Thread: MEKP availability

Russell get it from Barnes they will road freight it I think they also have larger bottles.

Originally Posted by Simomatra

Russell get it from Barnes they will road freight it I think they also have larger bottles.

Ok I'll check it out. They haven't got back to me on my other query yet. The Arms guy was suggesting no courier will ship it anymore - some recent change he reckoned, but we'll see.

Russell.

Russell,
Try FMS (Fibreglass Material Services) they use to have branches throughout Oz, I am sure they will be able to give you any advise you need on shipping. I use to deal with them when I was building boats for a living and always found them very helpful.
If they can't help you then you could try fgi (Fibreglass International) they are one of the biggest suppliers of composite materials in the country. Links to their websites below.

www.fibreglassmaterials.com.au

www.fgi.com.au

Froggie

Thanks Brett,

I've emailed FMS, who have 1 static web page - lol, and will contact FGI later, as they have a web site with no email address! They list a sales centre in Brisbane that I could visit when I get down there.

Russell.

I know MEK as MethalEthalKetone (Sp) and can be used as a thinner / Cleaning Solvent but what is MEKP

Not sure if this helps or what you are using it for but you can get Methyl Ethyl Keytone and an Acetone mix in -

"Bostik Plumb-Weld PVC Priming fluid" from any plumbing supply place - it comes in clear for under $5 for 500mL.

Originally Posted by salty72

I know MEK as MethalEthalKetone (Sp) and can be used as a thinner / Cleaning Solvent but what is MEKP

It's a catalyst for Polyester casting resin

From Wikipedia

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) is an organic peroxide, a high explosive similar to acetone peroxide. MEKP is a colorless, oily liquid whereas acetone peroxide is a white powder at STP; MEKP is slightly less sensitive to shock and temperature, and more stable in storage.
Dilute solutions of 30 to 60% MEKP are used in industry and by hobbyists as the catalyst which initiates the polymerization of polyester resins used in glass-reinforced plastic, and casting. For this application, MEKP is dissolved in dimethyl phthalate, cyclohexane peroxide, or diallyl phthalate to reduce sensitivity to shock. Benzoyl peroxide can be used for the same purpose.
MEKP is a severe skin irritant and can cause progressive corrosive damage or blindness.
MEKP, acetone peroxide and HMTD have all been reported to be the explosives used in the alleged 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot.

Butanone is a manufactured organic chemical. It is a colorless liquid with a sharp, sweet butterscotch odor reminiscent of acetone. It is a ketone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK).
Butanone is produced in large quantities. Nearly half of it is used in paints and other coatings because it will quickly evaporate. It dissolves many substances and is used as a solvent in processes involving gums, resins, cellulose acetate and nitrocellulose coatings and in vinyl films. It is also used in the synthetic rubber industry, and as a catalyst for polyester resin hardening. It is also used in manufacturing plastics, textiles, in the production of paraffin wax, and in household products such as lacquer, varnishes, paint remover, a denaturing agent for denatured alcohol, glues and as a cleaning agent. MEK is also used in dry erase markers as the solvent of the erasable dye. It is used for synthesis of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, a catalyst for some polymerization reactions. It is highly flammable. It is not considered a large health threat.
Butanone occurs as a natural product. It is made by some trees and found in some fruits and vegetables in small amounts. It is also released to the air from car and truck exhausts.

So no, MEK and MEKP are not the same, and I doubt being mixed with Acetone is appropriate as a catalyst either, but thanks anyway.

Russell.

Well, thanks to Brett's suggestion, it appears the place is Brisbane has a product called Escon which may be a suitable resin, and cheaper than Barnes. However they have no pigments. According to that guy, Polyesthers don't take pigments very well even. They do have the MEKP though as well. The other replace hasn't responded to me.

Barnes will transport 100gm of MEKP, but bigger quantities incurs a hazchem charge apparently.

So, I can pick up some stuff from there, get some stuff delivered cheaper from Armsmodelit than Barnes, but only from Barnes can I get it all from 1 place, as being road transport, there's minimum charges anyway.

Russell.