Properties and Characteristics of Epoxy Resins
When two or more objects have to adhere to each other for an extended time, the best way to accomplish that is with epoxy. The application package comes with two syringes containing components that react together to form a strong, lasting bond. Due to the characteristics epoxy possesses, businesses and individuals use epoxy for a broad range of applications.
Epoxy application kits have a long shelf-life. Rediscovered epoxy syringes have be found, after years of being forgotten, that work as well as epoxy bought the day of application.
Properties of Epoxy
The primary reason for epoxy’s popularity is its superb mechanical strength. Welding is often the only alternative. Epoxy is nearly always cheaper and faster than welding.
Epoxy also has excellent resistance to chemicals. After setting, there is no worry of a chemical reaction that will weaken the seal. It also resists heat. That resistance makes it ideal for electronics and electrical systems and other industrial applications.
Those who use epoxy are aware of the superb mechanical strength and low curing contraction. They also know the epoxy resins are well-balanced industrial materials and suited to a broad range of applications.
Engineers are faced with concerns about heat dissipation, electrical insulation, adhering dissimilar substrates, light weighting, sound dampening, vibration, and reduction corrosion. Appearance has to be considered, as well as, assembling costs. Epoxy is an adhesive formulation that meets all of those concerns. Its thermal and electrical properties, strength, and durability are what epoxy is noted for. Those properties along with the resistance to immersion and hostile chemical vapor are the reason epoxy often is chosen by engineers.
Performance Properties
Performance properties held by epoxy are:
- Biocompatibility
- Environmentally friendly
- Flame resistant
- Food Safe
It has excellent gap filling properties. Epoxy is resistant to cold, radiation, and steam. The superior performance of epoxy remains when exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Why Two-Part Epoxy Should Be Used
The advantages of two-part epoxy outweigh the disadvantages. Two-part epoxy resins cure easily at room temperature. They do not require heat of any sort. One-part epoxy does require heat. Two-part epoxy provides excellent chemical resistance.
The drawbacks of two-part epoxy are the irritation to the hands if they come in contact with the substances, and the measuring and blending hassle required of two agents. Because two-part epoxy dries so quickly, it is important to apply it correctly on the first attempt.