lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> I don't know the specific resins used in glass vs. graphite with the Lancair kits. I'm pretty sure for the graphite they commonly use a Fibercote product labelled E-765. The critical factor about sensitivity to heat for any composite material is what is termed Tg (T-sub G) or ( glass transitional temperature). This refers to the temperature above which the cured resin begins to plasticize and lose its structural integrity. The higher the Tg, the higher ambient temps it can stand. There are some prepreg materials that have high Tg ratings and the E-765 has a fairly high one considering its 250 degree cure cycle. There are many epoxies that need 350 degrees to cure and a few that require 400 degree cycles with post cure heat cycles of several hour durations to produce materials that can be used around jet exhausts and so on. You won't likely see any of these exotic materials - glass or graphite on Lancair kit planes - they are very expensive and more difficult and toxic to handle. The Tg for E-765 is probably in the 175 degree range - I have it written somewhere. So on a hot day in the sun in FL or AZ, you could come fairly close to that temp - expecially with dark paint exposed to the sun. Ergo - yes, you need to use light colored paint with any of the composite materials normally used in kit planes. Regards, John Barrett - LIVP CARBINGE- "The World Hinges on Us" 360 385 1000 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>