Which resin for Carbon Fibre & Why?

General Composites Discussions Products Talk
#1

Hi,
I am getting the urges to use carbon fibre soon, but want to make sure i am using the correct resin.

Can you only use Epoxy Resin for Carbon Fibre/Carbon Kevlar?

Can you use Polyester Resin with Carbon Fibre?

What is the benefit of using Epoxy Resin, is it stronger so you can use less meaning total weight is less?

How many layers roughly of what strength carbon fibre would you use for a racing bonnet, doesnt need to be flashy, just rigid, cheap(if possible) and light?

Thanks for your help!!

John

#2

Has that book arrived yet? :smiley:

You can use either resin types with CF, Epoxy is stronger though.

On body panels CF is mainly used for show, when using it at our level (basic) there is little difference in weight and strength.

#3

for a racing bonnet, depends whether you’ll add reinforcements underneath (for example, like the OEM ones). Without reinforcements at all, at least 3 layers of carbon. and i would use a core material too (honeycomb, foam,…)

#4

Book arrived today, the guy off of ebay messed me around so ordered from waterstones. Just got text 20 minutes ago, so hopefully no more stupid questions!!

Thanks John

#5

woo hoo, book is in my possession!!

Thanks John

#6

Wahay!

I always find Amazon.co.uk good for books btw.

#7

If it is a true race car use epoxy. It has better structural properties and is the same weight as any other resin type.

stay away from polyester for carbon fiber… very cheap, inexpensive carbon parts are made with polyester resin.

Vinylester resin is a good choice but for racing i’d use epoxy myself. Vinylester costs less than epoxy and slightly more than polyester resin.

#8

which book did you go for?

#9

This one I think:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Competition-Car-Composites-Practical-Haynes/dp/1859606245

At least that is the one I recomended and the one I think he said he was going to get.

#10

Awesome book, ive got it read it cover to cover and learnt ALOT, i also bought “FIBERGLASS & other composite materials” by Forbes Aird, also quite good, but the competition car composites is the winner.

#11

I have that book as well!! I went highlighter crazy on it. It is a great book.

#12

it’s a good book, a little dated perhaps. someone should put out another with more stuff on infusion and vacuum bagging. and maybe some multipiece mold techniques. also some stuff on what reacts with what would help prevent some disasters.