Epoxy Characteristics and Properties

Epoxy Characteristics

Epoxy is well known as being one of the best ways to adhere two or more objects together where they will stay for an extended period of time.  The illustration here shows the most common application package of epoxy for consumers.  It is a “syringe” of the two components that react with each to form a strong and lasting bond.  Epoxy has a very wide range of applications for both individuals and businesses because of the characteristics it brings to the table.

Epoxy is also long-lasting before it is even dispensed from the syringe, as syringes of epoxy have been found after years of laying around forgotten and still worked just as well as epoxy bought the same day from a store.

Epoxy Properties

The primary reason epoxy is popular for so many structural adhesive applications is that it has superb mechanical strength.  The only alternative in many cases to epoxy for these applications is welding and epoxy is faster and cheaper than welding in almost every application.

Epoxy also has an excellence resistant to chemicals.  Once it has set, you do not have to worry about other chemicals causing a reaction that would weaken its seal.  Epoxy is also very resistant to heat, which makes it ideal for any number of industrial applications such as electrical systems and electronics.  It also makes it ideal for individual applications involving hot running motors.

Users of epoxy also know that it has a low curing contraction and superb mechanical strength.  Epoxy resins are well known for being well-balanced industrial materials and are suitable for a very wide range of applications.

One or Two-Part Epoxy Resin – Why You Should Use Two-Part

If you are using the two-part epoxy resin as opposed to the one-part, you should know that it has a number of advantages and disadvantages.  Two- part epoxy resins will easily cure at room temperatures and do not require any sort of heat, as does a one-part epoxy resin.  Two-part also provides for excellent chemical resistance and diectricity.

There are a few drawbacks such as the hassle of measuring and blending the two agents and irritations to the hands.  It is also important to get it right the first time with two-part epoxy resins as it dries in a very short period.