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FTC-001R2
FRP Wet Lay-up Sample
Preparation Guideline
Report Prepared by FTC
Dec 9, 2012
FTC-001R2, Dec 2012 1
FRP Wet Lay-up Sample Preparation Guidelines
Section 1: The following preparation guidelines are applied to the hand lay-up process to prepare TYFO FRP test
plates for tensile testing with TYFO Fabric and TYFO Epoxy.
Step 1: FRP wet lay-up sample set-up
The set-up includes: 1) Flat Glass or Aluminium Plates*: Onelevel base plate and one top plate.
2) Thick Polyvinylchloride (PVC) film; 3) Scissors; 4) Leveler to leve base plate if not already level.
5) Gloves; 6) Plastic trowel; 7)Roller brush; 8)Measuring cup and mixing stick. 9) 4 Nos. C-Clamps.
Step 2: Level the base plate
The base plate with is to be leveled.

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Step 3: PVC film and fiber fabric cutting
Two pieces of PVC film are cut with dimensions to completely cover the base plate; Two pieces of the
selected TYFO Fabric is cut fromthe roll havinng minimumdimensions of 18 x 18.
Step 4: Resin mixing
Weigh the resin parts A and B according to the stoichiometric ratio and mix thoroughly with the wood
stick. Alternatively an entire preproportioned set ot TYFO Epoxy can be mixed.
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Step 5: Saturation of the fiber fabric
Pour the mixed resin system on the leveled plate (covered with PVC film). A little bit more resin is
required.
Place the First Layer of fabric on the resin and saturate the fabric with the plastic trowels through
pushing and squeezing the resin into the fabric in the primary fiber direction. Take care to keep fibers
straight. Ensure the entire fabric is saturated (pour additional epoxy as needed).
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Step 6: Squeezing out the extra resin and air bubbles
Pour some more resin on the First Layer of saturated fabric and distribute on the surface slightly with the
plastic trowel. The additional resin is required to ensure that air bubbles are released. Repeat Step 5
and Step 6 when applying the Second Layer of fabric over the First Layer. Ensure that the Second
Layer of Fabric has the primary fibres of the fabric placesd exactly parallel to the First Layer of Fabric.
Any slight deviation will effect the test result.
Place the other PVC filmon top of the saturated fibers. Use a clean plastic trowel to carefully squeeze out
the all the extra resin and air bubbles. Note the squeezing direction with the trowel is along the primary
fibers. There will be no visible air bubbles in the sample, and the fiber rows will not be separatedremarkably
(the gap between the fiber rows is slight).
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Step 7: Put another plate on the top
Place thetopplate directly onthe PVCFilm. Gentlyglampthe base plate to the top plate if using aluminium
plates. If using glass plate place a weight over the top glass plate as clamps might crack the glass.
Step 8: Sample Storage and Shipment
Carefully remove the sample fromthe mold after curing time discussed below. Note the squeezed resin cured
on the edges.
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The time needed to remove the sample from the mold is dependent on temperature. The curing profile
can be checked by the resin squeezed out from the mold. If the resin is still very brittle and weak (e.g.,
the resin film on the edge is easily broken due to flexure), this indicates more curing time is needed. The
sample can be removed from the mold when the resin feels tough, despite brittleness. Generally, at 73
degrees F, at least 24 hours are needed before removing the sample from the mold.
The samples shall be labeled immediately (for labeling information, see Appendix A) once they are
removed from the molds.
Field samples shall be stored in a dry environment such as the job trailer. The samples should be
placed or stored on a flat surface before shipment.
Shipment:
The epoxy film on the edge of the sample may be removed.
Please note, do not cut the parts with fibers although trimming the sample plate down to appox. 16"X16" is
acceptable. The sample is carefully wrapped with plastic foam film and fixed with tape.
Put the packed sample into the cardboard for shipping if sending out bu coureier to the test tab.
During the time between removing the sample fromthe mold to putting the sample into the box, you
should be very careful to avoid any actions that cause the plate to warp, flex etc. The epoxy is not fully
cured and brittle at this stage. Careless handling will bring in small craze of resin and fiber damage,
which leads to lowered test results. Note: The utmost precision must be taken when preparing
samples as any errors in preparation, handling and cutting will effect the test results.
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Packing the specimen with plastic foamsheet and stick tape.
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Appendix A:
Labeling (using water proof pen or sticker)
Date of sampling:
Project Name:

TYFO FRP Material Name: (eg. TYFO SEH51A with TYFO S Epoxy)

Lot Number:

Roll Number:

Date of Manuffacture:
Sample Prepared by:
Remarks (if necessary):