MEKP-50 is the workhorse in GRP curing systems. Medium-reactive, general purpose methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) with guaranteed low water content, used for curing unsaturated polyester resins in the presence of a cobalt accelerator at room and elevated temperatures.

Specifications

Characteristics

Applications

MEKP-50 is a general purpose methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) for the curing of unsaturated polyester resins in the presence of a cobalt accelerator at room and elevated temperatures. The curing system MEKP-50/cobalt accelerator is particularly suitable for the curing of gelcoat resins, laminating resins, lacquers and castings; moreover the manufacture of light resistant parts may be possible contrary to the curing system benzoyl peroxide/amine accelerator. Practical experience throughout many years has proven that by the guaranteed low water content and the absence of polar compounds in MEKP-50, this peroxide is very suitable in GRP products for e.g. marine applications.

Thermal stability

Organic peroxides are thermally unstable substances, which may undergo self-accelerating decomposition. The lowest temperature at which self-accelerating decomposition of a substance in the original packaging may occur is the Self- Accelerating Decomposition Temperature (SADT). The SADT is determined on the basis of the Heat Accumulation Storage Test.

Storage

Due to the relatively unstable nature of organic peroxides a loss of quality can be detected over a period of time. To minimize the loss of quality, Thousands chemicals recommends a maximum storage temperature (Ts max. ) for each organic peroxide product.

Packaging and transport

The standard packaging is a 30 l HDPE can for 30 kg peroxide solution. In Asia Pacific the standard packaging is a 30 l HDPE can for 20 kg peroxide solution. Both packaging and transport meet the international regulations. For the availability of other packed quantities contact your Thousands chemicals’ representative. MEKP-50 is classified as Organic peroxide type D; liquid; Division 5. 2; UN 3105.

Safety and handling

Keep containers tightly closed. Store and handle MEKP-50 in a dry well-ventilated place away from sources of heat or ignition and direct sunlight. Never weigh out in the storage room. Avoid contact with reducing agents (e. g. amines), acids, alkalis and heavy metal compounds (e. g. accelerators, driers and metal soaps). Please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for further information on the safe storage, use and handling of MEKP-50. This information should be thoroughly reviewed prior to acceptance of this product.

Major decomposition products

Carbon dioxide, Water, Acetic acid, Formic acid, Propanoic acid, Methyl ethyl ketone