New syntactic from Ciba Specialty Chemicals

Citation

(1998), "New syntactic from Ciba Specialty Chemicals", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770dad.019

New syntactic from Ciba Specialty Chemicals

New syntactic from Ciba Specialty Chemicals

Keywords Ciba, Syntactic

Ciba Specialty Chemicals have launched a new syntactic which promises the highest possible performance characteristics together with ease in application. Epocast 1637A/B-1 is a very low-density two-part epoxy syntactic compound designed for edge-filling, core splicing and reinforcement of honeycomb structures.

The product claims several advantages both in ease of application and in performance characteristics. It cures at room temperature and requires no special pre-treatment other than clean, dry and dust free surfaces. Epocast 1637A/B is extrudable but is non-flow after application making it particularly appropriate for use in areas with restricted access. Moreover, the pumpable system helps protect honeycomb cell walls from avoidable damage caused by high pressure application and reduces the incidenceof voids. The formulation enables injection methods to be added to application choices. Epocast 1637A/B is available in bulk and 10oz Semkit cartridges. The Semkit packaging claims several important advantages not least accurate proportioning and mixing of components which ensures the performance integrity of the resulting compound. Additionally, the confined mixing achieved with the Semkit packaging eliminates the risk of contamination both of the product and of surrounding areas and further obviates the need for unnecessary handling. This, it is believed, adds significantly to the protection and safety of the operators and helps achieve more stringent levels of health and safety in the operations area generally. Potential users will also appreciate the flexibility of use in a variety of process locations which is especially relevant for exterior and maintenance applications.

The mechanical and compressive properties of Epocast 1637A/B at low density are said to be impressive. Ciba reports that Epocast 1637A/B-1 maintains excellent mechanical characteristics under diverse environmental conditions making it the perfect choice for nacelle work, filling outer guide vanes and honeycombe rub strips of aircraft engines.

Once mixed, Epocast 1637A/B has a workable life of 50 minutes and unmixed the shelf life of the product is six months.

Further details can be obtained from Ciba Specialty Chemicals plc. Tel: +44 (0) 1223 493000 Fax: +44 (0) 1223 493322; E-mail: carla.watson@gbdu.mhs.ciba.com