Lesson 1Types of fiberglass reinforcement: chopped strand mat, woven roving, biaxial/triaxial fabrics, stitched fabrics and directional fabricsDis section compare chopped strand mat, woven rovin, biaxial an triaxial fabrics, stitched multiaxials, an directional reinforcements, focus pon drapability, print-through, mechanical performance, an suitability fi exterior structural shapes.
Chopped strand mat: uses and limitationsWoven roving for thickness and strengthBiaxial and triaxial fabrics for stiffnessStitched multiaxials vs traditional weavesDirectional layups for load‑bearing zonesLesson 2Environmental degradation mechanisms: UV, moisture, thermal cycling and how materials mitigate these effectsDis section explain how UV, moisture, oxygen, an thermal cyclin degrade exterior fiberglass, includin chalkin, yellowin, blisterin, an microcrackin, an how gelcoats, stabilizers, an resin selection mitigate dese mechanisms.
UV‑induced yellowing, chalking and embrittlementMoisture ingress, blistering and hydrolysisThermal cycling, fatigue and microcrackingRole of gelcoat and topcoats in protectionMaterial selection for harsh outdoor climatesLesson 3Fiber weights and areal density selection: typical g/m2 ranges for cornice applications and impact on stiffness and weightDis section explain how fabric areal weight an stackin sequence influence stiffness, impact resistance, print-through, an handlin, wid typical g/m² ranges an layup strategies fi cornices an similar exterior architectural parts.
Common g/m² ranges for cornice laminatesBalancing stiffness, weight and costLayer stacking to control print‑throughLocal reinforcement in high‑stress areasHandling and wet‑out of heavy fabricsLesson 4Gelcoat selection: types, weather-resistant gelcoats, pigmentation and compatibility with polyester laminatesDis section cover gelcoat types fi exterior use, includin ISO an vinyl ester gelcoats, weather-resistant an marine grades, pigmentation systems, thickness control, an compatibility wid underlying polyester or vinyl ester laminates.
ISO vs vinyl ester gelcoat selectionUV‑stable and marine‑grade gelcoatsPigments, color matching and hiding powerRecommended gelcoat film thickness rangeAvoiding defects and adhesion problemsLesson 5Common release agents: semi-permanent release films, PVA, waxes; selection criteria and interaction with gelcoat and mold surfacesDis section review waxes, PVA, an semi-permanent release systems, explainin selection base pon mold material, cycle count, an gelcoat type, plus correct application, buffin, an troubleshootin of stickin or print-through issues.
Paste wax selection and buffing techniquePVA films: spray parameters and cleanupSemi‑permanent releases for high cyclesInteraction with gelcoat and mold surfacesDiagnosing and fixing release failuresLesson 6Resin additives and modifiers: thickeners, accelerators/inhibitors, UV stabilizers, flexibilizers, fire retardants and fillersDis section detail how thickeners, accelerators, inhibitors, UV stabilizers, flexibilizers, fire retardants, an fillers modify polyester an vinyl ester resins, affectin viscosity, cure profile, durability, an processin safety.
Thickeners for sag control and vertical surfacesAccelerators and inhibitors for cure timingUV stabilizers for long‑term color retentionFlexibilizers for impact and crack resistanceFire retardant additives and smoke performanceLesson 7Polyester resin varieties: orthophthalic vs isophthalic vs vinyl ester for outdoor use, weathering and chemical resistanceDis section compare orthophthalic, isophthalic, an vinyl ester resins fi outdoor service, highlightin differences in water uptake, chemical resistance, toughness, cost, an when fi upgrade systems fi demandin exterior structural elements.
Orthophthalic resins: pros, cons and usesIsophthalic resins for improved durabilityVinyl ester for high corrosion resistanceWater absorption and osmotic blisteringCost versus performance trade‑off choicesLesson 8Catalyst chemistry and dosing: MEKP types, concentration guidelines, temperature effects and pot life implicationsDis section cover MEKP catalyst chemistry, common activity grades, safe handlin, an dosin rules, explainin how temperature, resin mass, an promoter levels influence gel time, pot life, cure completeness, an laminate quality.
MEKP composition and activity differencesStandard catalyst percentage ranges by resinTemperature effects on gel time and exothermAdjusting pot life for part size and processSafe handling, storage and mixing practicesLesson 9Material sourcing and specification: reading datasheets, selecting supplier specifications and typical commercial part numbers to search forDis section teach how fi read resin, gelcoat, an fabric datasheets, interpret key properties an certifications, compare supplier specifications, an identify typical commercial designations an part numbers fi reliable sourcin.
Key resin and gelcoat datasheet propertiesReinforcement fabric styles and codesComparing supplier specs and tolerancesCertifications, standards and approvalsTypical commercial grades and part numbers
