Fibreglass Supplies Colloidal Silica is a versatile premium material commonly used as a thickening and thixotropic agent in various resin systems. Thixotropy refers to the property of a substance to become less viscous and more fluid when agitated or stressed, and then return to a higher viscosity when at rest. This property is valuable in controlling the flow and sag characteristics of a resin, ensuring it adheres well to vertical or overhead surfaces without running or dripping.
Thixotropy Control: The addition of colloidal silica helps control thixotropy, preventing sagging or dripping of the resin. This is particularly important in applications where a uniform coating on vertical or overhead surfaces is desired.
Handling and Flow Characteristics: By adjusting the amount of colloidal silica added to a resin mix, the handling and flow characteristics can be tailored to meet specific requirements. The inclusion of colloidal silica is especially beneficial when working with other fillers like glass bubbles or microballoons.
Non-Sag Properties: When combined with glass bubbles or microfibers, colloidal silica imparts non-sag properties to the resin system. This is advantageous in applications where maintaining a specific shape or thickness is crucial.
Structural Adhesive: Colloidal silica is often used in combination with microfibers to create high-strength, non-sagging structural adhesives. This is particularly useful for bonding non-absorbent materials like glass-reinforced plastics (GRP).
Increased Hardness: The addition of colloidal silica to a resin mix tends to increase the hardness of the resulting material. While this can be beneficial for creating hard-wearing surfaces, it may also pose challenges during sanding due to the increased hardness.
Sanding Considerations: Because colloidal silica can make the resin mix harder, it may create difficulties during the sanding process. To address this, colloidal silica is typically added in minimal quantities when sanding is anticipated. In some cases, the increased hardness can be intentionally used to create durable edges or surfaces.
In summary, colloidal silica is a valuable additive in resin systems, offering control over thixotropy, improved handling, and tailored flow characteristics. Its use is particularly beneficial in applications where non-sag properties, structural adhesion, and increased hardness are desired, though care should be taken to manage sanding challenges associated with higher hardness.
Fibreglass Supplies use Royal Mail, APC Overnight and the National Hazardous Pallet Network for our Next Day Delivery Services.
Royal Mail
Orders of up to 2kg will usually be sent using a Royal Mail First Class Service for National Next Day Delivery.
APC Overnight
Orders over 2kg and up to 30kg will be sent using a Fully Tracked Next Day Service using APC Overnight. Some smaller Roofing Kits that weigh up to 30kg in Total would be sent on this service. This includes Resins, Gelcoats and Topcoats which are classed as Hazardous and are decanted into 5kg Tins or Pales to comply with the Transportation of Hazardous Goods Act.
Pallet Network
All our larger orders by weight would usually be sent using the National Pallet Network. Non Hazardous Items can be sent using either the Pallet Network or APC Overnight.
All Hazardous goods over 30kg (which includes Roofing Kits over 30kg in total weight) are usually sent using the National Pallet Network on a Fully Trackable Next Day Delivery Service.
NB - Please note that our Direct Control of the Delivery Element extends to making sure we pick pack and dispatch all orders on time. As we have no Direct Control over the performance of any individual courier we would not be responsible for refunds due to the late arrival of any order.
We always work hard with customers to overcome any issues that arise so please call us if you do have any concerns with regard to tight delivery deadlines so that we can provide great advice if needed.
Please read our Returns policy laid out below.
Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2014 you are entitled to return goods within 14 days of delivery for a refund of the cost of the goods. The delivery costs and any packaging are not included in the refund. The returned goods should be in the original containers and unopened. It is the customers responsibility to pay for the cost of returning goods to our Business Premises.
Some of our products are made to order and as such once ordered are non refundable and non returnable. These include coloured gelcoats, topcoats and resins.
These Consumer Regulations do not apply to business purchases (B2B). However we will always help in any way and look to find a suitable and mutually acceptable solution should any issues arise through the order process.
It is the customers responsibility to understand the suitability of the product before its use. Technical and Safety Data Sheets are available for all products where applicable. These can be found on most product description pages or if not are available on request. If you are unsure please do not hesitate to contact us for expert advice and product suitability and application.
To organise a return please contact us on the following.
