Pot life

Pot life, also known as processing time, is a term used in various fields, particularly in materials science and the manufacture of products such as adhesives, coatings, resins and paints. It refers to the period of time during which a mixture or substance remains in a suitable state for processing or application after mixing or activation.

Pot life is an important parameter that depends on the formulation of the material and the environmental conditions. It is influenced by factors such as the chemical composition of the components, the ambient temperature and humidity. Once the pot life has elapsed, the material begins to harden, dry or cross-link, which impairs its workability and may no longer guarantee the desired properties of the end product.

In practice, the pot life is carefully monitored and controlled to ensure that the material has the required properties throughout the process. This can be achieved by selecting suitable material formulations, adjusting environmental conditions or using additives that extend or shorten the pot life.

Knowing the pot life is crucial for the planning and execution of production processes, as it defines the time frame within which the material must be properly processed. Precise control of pot life makes it possible to avoid material waste, ensure product quality and maximize the efficiency of manufacturing processes. Overall, pot life is an important parameter in material processing that defines the period of time during which a material is still suitable for processing after mixing or activation. Precise control of the pot life is crucial for the manufacture of high-quality products and the optimization of production processes.