Cleanser / Thinner
Thinners and cleaning agents for fiber-reinforced composites
What are the properties of cleaning agents and thinners for epoxy resin and polyester resin?
Cleaning agents and thinners are frequently used for the effective removal of uncured epoxy resin and unsaturated polyester resin. Solvents like acetone play a central role as they thoroughly degrease surfaces and remove resin residues. Thinners based on xylene and butanol, such as the thinner XB, serve to adjust the viscosity of epoxy resin primers and are suitable as spray thinners for resins and coatings. Additionally, reactive thinners (RV23) are available as solvent-free additives in epoxy resin systems, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative. For the processing of PU coatings, specially developed thinners like HP-IMC-X are available, which also function effectively as cleaning agents for tools and brushes. These mostly water-compatible and color-neutral formulations enable versatile applications in tool cleaning and surface preparation within composite manufacturing. Thus, cleaning agents and thinners contribute significantly to ensuring surface quality and process optimization in fiber-reinforced plastic production.
How are cleaning agents and thinners applied in composite processing?
In composite processing, cleaning agents such as acetone are primarily used to remove uncured resin from tools, machines, and equipment. Acetone is widely used as a solvent for resin residues due to its rapid evaporation and high cleaning effectiveness. Thinners, like the xylene-butanol-based thinner XB, are used to adjust the viscosity of epoxy resin primers and PU coatings, ensuring an optimal spray pattern and uniform film thickness. Reactive thinners (RV23) can additionally be used in epoxy resin systems to improve workability without classic solvent use. Specialized thinners for PU coatings such as HP-IMC-X are also capable of effectively cleaning tools and brushes without compromising coating quality. These products are applied both in the preparation of GFRP and CFRP surfaces and in cleaning lamination tools, spray guns, and molds. The combination of various cleaning and thinning products supports flexible, material-friendly, and economical processing of laminating resins, casting resins, and topcoat systems.
What differences and advantages arise from the selection of various cleaning agents and thinners?
The selection of suitable cleaning agents and thinners depends on the type of resin system, application, and environmental and occupational safety requirements. Acetone stands out due to its fast action and high cleaning performance but is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC) requiring careful handling. Xylene- and butanol-based thinners like thinner XB offer effective dilution with good viscosity control for epoxy resins, while reactive thinners (RV23) provide a solvent-free alternative that reduces environmental impact. For PU coatings, special color-neutral thinners like HP-IMC-X are advantageous as they enable both thinning and cleaning of tools and brushes. The right combination of these products ensures optimal surface quality, uniform coating, and extended tool service life. Overall, targeted product selection leads to improved process reliability and cost efficiency in composite production.
What does the range of cleaning agents and thinners at HP-Textiles look like?
HP-Textiles offers a broad range of cleaning agents, solvents, and thinners specially tailored to the requirements of fiber-reinforced plastics processing. Besides the proven acetone for thorough cleaning of tools and surfaces, powerful thinners based on xylene and butanol for epoxy resin primers, as well as innovative reactive thinners (RV23), are part of the portfolio. For PU coatings, specially formulated, color-neutral thinners like HP-IMC-X are available, which also serve as mold and brush cleaners. The products are compatible with various resin systems, including epoxy resins, unsaturated polyester resins, and polyurethane coatings. This versatility allows their use in lamination, mold making, and coating processes. The extensive range enables targeted selection for viscosity adjustment, tool and surface cleaning, as well as process optimization.