Sika says the new epoxy resin is particularly suitable for the resin infusion process because of its low viscosity (155-170 mPa.s), good wetting characteristics and variable pot life.

In trials, Biresin CR83 infused a fibre lay-up in half the time of a typical, competitive infusion system and still gave 100% wet out of the fibres. This can reduce overall production cycle time and costs.

Biresin CR83 also has a low tendency to crystallise which makes it suitable for applications where storage under controlled temperature conditions is difficult.

Sika Biresin CR83 epoxy resin has three hardeners of different reactivity which allow the potlife to be varied. All hardeners are used in the same ratio and are reported to give excellent mechanical properties with a glass transition temperature ≥ 80°C.