epoxy laminated frames query

[bloggs68]

Hi all,

I am working on a boat at the moment with several epoxy laminated frames and floors throughout the boat. One of the frames and a couple of floors are through the engine bay area ( which is quite a small area). The epoxy manufacturers data shows a heat distortion temperature of 122 degrees F. I am certain that the engine room temp will be close to this temp when the engine is hot.

Should I be using epoxy to laminate these frames or go back to resorcinol? I realise that the frames/floors will have some fastners through the planking into them which should stop some creep but would it be enough?

Thanks in advance.

[John Meachen]

Which epoxy are you proposing to use?I have never seen a heat distortion temperature as low as 122F.You can get more than that with just the exotherm in the mixing pot.

[JimConlin]

For WEST 105 epoxy resin, depending on hardener used, the "Heat Deflection Temperature" is between 116 and 123 degrees F. (from http://www.westsystem.com/frames/tier1/productinfo.htm )

Anybody have the definition of this?

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

There are, supposedly, epoxies compounded for temperatures well over 200 degrees although I've never seen any offered retail.
The gist of this problem seems to be common enough that one of the epoxy manufacturers would have had their engineers look into it.
Charlie

[JimConlin]

Somebody call Bay City!
866-937-8797

[John Meachen]

Thanks for the alert,I have certainly never seen heat distortion temperatures in this range before.I just spent a few minutes Googling and no other resin,even polyester,seemed to compare.At my latitiude,there should be no problem in use but some forumites might like to consider alternatives.Does anybody know of a more suitable epoxy for moderately warm use?

[Jamaica Mike]

You could get high temps (over 130 degrees F) in an unventilated engine room running in warm climates. If you have an engine, you have electrical power. Install ventilation with fans, and you should never see temps this high.

Resorcinol glues still work just fine, BTW.

JM