Will casting resins adhere to polystyrene?

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  • mermaid
    Junior Member
    • Feb 2006
    • 106

    #1

    Will casting resins adhere to polystyrene?

    I'm wondering if I can cast resin WTC bulkheads inside a styrene hull. I'm planning to build the WTCs directly into my 1/72 Gato. I've considered using heavy styrene or acrylic sheet but trimming these materials to accurately fit the internal hull contours will be problematic. I had the idea of installing two thin sheet styrene bulkheads separated by about 3/16". I could then pour resin into the space so created. Would the resin adhere to the styrene structure? Which type of resin (epoxy or polyurethane) would be best?
  • chuck chesney
    Junior Member
    • Mar 2005
    • 176

    #2
    I can't speak to the

    I can't speak to the adhesive question, but watch out for the heat that is generated by the chemical reaction when epoxies and resins are used. Could distort the styrene.

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    • PaulC
      Administrator
      • Feb 2003
      • 1542

      #3
      Chuck's right. Don't pour into

      Chuck's right. Don't pour into the hull.

      If were going to go to the trouble to make two thin sheet styrene bulkeads for the pour, just make one out of cardboard and use it as a template to create thick walled styrene bulkheads to install in the boat.

      However, I think you'll have much less trouble in the long run by installing an acrylic cylinder as in the other build threads.
      Warm regards,

      Paul Crozier
      <><

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      • chuck chesney
        Junior Member
        • Mar 2005
        • 176

        #4
        I suspect that Paul is

        I suspect that Paul is right on target...a cylinder type WTC will probably end up being the most simple, reliable way to go. The trap that you want to avoid is like the old tale of asking a guy the time, and he tells you how to build a watch. Keep it simple and workable. Since this is your first sub, there will be lots of challenges just getting the thing to run and dive. No sense in getting so exotic that the whole thing just gets to be more trouble than it's worth.
        You can build your own Lexan WTC with a couple of endcaps annd seals from a place like Mikes Subworks, and tubes and parts from McMaster-Carr. You will have lots of ways to use your creative talents in a very productive way as you build your boat.

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