FILCO epoxy film formers for direct roving
Low molecular weight epoxy dispersions at 200 g/eq. Soft film, fast solubility in the matrix and quick impregnation, for direct roving into pultrusion and epoxy laminates.
Low molecular weight epoxy dispersions at 200 g/eq. Soft film, fast solubility in the matrix and quick impregnation, for direct roving into pultrusion and epoxy laminates.
Direct roving goes straight from the forming bushing to the package with no intermediate step, and it is usually pulled into an epoxy matrix. The film former has to let the resin through the bundle fast, because in pultrusion the wet-out window is measured by line speed rather than by operator judgment.
COIM builds this family from low molecular weight epoxy dispersions and specifies three properties: a soft film, fast solubility in the matrix, and quick impregnation. Every grade in the family sits at 200 g/eq epoxy equivalent weight, which is the low end of the FILCO range and the reason the film releases as quickly as it does.
Solids run 51 to 63 percent, and average particle size runs 250 to 500 nm. FILCO 303HP is the high solids version of 303I at 63 percent with a coarser 500 nm particle, so a line limited on water removal can carry more solids per pass.
FILCO 8130 and 8133 are published as non crystallizing. Specify these where storage conditions are not tightly controlled.
It is also written as direct roving sizing, low EEW epoxy emulsion, epoxy film former, and glass fiber sizing film former.
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | Low molecular weight epoxy dispersions |
| Carrier | Water based, non ionic |
| Epoxy equivalent weight | 200 g/eq across the family |
| Solids content | 51 to 63 percent depending on grade |
| Average particle size | 250 to 500 nm depending on grade |
| Tg range | Minus 11 to minus 2 degrees F |
| Film character | Soft, with fast solubility in the matrix |
| Published grades | 4 |
| Matrix | Thermoset |
Typical values from the manufacturer's technical data sheet. They describe the product, they are not a specification. We will send the current TDS and the batch documentation your qualification needs.
Tell us the binder system, the property you are targeting, and the volume you expect. We will confirm the grade, send the documentation, and ship a sample from North American stock.
| Grade | Solids | Av. particle size | EEW | Tg | Main features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FILCO 303I | 51 percent | 300 nm | 200 g/eq | Minus 2 degrees F | Liquid epoxy resin |
| FILCO 303HP | 63 percent | 500 nm | 200 g/eq | Minus 2 degrees F | Higher solids version of 303I, coarser average particle size |
| FILCO 8130 | 60 percent | 300 nm | 200 g/eq | Minus 11 degrees F | Non crystallizing |
| FILCO 8133 | 51 percent | 250 nm | 200 g/eq | Minus 6 degrees F | Non crystallizing |
Values are the manufacturer's published typical figures. Ask for the current technical data sheet on any grade and we will send it with the matching safety data sheet.
Direct roving pulled through an epoxy bath and a heated die. Quick impregnation is what lets the line run at speed.
Where the matrix is epoxy rather than polyester and the sizing has to be matched to it.
Roving wound straight off the bushing, with no chopping or mat step in between.
FILCO 303HP at 63 percent solids and FILCO 8130 at 60 percent.
It is specified where the formulation needs 200 g/eq across the family, the low EEW that drives fast matrix solubility, soft film and quick impregnation for line speed in pultrusion, high solids options at 60 and 63 percent, and non crystallizing grades in FILCO 8130 and 8133.
Applied at the forming line in a sizing bath alongside the coupling agent and lubricant. Epoxy sizings are matched to an epoxy matrix, so name the resin system when you ask for a recommendation.
The Tg values in this family are all below freezing, which is what makes the film soft and quick to impregnate. It also means these sizings behave differently in storage and handling from the higher Tg thermoplastic grades.
Where crystallization in storage has been a problem, specify FILCO 8130 or 8133. COIM publishes both as non crystallizing.
Package sizes: Made to order in the pack size the line needs. Tell us the volume and we will confirm..
Storage: Store in the original sealed container, protected from frost and from direct sun. Freezing destroys a water based dispersion permanently. Confirm the shelf life on the current data sheet for your grade.
Read the safety data sheet before handling. We supply the current SDS with every grade.
Epoxy equivalent weight tracks molecular weight, so a low EEW means shorter chains. Shorter chains dissolve into the matrix faster and give a softer film, which is what quick impregnation needs. Every grade in this family is 200 g/eq, against 270 g/eq in the filament winding family and up to 1800 g/eq in the thermoplastic epoxy family.
All four are written for direct roving, which is the pultrusion feed. The choice is usually driven by solids and by whether crystallization has been an issue. Tell us the line speed, the die temperature and the resin system and we will take it to COIM's technical group.
303HP is the high solids version, 63 percent against 51 percent, with a coarser 500 nm average particle size against 300 nm. EEW and Tg are identical. Specify 303HP when the line is limited on how much water it can drive off.
The dispersion does not form crystals in storage. COIM publishes FILCO 8130 and 8133 as non crystallizing, which matters where drums sit for a while or where warehouse temperature swings.
Yes. Tell us the process, the matrix resin and the fiber and we will send the current technical data sheet with the matching safety data sheet, and arrange sample material.
Yes. We send the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on request, in the manufacturer's current revision. Use Request TDS or SDS above and tell us what your qualification review needs.
The other epoxy family, at 230 to 270 g/eq with a self-lubricating film.
Where the service temperature is the specification.
Epoxy ester and polyester, where translucency matters.
What a film former does in a sizing, and how the chemistries divide.
The selection logic, worked through on the carbon side.