Trouble shooting -Cold mounting
1. Air Bubbles along the Sides of the Specimen
Cause:
The temperature is too high during the curing.Insufficient degreasing of specimens.The stirring of the mixture was too active.Surface tension.
Solution:
Set the specimen in a dryer unit or other place with good air convection to lower the exposure temperature. Alternatively, mount in layers of around 60 ml mounting resin at a time (depending on the material), wait until the first layer is hardened, and then mount the next layer.Clean and degrease the specimens prior to mounting.Stir without introducing air into the mixtureIf possible, move the specimen after the epoxy was poured over it.
2. Discoloration
Cause:
The temperature is too high during the curing.Large volume of resin compared to the sample size.
Solution:
Set the specimen in a dryer unit or other place with good air convection.Use an adequate mounting cup or set the specimen in a dryer unit or other place with good air convection to remove the heat created during curing.
3. Sticky or Rubbery Surface
Cause:
The curing temperature is too low.Too short curing time. There is too much curing agent in relation to the resin.
Solution:
Insert the specimens for post curing in a dryer unit or oven at 30-50° C/86-122° F.Insert specimens for post curing in a dryer unit or oven at 30-50°C/86-122°F.Mix the resin and curing agent in the correct ratio.
4. High Shrinkage
Cause:
The temperature is too high during the curing. Insufficient degreasing of specimens.Insufficient mixing of resin and curing agent. There is a large volume of resin compared to the specimen size.Too large volume of mixture or too long time after stirring.
Solution:
Set the mounting cup in a dryer unit or other place with good air convection.Clean and degrease the specimens prior to mounting.Stir the mixture thoroughly for two to three minutes.Use an adequate mounting cup or set the specimen in a dryer unit or other place with good air convection to remove the heat created during curing.Mix smaller volumes and pour over the specimens immediately after stirring.
5. No Adhesion between Epoxy and Specimen
Cause:
The temperature is too high during the curing.
Solution:
Set the mounting cup in a dryer unit or other place with good air convection.