Rehd,

I would use it. Oh, wait… no, no, it is definitely degraded… and you should send it to me for testing! Yeah, that’s right.

I don’t have an answer about degradation of the surface treatments, but they consist of silane compounds with different functional groups on each end. One end likes to grab onto the glass, and the other likes to grab onto the resin. We use similar compounds here, and keep them in brown glass bottles. Stored that way, they have a shelf life of several years.

Degradation of the glass fibers can come from water, which leaches out metal ions from the glass resulting in surface flaws that lower the fiber strength. Having said that, the surface treatments are applied in a water-based solution, and water diffuses into the finished boat. More damage can easily come from handling the stuff than from sitting around for a while. So, since the cloth has been stored properly, I would use it. Oh, wait…

Sam

: Recently I recall reference being made to the fact that either glass cloth or
: resin....?? deteriorates in storage over time. I may be incorrect, but, I
: think It was George Roberts in a post started by someone else, and under
: another heading, so, I can't find it.

: My questions: How, How much, Time frame involved, Conditions?

: How does it deteriorate?

: How much damage is done and strength lost?

: What time frame are we talking about, and how do we even know how long it sat
: before we bought it?

: Under what conditions will it deteriorate more or less?

: My worries are: I purchased resin and cloth a year ago ( Raka 127 Resin, 350
: hardener and 3.25oz. satin cloth ), and it has been in my garage, in the
: original packaging, in the original boxes, unexposed to light and
: elements. What can I expect to find when working and/or should I?? May be
: starting my Great Auk in the next few weeks and need to know if I'm going
: to lose strength and "peace of mind" in using the materials
: originally purchased for this project. Appreciate any thoughts/facts on
: this from George or anyone. Thanks in advance...

: Rehd

: Rehd