Polychem Middle East offers a range of high-performance accelerators, promoters, and stabilizers designed to optimize polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy resin curing processes. Correct use of accelerators ensures controlled gel times, consistent cure quality, and improved laminate mechanical performance across GRP, GRC, marine, and industrial composite applications.
Our accelerator range is trusted by composite manufacturers and fabricators across the UAE and MENA region for its reliability, purity, and consistent performance batch after batch. We supply both standard and premium grade options to meet varying production requirements.
Our Products
Our accelerator and additive range covers polyester curing, GRC admixtures, bonding promotion, and UV protection. Download the Technical Data Sheet for each product below.
COBALT OCTOATE 1%–12%
Primary accelerator for polyester and vinyl ester resin systems. Cobalt Octoate activates MEKP catalyst decomposition to initiate and control the curing reaction. Available in 1% to 12% cobalt metal concentrations to suit varying temperature conditions and production requirements.
Download TDSP8 — ACCELERATING PLASTICIZER & WATER REDUCING AGENT
Multifunctional admixture for Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC). P8 acts simultaneously as an accelerating plasticizer and water-reducing agent, improving workability and early strength development in GRC mixes while reducing water demand.
Download TDSBONDING AGENTS — POLYBOND
PolyBond Acrylic/Latex Bonding Agent and Mortar Concrete Admixture for GRC applications. Improves adhesion between cementitious substrates, increases bond strength between new and old concrete, and enhances the flexibility and durability of GRC components.
Download TDSUV STABILIZING AGENT — PLS92
PLS92 is a retarder against photodegradation in plastics, GRP, and composite products. Absorbs UV radiation to prevent yellowing, chalking, and surface degradation, ensuring longevity and maintained appearance of outdoor composite and plastic components.
Download TDSProduct Range
Accelerators and promoters work in conjunction with catalysts to control resin gel time and through-cure. Choosing the correct accelerator concentration is critical for consistent production quality, especially in variable temperature environments like the Gulf region.
- Cobalt Octoate (Cobalt Naphthenate) 1%–12% — primary accelerator for polyester resins
- P8 Promoter — highly efficient activator used with MEKP for faster gel times
- UV Stabilizing Agent PCLS92 — prevents photodegradation, yellowing, and chalking
- Poly Bond Acrylic / Latex bonding agent for GRC and cementitious mixes
- Air Release Agent AF75 — eliminates micro-bubbles in gelcoats and resins
- Defoamers for polyester gelcoats and solid surface casting applications
About Accelerators
Accelerators are chemical agents that speed up specific reactions, typically in polymerization processes or chemical setting reactions. In the context of resins, concrete, and plastics, accelerators are used to enhance the curing process, improve performance, and achieve desired properties faster.
For example, Cobalt Octoate is an accelerator commonly used in polyester resins, while P8 is an accelerating plasticizer that also serves as a water-reducing agent in GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete). Bonding agents like Polybond improve adhesion between substrates, and UV stabilizing agents like PLS92 act as retarders to prevent photodegradation in plastics, ensuring longevity and durability. These accelerators are essential for optimizing product performance and ensuring efficiency in manufacturing processes.
Faster Curing
Accelerators speed up polymerization reactions, reducing gel and cure times to improve throughput and production efficiency.
Improved Performance
Proper acceleration ensures complete cross-linking of resin systems, delivering full mechanical strength and chemical resistance in finished composites.
Polyester Resins
Cobalt Octoate activates MEKP catalyst decomposition to initiate curing in unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resin systems.
GRC Applications
P8 accelerates early strength development in Glass Reinforced Concrete while simultaneously reducing water demand and improving workability.
Enhanced Adhesion
Bonding agents like Polybond significantly improve adhesion between substrates, ensuring durable bonds in composite and cementitious structures.
UV & Weather Protection
PLS92 retards photodegradation in plastics and GRP, maintaining gloss, colour stability, and mechanical properties under prolonged UV exposure.
Technical Guidance
In the UAE's high-temperature climate, lower concentrations of cobalt accelerator are often recommended compared to cooler climates to prevent premature gelation. P8 Promoter is particularly useful in pre-promoted resin systems or where consistent activation is needed across batches. UV stabilizers are essential for any GRP or composite product exposed to direct sunlight.
Controlled Gel Time
Cobalt and P8 accelerators allow precise control of gel time to match production requirements and ambient temperature conditions.
UV Protection
PCLS92 UV Stabilizer protects composite surfaces from photodegradation, maintaining color and mechanical integrity under UAE sunlight.
Improved Quality
Air release and defoaming agents eliminate surface defects in gelcoats and castings for professional-grade finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typical cobalt addition rates range from 0.3% to 1.0% by weight depending on ambient temperature, desired gel time, and the base resin formulation. In hot UAE conditions, lower rates (0.3–0.5%) are often sufficient. Always consult the resin datasheet and conduct trials.
P8 Promoter can be added to pre-accelerated resins for additional activation when needed, but use with caution and follow recommended addition rates. Excess promotion significantly reduces gel time and can cause exothermal issues in thick laminates.
PCLS92 UV Stabilizing Agent absorbs UV radiation and converts it to harmless heat energy, preventing the photodegradation of resin matrices. This maintains surface gloss, color stability, and mechanical properties in GRP products exposed to sunlight.