AME 5500 C is a thixotropic, modified vinyl epoxy marine resin developed by INEOS specifically for marine laminate construction and large FRP tooling. For composite material buyers sourcing resin systems for boat hulls, decks and tooling, this marine resin offers a combination of blister resistance, fatigue life and toughness that is relevant when evaluating supply options against conventional polyester resin systems.
AME 5500 C Product Overview
This resin is formulated by INEOS Composites to support marine laminates where low shrinkage, improved strength, impact resistance, blister resistance and surface profile are required. According to the manufacturer’s technical datasheet, laminates built with it are designed to outperform conventional polyester resin systems in wet-out and handling characteristics under a range of shop conditions, which is a practical consideration for fabricators managing lay-up schedules.
Key Properties of AME 5500 C Marine Resin
Per the INEOS technical datasheet, this product has the following uncured resin properties:
- Viscosity at 25°C (Brookfield RVT sp3, 60rpm): 385 mPa·s (ISO 2555)
- Viscosity at 25°C (Brookfield RVT sp3, 6rpm): 900 mPa·s (ISO 2555)
- Styrene content: 40% (SFS 4864)
- Index of thixotropy: 2.33
- Gel time at 25°C (100g resin + 1g Butanox MEKP-50 catalyst): 28 minutes (Internal method D006)
- Peak exotherm: 165°C
These figures give buyers a reference point for comparing this resin against alternative marine resin systems before committing to a purchase order, particularly for shops that run tight gel-time windows on large tooling.
Cured Laminate Performance
Once cured, laminates made with this marine resin are reported in the datasheet to achieve the following typical properties:
- HDT (1.81 MPa): 86.4°C (ISO 75)
- Ultimate HDT (post cured 2 hrs at 60°C + 3 hrs at 138°C): 108°C (ISO 75)
- Flexural strength: 140.1 MPa (ISO 178)
- Flexural modulus: 3351.6 MPa (ISO 178)
- Tensile strength: 84.8 MPa (ISO 527)
- Tensile modulus: 3413 MPa (ISO 527)
- Elongation at break: 5.28% (ISO 527)
This heat-deflection and strength profile is why the resin is positioned by INEOS for structural marine laminates and tooling rather than general-purpose fiberglass work.
Applications for AME 5500 C in Marine and FRP Tooling
INEOS developed this product for marine applications and large FRP tooling projects, where blister resistance and dimensional stability over time matter for the service life of the laminate. Composite fabricators building boat hulls, decks, and marine tooling can review it alongside other unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resin options available through our supply chain resource network when comparing resin systems for a specific hull or tooling program.
Quality Compliance and Supply
According to INEOS Composites, the manufacturing, quality control and distribution of this resin comply with one or more of the following programs: Responsible Care, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. The manufacturer’s stated commercial warranty covers three months from the date of manufacture when the resin is stored in accordance with recommended conditions; higher storage temperatures reduce product stability, while lower storage temperatures extend it. As with any resin system, buyers should review current hazard communication and safe-handling guidance before storing or processing this product at their facility. As a recommended international brand product, AME 5500 C is available through our supply chain resource support for composite buyers sourcing marine-grade resin systems; we are not an authorized INEOS distributor.
Frequently Asked Questions About AME 5500 C
What type of resin is AME 5500 C?
AME 5500 C is a thixotropic, modified vinyl epoxy resin developed by INEOS specifically for marine laminate and large FRP tooling applications.
What is the gel time of this resin?
At 25°C with 100g resin plus 1g Butanox MEKP-50 catalyst, it has a gel time of approximately 28 minutes according to the manufacturer’s internal test method D006.
What heat deflection temperature does this product achieve?
Cured laminates reach an HDT of 86.4°C under 1.81 MPa load, with an ultimate HDT of 108°C after post-curing, per ISO 75 testing referenced in the datasheet.
What is the styrene content of this resin?
It contains 40% styrene content as measured by SFS 4864, consistent with its classification as a vinyl epoxy marine resin.
Is it suitable for large FRP tooling?
Yes. INEOS positions this resin for both marine laminate construction and big FRP tooling projects where low shrinkage and blister resistance are required.
Composite material buyers, boat builders and FRP tooling manufacturers interested in sourcing AME 5500 C or comparing it with other marine-grade resin systems are welcome to submit an inquiry for current supply options, technical documentation and shipment terms.
