In modern composite manufacturing, resin systems alone are often not sufficient to meet increasingly demanding performance requirements. Whether the application involves construction, marine, transportation, or industrial equipment, additives play a critical role in optimizing processing behavior, surface quality, durability, and long-term performance of composite materials.
At Thousands Technology, we work closely with composite manufacturers to select and supply functional additives that enhance both manufacturing efficiency and final product performance.
Why Additives Matter in Composite Materials
Composite additives are formulated in small quantities, but their impact is significant. Proper additive selection can help manufacturers:
- Improve resin flow and wet-out
- Reduce defects such as air bubbles and pinholes
- Enhance mechanical strength and surface finish
- Increase resistance to heat, UV, chemicals, and aging
- Optimize curing behavior and production consistency
These benefits directly translate into higher-quality composite parts and more stable production processes.
Key Types of Additives and Their Functions
1. Defoaming and Air-Release Additives
Air entrapment is a common challenge in FRP and fiberglass manufacturing. Trapped air can lead to voids, surface defects, and reduced mechanical strength.
Defoaming and air-release additives help:
- Accelerate air bubble release during mixing and molding
- Improve surface smoothness
- Reduce post-processing and repair costs
These additives are especially important in hand lay-up, spray-up, and RTM processes.
2. Rheology Modifiers and Thixotropic Agents
Controlling resin viscosity is essential for consistent application and part geometry.
Rheology modifiers:
- Prevent resin sagging on vertical surfaces
- Improve fiber wetting
- Enable better control during infusion or coating
They are widely used in gelcoats, adhesives, and structural laminates.
3. UV Stabilizers and Anti-Aging Additives
For outdoor applications such as tanks, gratings, marine parts, and construction components, UV resistance is critical.
UV stabilizers and antioxidants:
- Reduce discoloration and surface chalking
- Slow down resin degradation
- Extend service life in harsh environments
These additives are essential for maintaining both aesthetics and structural integrity.
4. Processing and Flow Additives
Processing additives are designed to improve manufacturing efficiency without compromising performance.
Typical benefits include:
- Improved mold release
- More uniform resin distribution
- Enhanced compatibility between fillers, fibers, and resin systems
They help manufacturers achieve higher productivity and repeatable results.
Additives as a System, Not a Single Solution
One common misconception is treating additives as standalone solutions. In reality, additives work best when optimized as part of the complete resin formulation.
At Thousands Technology, we emphasize:
- Compatibility with unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins
- Balance between processing ease and final performance
- Application-specific recommendations based on customer processes
This system-level approach ensures reliable performance across different composite applications.
About Thousands Technology
Thousands Technology is a professional supplier of composite raw materials and functional additives, serving customers across fiberglass, FRP, and advanced composite industries. Our product portfolio includes carefully selected additives designed to improve processing efficiency, surface quality, and long-term durability of composite products.
By combining technical expertise with stable supply and application support, Thousands Technology helps manufacturers achieve better performance, lower defect rates, and more competitive finished products.
