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Water-Based Types of Fiberglass Resin

Fiberglass is a building material with diverse applications. Made from glass fiber cloth and epoxy, it lends itself well to boat manufacturing, auto body manufacturing and shower enclosures. This is because when cured it is waterproof and durable. However, the epoxies used are harsh to the environment, giving off toxic fumes during the curing process. In 2010 a new type of epoxy---water-based---is being explored as an alternative to the traditional epoxies used. This technology is in its infancy, and research is ongoing into water-based materials.
  1. Aqua Resin

    • Aqua Resin, manufactured by the Aqua Resin Company, is a water-based resin that can be used in fiberglass applications. Several forms are available and one has fiberglass roving mixed in with the compound, called Aqua Glass. It is water-based, but once cured, it is impervious to water. Strength-wise, it is claimed to be stronger than conventional fiberglass

    Water Based Polyurethane

    • Water-based polyurethane (WBPU) can be substituted for epoxy resin in some applications. Hobbyist tutor PL Daniels recommends using WBPU as a resin instead of conventional epoxy resins for making cowlings for models. Little information is available on the structural integrity of WBPU, since this area has not been investigated extensively. For non-structural decorative components, however, it is adequate.

    Bio-Based Polyurethane Nanocomposites

    • In 2005 engineering senior Rama Etekallapalli investigated bio-based polyurethane nanocomposites (BBPN). These composites, which are water-and-soybean based, are said to be competitive in integrity with traditional fiberglass. While this preliminary research is significant, much more research still needs to be done in comparison testing with conventional fiberglass epoxies.

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