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- Used West Systems epoxy to make 4 of 8" x 8" sheets of fiberglass (2 x 5 layers, 2 x 10 layers), making sure to put Mylar beneath to keep the samples from sticking.
- Let the samples cure for at least 24 hours.
- Sanded with a Dremel, then with 400-grit sandpaper. Make sure to sand the shiny side as well.
- Mark and cut into 1.5" x 1.5" squares.
- Recorded dry mass of each sample (series 1-9)
- Took three measurements of thickness on three different sides, and calculated/recorded average thickness (series 1-9)
- Wearing respirators, mixed 50 g. West Systems resin + 9 g West Systems hardener (100:18 ratio for West Systems, but this depends on the epoxy you choose to use)
- Mixed in phenolic microballoons using a popsicle stick until a consistency slightly thinner than peanut butter (like melted ice cream) was reached.
- Applied an even but thin layer of phenolic mixture to samples (series 4, 5, 8, 9) using popsicle sticks
- Let samples cure for 36 hours.
- Wipe samples with acetone to remove any dust or debris.
- Recorded average thickness of samples with phenolic coating (series 4, 5, 8, 9)
- Sanded with 400-grit sandpaper then recorded mass (and wiped with acetone)
- Applied high-temp paint to fiberglass samples (series 6,7) and fiberglass + phenolic samples (series 8,9)
- Let paint dry for at least 24 hours (depending on what paint you use)
- Wipe samples with acetone to remove any dust or debris.
- Record mass of each sample (series 6, 7, 8, 9)
- Record average thickness of each sample (series 6, 7, 8, 9)
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