Epoxy Adhesion to Plastics / Composites?

[Sonrisa]

Hello,

I'm looking for a building material which is strong, resistant to oils etc, and bonds well to epoxy/fiberglass. There are a number of plastics available, but I've read that expoxy doesn't adhere well to plastic.

I've found a fiberglass board online called G10 that seems to fit the bill, but it's pretty pricey. Just wondering if there's anything cheaper out there.

I'll be building a box to hold additional ballast which will be glassed into my hull in the bilge area.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[S/V Antares]

I use this for projects: Coosa Composites, LLC - Manufacture of high-density, fiberglass-reinforced polyurethane foam panels

If you are sectioning a part of the bilge for balast is it wet? If not simple epoxy coated plywood would be effective. I used lead bars to balance a boat once and used 2 part foam to huls them in the space.

[S/V Antares]

That would be .... " Hold" them in place... Sorry, low light, late night

[FloridaWriter]

Epoxy bonds well to prefab fiberglass boards that I buy from McMaster Carr. It also bonds well to PVC pipe if you rough up the surface with sandpaper first. Obviously if you are enclosing lead ballast, you will need to use fiberglass tape--I would use 24 oz. biaxial tape--to build the box.

Good luck with it,

[barnakiel]

Maybe you can just drop the ballast in and epoxy it over?

b.

[Sonrisa]

Thanks for the replies. I'm having a hard time finding fiberglass board here in Vancouver, but it must be available somewhere. Yes, the box will sit in the bilge and be subject to dampness. I don't want to just glass in the lead at this point, as I want to try it out for a year or to two to ensure we're happy with everything.

[FloridaWriter]

Pick the size and shape you need:

McMaster-Carr

Good luck,

[Dave]

I've had the pleasure of working with Industrial Formulators epoxies for many years and often call the guys in Burnaby for just such advice. They are a great resource: My personal favorite 83HA4 604 294-6315

Dave