1. Product Overview
RenGel® SW 404 and Ren® HY 404 form a two‑component filled epoxy system used as a surface/gelcoat layer. It offers excellent abrasion resistance, a very hard surface, good mechanical strength and chemical resistance. Typical uses include patterns, master models, copy models, foundry patterns and FRP mold surfaces.
2. Key Advantages
|
#
|
Advantage
|
|
1
|
Easy application by brush with short bristles
|
|
2
|
Outstanding abrasion resistance for high‑wear surfaces
|
|
3
|
Good mechanical properties (tensile / compressive / flexural / impact)
|
|
4
|
Good chemical resistance with a hard, durable surface
|
|
5
|
Low linear shrinkage and fair dimensional stability for accurate patterns and molds
|
3. Applications
Tooling patterns; master models, copy models and foundry patterns; FRP/GRP mold surfaces; general‑purpose wear‑resistant surface coating.
4. Technical Data
All data are typical values from the TDS, tested at 25°C. Some test methods are internal/legacy standards.
1) Resin & Hardener Properties (Individual Components)
|
Item
|
Test Method
|
SW 404 Resin
|
HY 404 Hardener
|
|
Appearance
|
Visual
|
Blue paste
|
Yellow liquid
|
|
Density
|
ASTM D‑792
|
1.85–1.95*
|
1.05–1.10*
|
|
Viscosity at 25°C
|
PM 6‑1/85
|
Thixotropic
|
3,000–5,000 mPa·s
|
*Note: The original TDS lists density units as mg/cm³, which is inconsistent with the post‑cure density table (g/cm³). Industry convention suggests these should be ~1.85–1.95 g/cm³ and ~1.05–1.10 g/cm³ respectively. Confirm with Huntsman for formal documentation.
2) Mixing & Cure Schedule
|
Item
|
Condition
|
Value
|
|
Weight Mix Ratio (SW404 : HY404)
|
—
|
100 : 9
|
|
Pot Life at 25°C
|
—
|
20–30 min
|
|
Demold / Handling Time at 25°C
|
—
|
6–8 h
|
|
Full Cure at 25°C
|
—
|
3–5 days
|
|
Full Cure at 50°C
|
—
|
20–24 h
|
|
Low‑Temp Note
|
<18°C
|
Cure may be incomplete; not recommended
|
3) Cured Properties (25°C)
|
Item
|
Unit
|
Test Method
|
Typical Value
|
|
Tensile Strength
|
kg/mm²
|
VSM‑77101
|
5.00–6.00
|
|
Compressive Strength
|
kg/mm²
|
VSM‑77102
|
13.00–15.00
|
|
Flexural Strength
|
kg/mm²
|
VSM‑77103
|
12.00–14.00
|
|
Impact Strength (ISO 179)
|
kJ/m²
|
ISO 179
|
7.50–9.50
|
|
Density
|
g/cm³
|
VSM‑77109
|
1.80–1.90
|
|
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE)
|
*10⁻⁶/°C
|
VSM‑77110
|
35–40
|
|
Linear Shrinkage (28*1*3 cm specimen)
|
%
|
—
|
0.06–0.08
|
|
Thermal Conductivity
|
kcal/(m·h·°C)
|
DIN 52612
|
0.70
|
|
Modulus of Elasticity
|
kg/mm²
|
VSM‑77111
|
900–1,000
|
|
Shore D Hardness
|
—
|
ISO 868
|
85–90
|
|
Martens Dimensional Stability Temp.
|
°C
|
DIN 53458
|
45–65
|
Unit note: The original TDS uses kg/mm² as legacy strength units. For international documentation, convert to MPa (1 kg/mm² ≈ 9.81 MPa). It is recommended to retain original values with conversion notes when delivering to clients.
5. Application Procedure
- Stir each component thoroughly before mixing.
- Weigh SW404 and HY404 at a ratio of 100:9 by weight (±5%) in clean containers.
- Mix resin and hardener together for at least 5 minutes until homogeneous. Scrape the container walls, bottom, and mixing spatula repeatedly to ensure uniform mixing and avoid localized uncured areas.
- Pour the pre‑mixed material onto the pattern/mold to be copied. Using a clean, dry, short‑bristle brush, spread the material evenly in the thinnest possible layer to avoid entrapping micro‑air bubbles.
- When the first coat reaches a gel state, apply a second coat in the same manner. Important: Avoid buildup of material in layers, especially in corners.
- Optimal application temperature is 25°C. Below 18°C, proper reaction may be prevented; consider warming the workspace or using elevated‑temperature post‑cure.
6. FAQ
Q1: What is the correct mix ratio — 100:9 or something else?
A: This TDS specifies 100 parts SW404 : 9 parts HY404 by weight. Other hardeners (e.g., HY 2404) use different ratios — do not substitute without confirmation.
Q2: How do I avoid air bubbles when brush‑applying?
A: Apply thin coats with a dry, short‑bristle brush. Mix thoroughly without whipping air into the mixture. Allow the first coat to reach gel before applying the second. Maintain ~25°C and controlled humidity.
Q3: Can I use this below 18°C in winter?
A: The TDS states that below 18°C, proper reaction may be prevented. It is recommended to warm the workspace to ~25°C or apply post‑cure at 50°C for 20–24 hours to accelerate curing.
Q4: Can this be used for thick‑layer or bulk casting?
A: This system is designed as a surface gelcoat/thin layer. Thick application or large batch sizes can cause concentrated exothermic heat. The TDS advises never mixing more material than validated in pot‑life tests. Conduct an exotherm evaluation before attempting thick sections.
Q5: What are the benefits of using this on FRP mold surfaces?
A: High Shore D hardness (85–90), excellent abrasion resistance, and low shrinkage improve mold‑face durability and replication accuracy.
Q6: How should empty containers and spills be handled?
A: Empty containers should be handled with the same precautions as the original product and disposed of according to applicable legal requirements. In the event of a chemical spill on soil, contain immediately to prevent soil and/or water contamination. Avoid any discharge to the environment.
Your message must be between 20-3,000 characters!
Overall Rating
Rating Snapshot
The following is the distribution of all ratingsAll Reviews