Cab-O-Sil® Fumed Silica
Fumed Silica (Cab-O-Sil® is its commercial name) is a very lightweight agent (a thixotrope) used for thickening products such as resins. Available in a minimum 150 gms (approx: 1 litre) or 350 gm (2.5 litres) pots. Fumed silica is a light and easily blended thickening agent, ideal for preventing drainage and in creating gels for use on vertical surfaces and as fillers. Note: Fumed Silica adds little structural strength to resin. Use Mill fibre, CSM or fibreglass when installing plugs, boxes or stantions.
Description
Fumed Silica or Cabosil (Cab-O-Sil® is its commercial name) is a very lightweight agent (a thixatrope) used for thickening products such as resins. Available in pots of 50 gms (minimum – approx 1 litre), 350 gms (2.5 litres approx).Fumed silica is a lightweight thickening agent, ideal for preventing drainage and in creating gels for use on vertical surfaces and as fillers. (Note: Cab-o-sil® – fumed silica – adds no structural strength to resin. (You even get a free reusable resin proof bucket). Blend well with catalysed resin (Polyester or Epoxy) to a gel consistency. Generally non hazardous, but floats easily and can be a dust nuisance. Wear a mask!
To thicken resin, add 1% by weight. To make a very thick resin – or gelcoat – add 3.5% by weight. Cannot be easily mixed by machine. Resins containing thickening agents are called thixotropic.
Need a glass bubbles ? Note: This product is not recommended where structural integrity is pre-requisite. Not ideal for installing plugs, boxes or stantions where fibreglass, fibreglass powder, CSM or milled fibre provides a more secure fixing.