[Katherine Swift]

This question comes through email by Adam:

First let me thank you for your in depth site and wealth of info you have posted online.  I am an engineering student at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA.  I am designing a model of a concrete column where I intend to use a sandwich construction consisting of concrete and resin.  After reading some of what you have posted in your site I know I want to use epoxy, at least at this point, due to its softer properties.  Through this project I hope to develop a column that can dissipate vibrations.  My question is where is the best place to purchase a small quantity (about a quart or so) of epoxy resin?  Also, are some epoxies stiffer than others or is that property based on the amount of hardener added? If some are stiffer than others is there a scale or table used to quantify this stiffness?  I would like some that would cure within a day and that would be stiff enough to support a small load but still be soft enough to absorb vibration.  Your knowledge on the subject seems extensive and your input would be greatly appreciated.

[Katherine Swift]

Adam,

Thank you for the compliments!  You threw me a tough question!

I have no experience with this, but heres my initial thoughts.

There is no official reference that talks the hardness of cured resins.  While cured epoxy is more flexible I have to wonder if it will stand up to the weight of the concrete.  We do have several resins that can be purchased in a quart quantity, but I also have to wonder if you shouldnt consider a polyester too. 

Im hoping someone else can comment as well.

[Adam]

Based on the size of the models that will be constructed I would think the resin would hold.  There will be less than a pound supported by the resin.  If you still think that this is too much than I will go with some of the polyester as well.  If the research proved to be positive and went forward with scaled up models then a substance with the proper material/mechanical properties would be selected for that application.  

What role would the polyester play in the application.  Would it be added to the resin or are you suggesting that polyester  be the only product used.

Whatever your suggestion may be could you tell me the name of the resin and  polyester you recommend.  If the products do not function in the desired manner for the application then I would continue looking for other materials that may prove useful.  Thanks again.

[Katherine Swift]

The polyester Im referring to is polyester resin.  Its harder than epoxy, but not nearly as flexible.  The kind we carry is here:  https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/resin/products/castin-craft-polyester-resin-16-oz

Honestly, I have no idea how well either would hold the weight of 1 pound of concrete.

Our super clear resin cures hard (harder than the Easy Cast or Envirotex resin), so I would suggest using that one if youre going to try epoxy:  https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/resin/resin-obsession

I am very interested in how this works out for you, so please share results!

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