Tooling Gelcoat (Black, High Temp)

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Key Features

  • High HDT (85–100°C) for heated mold and elevated temperature service
  • Highest Barcol hardness class (52–58) for long mold life
  • NPG-modified resin for superior solvent and hydrolysis resistance
  • Deep black color for mold surface inspection
  • Pre-accelerated with Co + DMA for reliable ambient cure

This black high-temperature tooling gelcoat is specifically engineered for the construction of FRP production molds that must withstand elevated service temperatures and numerous production cycles. Based on a modified neopentyl glycol-enhanced resin system with improved heat distortion temperature (HDT) compared to standard tooling gelcoats, it delivers a hard black mold surface that resists thermal distortion, solvent softening, and osmotic degradation. HDT after full post-cure at 80°C/8 hours is typically 85–100°C, making it suitable for molds used with heated cure resins, in-mold coating systems, or light press operations. The deep black color minimizes surface reflection for detailed mold inspection. Barcol hardness after post-cure is 52–58, the highest available in a spray-applied gelcoat system. Cobalt and dimethyl aniline pre-acceleration provides reliable cure across ambient temperature ranges of 15–30°C. Application by airless spray or conventional spray gun at 0.5–0.8 mm wet film thickness in 2–3 passes. Gel time at 20°C with 1.5% MEKP is 30–50 minutes.

Specifications

ParameterValue
AppearanceBlack thixotropic paste
Resin BaseNPG-modified isophthalic (high temp)
Shelf Life6 months at 18–22°C
Gel Time (20°C, 1.5% MEKP)30–50 min
Film Thickness (recommended)0.5–0.8 mm
Heat Distortion Temperature (HDT)85–100°C
Barcol Hardness (post-cure 80°C/8 h)52–58
Viscosity (23°C, Brookfield RVT #5 @ 10 rpm)9,000–15,000 mPa·s

Applications

Production FRP molds for automotive and marine composite partsMolds for heated press and resin injection operationsHigh-cycle production tooling (>500 parts per mold)Master tooling for aerospace composite part productionWind turbine blade root and tip molds

FAQ

For maximum heat distortion temperature of 85–100°C, post-cure at 80°C for 8 hours minimum after ambient cure. The mold should be fully constructed (gelcoat + full laminate stack) and allowed to cure at ambient for at least 24–48 hours before beginning post-cure. Elevate temperature gradually at 10°C/hour to prevent thermal shock. An alternative post-cure of 60°C/16 h achieves slightly lower HDT but is acceptable for molds operating below 70°C service temperature.

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