What is methyl ethyl ketone peroxide used for?
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide is a colorless to yellow liquid with a fragrant, mint-like odor. It is used in making plastic monomers, as a curing agent in polyester resins, and as a cross-linking agent and catalyst in making polymers.
How do you make methyl ethyl ketone peroxide?
Currently, MEKPO is manufactured by adding acidified hydrogen peroxide slowly into MEK in a vigorously stirred vessel so to control the rate of reaction and heat release. The time for reaction time is usually long, so do for separation and further dilution treatment with a solvent, e.g. dimethyl-o-phthalate.
Is methyl ethyl ketone peroxide toxic?
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEKP) is a highly toxic clear liquid used as a solvent. It is a strong oxidizing agent and a corrosive. Acute and chronic toxicity can occur as an occupational hazard.
What is MEKP hardener?
MEKP is composed of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, a catalyst, added to polyester and vinyl resins. When MEKP is mixed with the resin, the resulting chemical reaction causes heat to build up and cure or harden the resin.
Is methyl ethyl ketone bad?
* Methyl Ethyl Ketone can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Methyl Ethyl Ketone can irritate the skin causing a rash or burning feeling on contact. Repeated exposure can cause drying and cracking of the skin. * Contact can severely irritate and burn the eyes, leading to permanent damage.
How long does MEKP last?
Description. This MEKP is the catalyst/hardening agent for polyester resins and polyester gelcoats. This item has a shelf life of approximately 2-3 months. One gallon will cure approximately 100 gallons of resin and 50 gallons of gelcoat.
How much hardener do you put in gel coat?
We recommend 1.5% – 2.0 % by volume. The Ideal range is 1.8% @ 77°F (approximately 12 drops per ounce of gelcoat.) If the gelcoat does not get enough catalyst it will not “kick” or begin to harden.
Is methyl ethyl ketone toxic?
It can be harmful to the eyes, skin, and if inhaled or swallowed. Workers may be harmed from exposure to methyl ethyl ketone. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done. Methyl ethyl ketone is used in many industries.
Is MEKP a hardener?
MEKP is a clear hardener/catalyst for the room temperature cure of unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins. It is also needed with all gel coats.
How do you dispose of MEKP?
Wet the MEKP with water, and then sweep into clean polyethylene bags and transfer to disposal area. Dispose in accordance with Federal, State and local regulations. MEK Peroxide is specifically listed as a Hazardous Waste in 40CFR Part 261.33, with an EPA Waste No. of U160.
What happens if you put too much catalyst in gelcoat?
Too much catalyst – It is also possible to add too much catalyst (over catalyzing) to the mixture. This will cause the gelcoat to start curing in the can or while you are applying the gelcoat. It could happen when mixing larger batches of gelcoat since this is a chemical reaction that gets hot and cures quickly.
How do you mix MEK and gelcoat?
POLYESTER RESIN/GELCOAT IS CATALYZED WITH MEKP (METHYL ETHYL KETONE PEROXIDE). THE RATIO IS APPROXIMATELY ONE OUNCE OF HARDENER PER GALLON OF RESIN. USE THE FOLLOWING RATIOS FOR SMALLER AMOUNTS. THESE AMOUNTS ARE EASILY MEASURED IN THE OUNCE CUP WHICH IS SUPPLIED WITH THE RESIN.
Can you use MEKP with epoxy resin?
Essentially anything with a reactive hydrogen. MEKP is used mainly for curing polyesters as opposed to epoxies. It will most likely be more effective to use the MEKP as a catalyst while using one of the other compounds above as the crosslinking agent. Check your epoxy/hardener ratio.
Is methyl ethyl ketone a hazardous waste?
Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a colorless liquid with a fragrant, mint-like odor. It is used as a solvent and in making plastics, textiles, and paints. * Methyl Ethyl Ketone is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, DEP, HHAG, NFPA and EPA.
Does gelcoat harden without catalyst?
If the gelcoat does not get enough catalyst it will not “kick” or begin to harden. Measurements need to be exact so you can be confident the gelcoat is mixed properly before applying it to the surface.
What is the ratio of hardener to gelcoat?
POLYESTER RESIN/GELCOAT IS CATALYZED WITH MEKP (METHYL ETHYL KETONE PEROXIDE). THE RATIO IS APPROXIMATELY ONE OUNCE OF HARDENER PER GALLON OF RESIN.
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