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Old December 31st 18, 10:40 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
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Default Post Curing Composites

On Monday, December 31, 2018 at 3:45:51 PM UTC-5, wrote:
I am looking for some advise regarding "Post Curing of Epoxy Composites".

The sailplane composite repairs have been completed regarding my salvaged ASW-27. The tail boom has a new 3'long intermediate section that has been scarfed and glassed into position. The fuselage pod had some radial cracks and the seat pan had some fractures that were all scarfed and glassed. All of the composite repairs were done at room temperature using OEM materials and MGS epoxy.

What temperature is recommended and for what duration should I be using for post curing the repaired areas. Is there a temperature ramp up and ramp down time that I need to work with. I plan to build a foam insulation box around the repair areas and use a fan with a number of light bulbs to regulate the temperature.

Any advise is greatly appreciated,
Thanks,
Chris


The manual calls for 60 degrees C for minimum of 12 hours. You won't go wrong by going longer. It takes a couple hours for the structure to come up to temperature. Longer curing also helps reduce future shrinks showing up.
Make sure you monitor the temperature in a couple of spots.
I usually have a couple blankets to throw over everything if temp doesn't quite come up to target.
Good Luck
UH