Acrylic resins are intended for the production of plastics, as well as polymer composite materials and products from them - cast stone, acrylic marble, polymer concrete, accessories, artificial acrylic stone, mosaic tiles, artificial marble, reinforcing insulation material. They are used in the manufacture of acrylic bathtubs, monuments, fountains, ponds, for the installation of bulk polymer floors, as well as coatings.
Acrylic resin is used along with polyester and epoxy resins. It is characterized by a high hardening rate and minimal toxicity, which cannot be said about epoxy and polyester resins. Those working with this material should be provided with personal protective equipment (rubber gloves, respirators, cotton robes, goggles) and protective clothing. All operations when working with artificial resins should be carried out in rooms that are equipped with supply and exhaust ventilation. If resin components get into the eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water.
Acrylic resin can be used both independently and with different fillers. The composition of the material based on it also includes a hardener (powder) - up to 3% of the total mass. The optimum air temperature in the room for resin polymerization should be above +15 º. At air temperatures below +15 º, experts recommend adding up to 3.5% hardener to the mixture. It should be noted that at temperatures below +10 º, the polymerization time of this material increases several times. Given that the hardener is sufficiently moist, it must be dried before use. To do this, put it on a blank sheet of paper and let it dry thoroughly. It should be remembered that a wet hardener slows down the polymerization process, while the composition itself can change color. Hardener refers to explosive substances, therefore it is stored in a wet state away from heating and heating appliances, direct sunlight (ultraviolet).
Acrylic resin is poured into a plastic container (bucket, cup, bowl, etc.), after which a hardener is added to it, then the mixture is thoroughly mixed until the granules are completely dissolved (about five minutes at room temperature). The resulting mixture is poured into the necessary forms. The indicated forms are pre-lubricated with anti-adhesive agents (Isokol, Izolak release coatings, lithol, solid oil or any other plastic lubricating materials). After approximately 20-50 minutes (depending on ambient temperature), the mixture polymerizes. During the polymerization, it heats up (up to 60 º and even higher), therefore, in order to avoid burns, it is not recommended to touch the mold with your hands during the polymerization. Full hardening occurs within a day, the specific time depends on the ambient temperature, mass and volume of the product.
Acrylic resin with filler: method of application
The resin is mixed with a hardener, after which organic and inorganic fillers are added to the resulting mixture. As a filler, marble chips, crushed stone, sand, gravel, etc. are used (most often marble chips). It should be remembered that for colored products, inert pigments must be introduced. All components of the mixture are thoroughly mixed, and then poured into appropriate forms. The optimum ratio of acrylic resin to filler is 30:70.
Artificial resin: storage method
The resin must be stored in a closed room, which is protected from weathering, UV radiation. Subject to storage rules, the shelf life of artificial resin is 1 year.