450g Chopped Strand Matting

Applications

Standard Applications

When combined with polyester resin, 450-gram CSM is used in a broad range of fibreglass (GRP) laminates that are stronger than 450-gram CSM and are better suited to foot traffic and equipment placement. For the most part, classic, well-practised examples include:

• Flat roofing: low impact installations and repairs (unless 2 x 450-gram CSM is used)
• Gutter and gully linings
• Bund linings
• Storage tank linings & coatings
• Shower and wet room linings
• Polyester and vinyl ester compatible
• Fibreglass mould making and laminating
• General composite repairs

Note that two layers of 450-gram CSM should be used for more demanding applications like flat roofs, flooring applications and anything exposed to physical stress unless otherwise explicitly required.

Substrate Application

450-gram CSM should be applied to surfaces and substrates amenable to polyester resin adhesion. Such surfaces should have a degree of roughness, with common instances including timber decking, existing fibreglass (GRP), concrete and mortar. Use on steel, plywood or concrete with an elevated moisture level should first apply a primer (typically G4) to the surface to maximise bonding.

Alternatives to glass fibre include Kevlar and woven fibres. However, these are generally more expensive, require epoxy resin, which is more rigid and less tolerant of structural movement and costs more. Please note that this CSM is incompatible with epoxy resin, it is designed for use with polyester or vinyl ester resin only.

Glass fibre CSM should always be combined with a resin-based polymer to hold the fibres together, transfer stress between fibres and to protect them from chemical and physical attack and by creating a seamless barrier.

Resin Library’s Polyester Resin provides a good degree of glass fibre wetting, so ‘wet-lay-up’ or open lamination can be performed as a means to drive out air bubbles which add structural defects in many composites.

Ensuring Correct Application

Inexperienced users should follow our guidelines and videos. Best results necessitate correct resin-glass fibre CSM quantities, correct laminating procedures and optimal working environments. Work and curing should be performed under warm, dry conditions. This can be achieved by planning and practice.
More detail can be found below, in the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or in our instructional guide. We also have a range of articles outlining:
• FIBREGLASS – INSERT link
• LAMINATING – INSERT link
Instructional videos are also available.

Key Processing Information
• Suitability: professional, DIY and hobby usage
• Odour: none
• Safety Precautions
o Wear PPE: gloves, goggles and if working with resin, a mask unless working in a well-ventilated area. Use protective gloves when handling.
o Read the MSDS in advance, plan ahead.
• Recommended working conditions: dry, ambient conditions (15 – 30 oC)
• Can be used from 15 to 30°C provided the atmosphere and surfaces is dry
• Resin to 450 g CSM ratio: 1.1 kg of catalysed polyester resin prior to application.
Application
• Measure dimensions of the area for coverage in advance. Cut to size using a Stanley knife. Glass fibre should be 10% above the desired surface area to accommodate trimming and ensure complete coverage.
Storage
• Unopened shelf life minimum of 12 months.
• Store at 2 – 20 oC in a clean, dark environment sealed inside an air-tight bag.
• Avoid moisture and other contaminants (liquids and particulates).
• Once opened, immediately seal after use. Use within 3 months

Safety
• Utilise protective gloves to avoid splintering when handling.
• Consider polyester resin safety recommendations when laminating.
Quality

Resin Library’s polyester resin is manufactured in the UK in an ISO9001 compliant environment. It is used by leading fibreglass roofing brands and is a high-performance ingredient in many fibreglass applications.