Additives

Pigments

Jesmonite Pigments are aqueous dispersions compatible with Jesmonite composites. When dispersed in Jesmonite materials they offer excellent chemical stability and heat stability. Call for further details. Pigments are available in 200g and 1,000g bottles.

The Jesmonite Pigments shelf life is 24 months from the date displayed on the packaging.

Retarder

Set times of all Jesmonite composite materials can be extended by the addition of Retarder to increase working time. There is a Retarder for AC100, AC200 and AC300, and a separate Retarder for the cement based materials AC730, AC830 and AC930. Please note that the end user should perform tests in the workshop environment, as extremes of temperature and humidity can effect set times. Addition rates can be found in the individual composite user guides.

Thixotrope

Jesmonite Thixotrope is added to Jesmonite AC100, AC200 and AC300 to adjust the mixture viscosity to the user’s preference. This is particularly useful when applying a Gel Coat into a mould. By adding Thixotrope it is possible to apply a controlled 1mm – 3mm layer of material without it running off the mould surface. This also prevents glass reinforcements from showing at the face of laminated objects. Thixotrope can also be used to make the material into a paste, which can be used as a repair filler, and jointing paste for bonding two laminates together.

Quadaxial Glass

This type of glass reinforcement is tailor made for use with Jesmonite. It is based on the latest multiaxial glass reinforcement technology, which makes Jesmonite fibreglass laminates light, strong and fire resistant. It is constructed like a lace, with continuous glass strands in four axis (multiaxial) stitched together using the fireproof material Nomex®.

There are very few free filaments, making the glass safe and comfortable to use. It can be accurately cut using scissors or roller cutters, and will conform to even the most complex shapes. This makes it especially suitable to mould making and panel construction.

Please note that fibreglass matting (CSM) for use with solvent-based resins such as polyester is not suitable for use with Jesmonite materials.

Chopped Strands

Jesmonite Chopped Glass Strands can be added to all Jesmonite composites to give increased strength in thin section castings, and also to act as a filler to assist in laminating. Jesmonite Chopped Glass Strands are available in three types: 6mm and 12mm as standard glass, and 13mm Alkali Resistant glass which are designed specifically for use with Jesmonite AC630 to create a premix. Chopped strands can also be used to add impact resistance when applying thin sections of Jesmonite to carved objects made from polystyrene.