ARALDITE® LY 556 / HARDENER XB 3473

ARALDITE® LY 556 / HARDENER XB 3473 is an epoxy resin, formulated amine hardener. Used in industrial composites and structural composites.

RTU Product Type: Laminating Resin System

Product End Uses: Industrial Composites, Structural Composites

Chemical Family: Epoxy & Epoxy Derivatives

Composites Processing Methods: Filament Winding, Pressure Molding, Pultrusion, Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)

Features: Chemical Resistant

Cure Method: Heat Cure

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Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Features & Benefits

Ready-to-Use Product Features

Applications & Uses

Properties

Notes

Gel Time : The values shown are for small amounts of pure resin/hardener mix. In composite structures the gel time can differ significantly from the given values depending on the fibre content and the laminate thickness.

Regulatory & Compliance

Certifications & Compliance

Technical Details & Test Data

Mixing Ratio

We recommend that the components are weighed with an accurate balance to prevent mixing inaccuracies which can affect the properties of the matrix system. The components should be mixed thoroughly to ensure homogeneity. It is important that the side and the bottom of the vessel are incorporated into the mixing process. When processing large quantities of mixture the pot life will decrease due to exothermic reaction. It is advisable to divide large mixes into several smaller containers.

Product Processing Instructions
  • Pultrusion
  • Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)
  • Pressure Molding
  • Filament Winding
Properties of The Cured, Neat Formulation

ISO 11357-2, DSC, 10 K/MIN

Cure Schedule Glass Transition Temperature [°C] – LY 556 + XB 3473
4 h 80°C + 4 h 160°C 162 - 168
2 h 120°C + 4 h 180°C 185 - 194
2 h 120°C + 2 h 160°C + 2 h 200°C 185 - 193
2 h 120°C + 2 h 160°C + 2 h 200°C + 4 h 220°C 187 - 195

ISO 6721, DMA, 2 K/MIN

Cure Schedule Glass Transition Temperature [°C] - LY 556 + XB 3473
2 h 120°C + 2 h 140°C + 2 h 180 °C

175 - 185

Flexural Test (ISO 178)

Cure Property Unit Value
2 h 120°C + 2 h 140°C + 2 h 180°C Flexural strength MPa 110 - 120
Elongation at flexural strength % 5.5 - 6.5
Ultimate strength MPa 110 - 120
Ultimate elongation % 5.5 - 6.5
Flexural modulus MPa 2700 - 2900

Fracture Properties – Bend Notch Test (ISO 13586)

Cure Property Unit Value
2 h 120°C + 2 h 140°C + 2 h 180°C Fracture toughness K₁C MPa√m 0.70 - 0.85
Fracture energy G₁C J/m² 190 - 220
Properties of The Cured, Reinforced Formulation

Short beam: Laminate comprising 12 layers unidirectional E-glass fabric (425 g/m2)
Laminate thickness t = 3.1 - 3.3 mm
Fibre volume content: 63 - 65 %

Interlaminar Shear Strength (ASTM D 2344)

Cure Property Unit Value
2 h 120°C + 2 h 140°C + 2 h 180°C Shear strength MPa 62 - 66

 

Flexural Test (ISO 178)

Cure Property Unit Value
2 h 120°C + 2 h 140°C + 2 h 180°C Flexural strength MPa 1050 - 1250
Ultimate elongation % 2.4 - 2.8
Flexural modulus MPa 40000 - 44000

Safety & Health

Handling Precautions
Personal hygiene
Safety precautions at workplace
protective clothing overalls
gloves essential
arm protectors recommended when skin contact likely
goggles/safety glasses yes
Skin protection
before starting work Apply barrier cream to exposed skin
after washing Apply barrier or nourishing cream
Cleansing of contaminated skin Dab off with absorbent paper, wash with warm water
and alkali-free soap, then dry with disposable towels.
Do not use solvents
Disposal of spillage Soak up with sawdust or cotton waste and deposit in
plastic-lined bin
Ventilation of workshop Renew air 3 to 5 times an hour
Ventilation of workplaces Exhaust fans. Operatives should avoid inhaling
vapours

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.

Storage & Handling

Storage Conditions
  • Provided that ARALDITE® LY 556 or XB 3473 are stored in a dry place in their original, properly closed containers at the storage temperatures they will have the shelf lives indicated on the labels.
  • Partly emptied containers should be closed immediately after use.

Other

Mechanical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Flexural Strength110.0-120.0 MPaMPaISO 178
Physical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)185.0-195.0 °C°CIEC 1006 10 K/min