Overview
DERAKANE SIGNIA 411 is a bisphenol-A epoxy vinyl ester resin from ALTA Performance Materials, engineered for composite parts that must resist a wide range of acids, alkalis, bleaches, and organic compounds found in chemical processing environments. Building on the proven performance of the legacy DERAKANE resin line, the SIGNIA series adds reduced styrene emissions, improved storage stability, and a proprietary identification system that lets asset owners confirm tanks, pipes, and other equipment were fabricated as specified.
DERAKANE SIGNIA 411 is based on bisphenol-A epoxy resin chemistry and is formulated with an innovative styrene suppression system that cuts emissions by up to 35% (per the VSE test under 40 CFR Subpart WWWW Appendix A, the US Composites MACT Standard) compared with non-suppressed resins. For composite manufacturers, this means improved shop efficiency, better wet-out, reduced gassing, faster consolidation, and enhanced secondary bonding that can reduce or eliminate the need for surface preparation between laminate layers.
Key Features & Benefits
- Broad chemical resistance — resists acids, alkalis, bleaches, and organic compounds common in chemical processing.
- Reduced styrene emissions — up to 35% lower emissions per VSE testing, for a lower-odor, more employee-friendly workplace.
- Improved secondary bonding — reduces or eliminates surface prep between laminate layers, cutting labor costs.
- Proprietary identification system — lets asset owners confirm tanks, pipes, and equipment are built as specified.
- Extended equipment service life — improved toughness and reduced cracking from thermal cycling and mechanical shock.
- FDA-compliant option — when properly formulated and cured, complies with 21 CFR 177.2420 for repeated food contact.
Applications
DERAKANE SIGNIA 411 is suitable for fabricating FRP storage tanks, vessels, piping, ducts, and on-site maintenance projects, particularly in chemical processing and pulp and paper operations. It is designed for ease of fabrication using hand lay-up, spray-up, and filament winding molding techniques. Addition of thixotropic agents and fillers can compromise corrosion resistance, so fabricators should contact ALTA Performance Materials before using them in this resin.
Typical Liquid Resin Properties
| Property (at 25°C / 77°F) | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Viscosity | 370 | cps (mPa·s) |
| Kinematic Viscosity | 350 | cSt |
| Styrene Content | 44 | % |
| Filled Weight Per Gallon @ 77°F | 1.046 | g/ml |
Emissions Comparison
The table below compares DERAKANE SIGNIA 411 emissions (per US EPA rules under Table 1 to Subpart WWWW of Part 63 of the RPC MACT) against the styrene content a non-suppressed resin would need to achieve the same emissions profile.
| Application Method | DERAKANE SIGNIA 411 Emissions (lbs/ton) | Equivalent Non-LSE Styrene Content |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | 106 | 37.0% |
| Non-Atomized Mechanical | 79 | 35.7% |
| Filament Winding | 118 | 32.4% |
Vapor Suppression Effectiveness (VSE) Factor: 0.55, per 40 CFR Subpart WWWW Appendix A.
Room Temperature Curing
DERAKANE SIGNIA 411 cures at room temperature using MEKP-925H catalyst with cobalt naphthenate or cobalt octoate-6%, optionally combined with DMA and TBC 10% accelerators/inhibitors. For example, at 22°C (72°F), a 30-minute gel time is achieved with roughly 1.5 phr MEKP-925H, 0.30 phr cobalt 6%, 0.05 phr DMA, and 0.15 phr TBC 10%. Full cure schedules across 16–40°C are available in the technical data sheet; BPO-50/DEA cure schedules are also supported for applications that require them. Note that lamination should only proceed when ambient temperature is at least 3°C above the dew point (relative humidity below 80%).
Cured Casting & Laminate Properties
| Property | Cured Casting | Post-Cured Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 86 MPa | 178 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 3100 MPa | 10,700 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | 150 MPa | 225 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 3400 MPa | 8050 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation | 5–6% | — |
| Density | 1.13 | — |
| Volume Shrinkage | 8% | — |
| Heat Deflection Temperature | 105°C | — |
| Barcol Hardness | 30 | — |
| Glass Content | — | 38.6% |
Laminate construction for the post-cured properties above is 6 mm (1/4″) built as V/M/M/Wr/M/Wr/M, where V = continuous veil glass, M = chopped strand mat 450 g/m², and Wr = woven roving 800 g/m².
Packaging, Warranty & Storage
DERAKANE SIGNIA 411 is packaged in steel drums with a net weight of 205 kg (452 lbs), and carries an eighteen-month commercial warranty from date of manufacture when stored per ALTA’s recommendations. Store between 15°C and 25°C (60–77°F), away from direct sunlight, steam pipes, and other heat sources. Hazy resin indicates storage below the suggested temperature range; gently warm and mix to normal usage temperature (typically 20°C) to eliminate haze before use. Keep containers sealed to prevent moisture pick-up and monomer loss, avoid outdoor storage, and rotate stock.
Related Resin Products
- DERAKANE MOMENTUM 411-350 — related epoxy vinyl ester resin in the Derakane Momentum series.
- SWANCOR 907-S — phenolic epoxy vinyl ester resin for high-temperature corrosive service.
