Dow SE 1896 FR

Mixing

Some gels are supplied in bladder packs that avoid direct air contact with the liquid gel components, allowing use of air pressure over the pack in a pressure pot for dispensing. Do not apply air pressure directly to the liquid gel surface (without the bladder pack) as the gel can become supersaturated with air and bubbling can occur when the material is dispensed and cured. Use of bladder packs prevents bubbling, maintains cleanliness and avoids gel contamination. In general, gels are supplied as two-part products that are mixed in a 1:1 ratio (Parts A and B)

one-part gels are available that eliminate the need for mixing. Gels can be dispensed manually or by using one of the available types of meter mix equipment. Typically, the two components are of matched viscosities and are readily mixed with static or dynamic mixers, with automated meter-mix normally used for high volume processes. For low-volume applications, manual weighing and simple hand mixing may be appropriate. Inaccurate proportioning or inadequate mixing may cause localized or widespread problems affecting the gel properties or cure characteristics. If possible, the potential for entrapment and incorporation of gas (typically air) should be considered during design of the part and selection of a process to mix and dispense the gel. This is especially important with higher-viscosity and faster-curing gels. Degassing at >28 inches (10-20 mm) Hg vacuum may be necessary to ensure a void-free, protective layer.

Testing

If a substrate or material is questionable with respect to potentially causing inhibition of cure, a small-scale compatibility test should be run to ascertain suitability in a given application. The presence of liquid or uncured product at the interface between the questionable substrate and the cured gel indicates incompatibility and inhibition of cure. In certain situations, toughened gels may appear fully cured but have reduced or no adhesion. This may result from slight inhibition at the interface.