Introducing

Kwik Kick Epoxy Resin 

Available from June 10th 2010  (available now!)
 
Kwik Kick Epoxy Resin, developed by Greg Loehr of Resin Research, is the latest epoxy resin to hit the marine, surfboard and boat building markets.
 
Update!   We're using Kwik Kick in production - this epoxy is truly remarkable. Quick to gel (10 minutes), fantastic cure qualities allows a flip time of less than one hour, hugely increased strength, clean, clear, very white, far better UV protection - we really love it. But the best quality? Superb wet-out with decreased quantities needed. We estimate it may cost less to use Quik Kick than conventional polyester resins - especially when catalyst, acetone useage and waste are all dialledi into the equation. And safe to use with little or now sensitization and extremely low volatile compounds....Brilliant!! 

This brings the solventless factory one step closer - and together with Aquaseal! - its there!  (Note: experienced users only - don't use this resin if you can't glass quickly and accurately)
 
Kwik Kick is ideal for surfboard manufacturers with very quick cure times - comparable to conventional Polyester Resins - increased ease of use, strength and a low exotherm, making it ideal for modern fin box systems where normally there are concerns with exotherm heat on EPS or PU foam.

Kwik Kick is the fastest setting hand lay up epoxy yet.  As fast or faster than polyester resins in many production scenerios. Mimics’ polyester resin in curing by thickening in a similar way but without the hard gel time. This system has only one speed, FAST.  Also compatible with our other systems so this can be dropped into production when speed is necessary. 
The pot life and tack free set times are improved over the widely accepted and most popular resin developed by Resin Research to date (RR 2000/2100F system).
 
 
Pot Life of Resin Research Kwik Kick Epoxy Resin:
  

 70F (21C) 80F (27C) 90F (32C)
Kwik Kick 18 minutes 14 minutes 11 minutes
RR 2000/2100F 22 minutes 17 minutes 13 minutes
RR 2000/2100S 40 minutes 30 minutes 22 minutes
(figures from manufacturer) 
 
Set Time - Tack Free 

 70F (21C) 80F (27C) 90F (32C)
Kwik Kick 1.5 hours 45 minutes 30 minutes
RR 2000/2100F 3 hours 2 hours 60 minutes
RR 2000/2100S 6 hours 4.5 hours 3 hours
(figures from manufacturer) 
 
Seabase repackages Kwik-Kick as follows:
 
1 Litre of Kwik-Kick Resin weighs 1.17 Kgs including packaging.
4 Litres of Kwik-Kick Resin weighs 4.7 Kgs Including packaging.
 
1 Litre of Kwik_Kick Hardener weighs 1.04 Kgs Including Packing.
4 Litres of Kwik-Kick Hardener weighs 4.18 Kgs including Packaging.
 
The mix Ratio by Weight is the same as RR 2000 and RR2100
 i.e. 100:45 by weight 2:1 by Volume. See the Seabase Mix Sheet for accurate Measurements.
 
 Resin Research also quote the following advantageswith this resin over all other Epoxy Resins.:
  1. Low Viscosity:  wets out fast and has a fast lock time which virtually eliminates resin drain but doesn't preclude the continued ability to move the resin and continue work for the entire pot life and beyond.  This system stays where it's put better than any other, even on vertical and curved surfaces.
  2. UV Stability is excellent with little or no discolouration in over 1000 hours. A major advance on conventional Epoxies.
  3. UV Absorbers allow it to be used in conjunction with sensitive substrates, such as Urethane Foam, PVC Foam, light coloured woods, etc.
  4. Kwik Kick is significantly stronger than all other epoxies tested . (numbers forthcoming).
  5. Easy & more thorough mixing due to its low viscosity and easy 2:1 mix ratio which provides a very low margin for error in mixing.
  6. Compatable with Resin Research Additive F for easy sanding and finishing.
  7. Fin System compatible: low exotherm even at these fast speeds means no foam meltdown.
  8. Excellent flex characteristics while still maintaining excellent dent resistance.
  9. During initial tack free state Kwik Kick can be hand moulded using a hard roller.  This saves significant sanding.  Bubbles in laminates can be pushed, pricked or pinched out during this stage as well.
Greg Louer says about Kwik-Kick:
 

For as long as I've been involved with the stuff the one thing all pro board builders complained about in using epoxies was set time.  We were always too slow for "real production" according to most polyester friendly glass shops.  Well .... not anymore. RR Kwik Kick is now available on both east and west coasts.  This system was developed over the last year using a brand new chemistry and is as fast or faster in production than polyester. Flip times are approximately 20 minutes at 90F, 40 minutes at 80F and 75 minutes at 70F.  During testing at 85F we laminated and hot coated boards, both sides and both hot coats, in less than 3 hours.  And for something this fast, work times are still reasonable.  Pro guys will have no problems.

 

  Not only is it fast, it's about 20% stronger than any epoxy we've ever tested; and we've tested plenty through the years.  UV stability has been proven to be equal or better than any other system available and exotherm is manageable with all fin systems except for FCS plugs, which have always been a problem.  FCS Fusion boxes are fine though. 

One interesting thing about it is that it thickens earlier than most epoxies.  This helps in hot coating ... it doesn't tend to run off rails.  In laminating, this thickening means that you can still move the resin but it tends to stay where it's put more.  Makes draining pretty much history and it also means most of today's EPS blanks can be laminated without sealing, saving a step or two.  Another way this new chemistry is different is that while it does get tack free very quickly, it doesn't get crisp right away.  You can flip it and sand it while still somewhat soft.  Cool thing is that you can also trim laps easily, pinch out bubbles in noses and tails and easily roll the laps flat instead of sanding them.  We found this aspect particularly nice - always hated sanding laps. 

Like our other epoxies it is high solids, VOC free, low vapor, excellent carity and low toxicity. Uses Additive F and X-55 (if you'd actually want it faster). Make no mistake ... this stuff is REAL DIFFERENT.

 

Although it's not been mentioned here until now, lots of boards have been built with it already, in fact it's been in FL since mid-summer.  We're not guessing about what this is or how it works, it's well tested.

So welcome to the future - the first really new chemistry of the 21st century. 

 

Enjoy.
 
Additives available for use in Resin Research Kwik-Kick Epoxy Systems:
 

Our epoxy systems are broad in application but to increase their usefulness we offer a unique range of additives and modifiers. Some of these like the colloidal silica and micro balloons are common to the epoxy industry. We however do have additives that are unique to our system that enable even broader application parameters.

Additive F

 A flow agent/ surfacing agent/ wetting agent unique to the epoxy industry. Invented in 2001 this individual chemical compound has shown itself to be revolutionary in the production of many products. It’s primary function is as a surfacing/sanding agent which gives excellent flow characteristics by reducing surface tension. The same forces that act as a surfacing agent also seal the surface raising barcol hardness. This improves the sanding characteristics of the composites allowing for finer finishing, something epoxy fabricators have always struggled with. Additive F has also found use as a wetting agent/viscosity reducer in fabric intensive hand lay up. Unlike other wetting and surfacing agents Additive F also enhances bond between epoxy coats by eliminating blush chemically. Blush in epoxy coatings is the primary reason for recoating difficulties in the past and required physical removal (usually sanding) before recoating could be attempted. Additive F eliminates this step.

UV Absorber 

To protect sensitive substrates such as urethane foam, UV sensitive polymers and woods.  It is now part of the CE package already mixed and also in Kwik Kick. 

X-55 Accelerator

Invented in the mid 80’s X-55 is primarily used in fill coats to shorten pot life and set times. This shortens production time and reduces curtains and draining. Used with moderate heat (100-110F) and in combination with 2000/2100F fill coats can be ready to sand in 1 hour. 

Alcohol Thinner

A unique blend of alcohols that can be used up to 5% for viscosity reduction.


 
  
Kwik Kick