Lesson 1Types of fiberglass reinforcement: chopped strand mat, woven roving, biaxial/triaxial fabrics, stitched fabrics and directional fabricsDis section compare chopped strand mat, woven roving, biaxial and triaxial fabrics, stitched multiaxials, and directional reinforcements, focus on drapability, print-through, mechanical performance, and suitability for 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, and thermal cycling spoil exterior fiberglass, including chalking, yellowing, blistering, and microcracking, and how gelcoats, stabilizers, and resin selection fight dese problems.
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 and stacking sequence affect stiffness, impact resistance, print-through, and handling, wid typical g/m² ranges and layup strategies for cornices and 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 for exterior use, including ISO and vinyl ester gelcoats, weather-resistant and marine grades, pigmentation systems, thickness control, and 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, and semi-permanent release systems, explain selection base on mold material, cycle count, and gelcoat type, plus correct application, buffing, and troubleshooting of sticking 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, and fillers change polyester and vinyl ester resins, affecting viscosity, cure profile, durability, and processing 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, and vinyl ester resins for outdoor service, highlight differences in water uptake, chemical resistance, toughness, cost, and when to upgrade systems for demanding 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 handling, and dosing rules, explain how temperature, resin mass, and promoter levels influence gel time, pot life, cure completeness, and 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 to read resin, gelcoat, and fabric datasheets, interpret key properties and certifications, compare supplier specifications, and identify typical commercial designations and part numbers for reliable sourcing.
Key resin and gelcoat datasheet propertiesReinforcement fabric styles and codesComparing supplier specs and tolerancesCertifications, standards and approvalsTypical commercial grades and part numbers
