R12 Ceramic Fiber Rigidizer is a colloidal silica compound for treating surfaces of ceramic fiber products to provide a degree of surface hardness, or form a protective rigid surface to improve the resistance to erosion after air-drying. It can also soak ceramic fiber blanket to form in a hard specific shape. R12 is a liquid ready for use.
Characteristics:
Increase surface hardness of ceramic fiber blanket and board
Increase resistance to erosion of high velocity gas
Bond composites and laminates
Easily applied by brushing, dipping, rolling or spraying method.
Thermal shock resistant
Reflect heat
Application:
Surfaces to be coated should be free of any grease and oil.
Rigidizer can be applied by brushing, dipping, rolling, and spraying (suitable respiratory protection and ventilation are required when applied by spraying). One gallon of rigidizer covers approximately 35 square feet brushed, or 70 square feet sprayed surface.
Rigidizer receives its rigidizing action by air-drying for about 24 hours from the removal of physical water. The curing process can be accelerated by heating. Curing is a function of the coating thickness, size, and geometry, as well as humidity. However, rigidizer dried at room temperature is not water-proof. Final curing should be done at high temperature (>1000 °F).
After curing, rigidzer will render a hard surface without completely rigidizing the interior of the ceramic fiber body.
Storage:
Rigidizer must be protected from freezing. Normal shelf life is 6 months in unopened containers that have been properly stored.