The main differences between glass fiber chopped strand mat (CSM) with emulsion binder and powder binder lie in the type of binder used and the resulting physical properties and application scenarios. Here is a detailed comparison:
### 1. **Binder Type**
– **Emulsion Mat**: Uses emulsion binders, typically polyvinyl acetate or polyester emulsions.
– **Powder Mat**: Uses powder binders, usually polyester powders.
### 2. **Physical Properties**
| Property | Emulsion Mat | Powder Mat |
|——————|———————————-|———————————-|
| **Appearance** | Smooth and flat surface | Fluffy and soft |
| **Wettability** | Good resin wettability | Better wettability, especially in low-temperature environments |
| **Conformability** | Good conformability, less fiber shedding | Excellent conformability, suitable for complex shapes |
| **Strength** | High strength | High strength, suitable for large-area products |
| **Compatibility** | Compatible with polyester and vinyl ester resins | Better compatibility with epoxy resins |
### 3. **Application Scenarios**
– **Emulsion Mat**:
– Suitable for products with high surface quality requirements, such as smooth and high-quality appearance.
– Widely used in hand lay-up or compression molding processes, commonly found in automotive parts, boat hulls, sanitary ware, and pipes.
– **Powder Mat**:
– Suitable for low-temperature environments, such as winter use, due to its fast wettability.
– Ideal for making glass fiber molds, especially for intricate corners and detailed operations.
– Better suited for use with epoxy resins.
### 4. **Recommendations**
– Choose **emulsion mat** if you need better surface quality and conformability.
– Choose **powder mat** if you require fast wettability, suitability for low-temperature environments, or compatibility with epoxy resins.
In summary, both emulsion and powder mats have their own advantages. Users can select the appropriate type based on specific application requirements and process conditions.