the contours;
• To stick the core to the laminate in sandwich structures.

• The Foaming Agent DY 5054 must be mixed intensely into the resin ARALDITE® LY 5054, preferably with a dissolver before processing.
• ARALDITE® LY 5054 must be homogenized before processing. While a laboratory mixer is perfectly adequate for the production of prototypes, for series production we recommend the use of heatable low-pressure mix-metering systems with a dynamic or dynamic/static mixing head.
• It is advantageous to preheat the resin component to 40 - 50 °C. We recommend weighing the components with an accurate balance, so as to avoid errors, which can considerably affect the properties of the matrix system.
• The components must be thoroughly stirred to achieve good homogeneity.
• Care should be taken that material adhering to the side or bottom of the container is also mixed in. If substantial quantities of reaction resin mass are to be processed, the pot life (open time) decreases because of the exothermic reaction. The heat evolved may be considerable. It is therefore advisable to distribute large quantities of RRM among several containers.
• Compression moulding in heated press tools at temperatures > 50°C.

Mechanical Properties

All mechanical properties depend on the type and quantity of reinforcing material and on the degree of expansion. The data quoted are therefore Typical data only. 

Recommendation :

• Remove the component from the mould after about 2-3 times the gel time.
• Curing is influenced by the wall thickness and the rate of heat loss.

Mechanical Properties

All mechanical properties depend on the degree of expansion (density). The data quoted are Typical values for a density of about 0.4 g/cm³ 

First Aid : Contamination of the eyes by resin, hardener or mix should be treated immediately by flushing with clean, running water for 10 to 15 minutes. A doctor should then be consulted. Material smeared or splashed on the skin should be dabbed off, and the contaminated area then washed and treated with a cleansing cream (see above). A doctor should be consulted in the event of severe irritation or burns. Contaminated clothing should be changed immediately. Anyone taken ill after inhaling vapours should be moved out of doors immediately. In all cases of doubt call for medical assistance.

• ARALDITE® LY 5054 / FOAMING AGENT DY5054 / ARADUR® 5003-1 / ARADUR® 5172-1 should be stored in a dry place, well sealed in their original containers, at temperatures between 5 °C and 35 °C.
• Under these conditions the shelf life is as stated on the container label.
• The products should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
• Partially used containers should be resealed immediately after use.
• Crystallized resin or hardener components can be regenerated by heating to 60 to 70 °C.