What Is Epoxy Resin?
Epoxy Is the family of basic components or cured end products of epoxy resins. Epoxy Resins, also known as polyepoxides, are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. The epoxide functional group is also collectively called epoxy. The IUPAC name for an epoxide group is an oxirane.
What Is An Epoxy Resin Used For?
One of the most common uses of epoxy resin is for adhesive purposes. That’s because the strong-properties of the epoxy allow for structural and engineering adhesives. Commonly, epoxy resin is used in the construction of vehicles, snowboards, aircrafts and bicycles.
What Is Epoxy Resin Made Of?
Most common epoxy resins are produced from a reaction between epichlorohydrin (ECH) and bisphenol-A (BPA), though the latter may be replaced by other raw materials (such as aliphatic glycols, phenol and o-cresol novolacs) to produce specialty resins.
The epoxy resins can be obtained in either liquid or solid states. The two processes are similar. Firstly ECH and BPA are charged into a reactor. A solution of 20-40% caustic soda is added to the reaction vessel as the solution is brought to the boiling point. After the evaporation of unreacted ECH, the two phases are separated by adding an inert solvent such as methylisobutylketone (MIBK). The resin is then washed with water and the solvent is removed by vacuum distillation.The producers will add the specific additivesto create a formula that lend special properties such as flexibility, viscosity, color, adhesiveness, and fastercuring, depending on a particular application.
In order to convert epoxy resins into a hard, infusible, and rigid material, it is necessary to cure the resin with hardener. Epoxy resins can cure at practically any temperature from 5-150oC depending on the choice of curing agent. Primary and secondary amines are widely used to cure epoxy resins.
Application Of Epoxy Resins?
Epoxies are more heat- and chemical-resistant than most glues and can adhere to wood, metal, glass, stone, and some plastics. The primary areas for application of epoxy resins in construction projects are coatings, flooring, concrete restoration, crack repair, and as joint material for tiles.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR EPOXIES:
- Roughen the surfaces you want to bond with sandpaper or by carefully draw-filing the areas. Remove dust, grease, and dirt from the surfaces.
- Cut the end tips of the application syringe. Turn the syringe up and depress the syringe slightly, pushing the air bubbles to the top.
- On a disposable surface, push the double plunger to dispense equal parts of the resin and hardener. If your epoxy does not come with a tray, it would be a good idea to purchase one. If you don’t have the time to purchase a tray, use a disposable plate or a well-cleaned yoghurt container.
- Retract the plunger slightly, wipe the application tip clean, and replace the cap.
- Quickly mix the resin and hardener until completely blended (1-2 minutes).
- Add a small amount of the glue to the items you are bonding, carefully assemble them, and press them together firmly. Set and cure times vary for different products, so check the packaging or manufacturer’s instructions for details.
- Remove excess epoxy
How Strong Is Epoxy Resins?
In general, the tensile strength of epoxy resins can range from 5,000 to 6,000 psi.
What Does Epoxy Do?
Epoxy resin is typically a two-part adhesive that can be used for repairs. It is often used to fix broken objects or to create a sealant. The adhesive will harden and form a strong bond once mixed together. This makes epoxy resin ideal for repairing items such as vases, figurines, ornaments, and more.
Types Of Epoxy Resins?
When searching for the proper epoxy to specify, it is important to note there are three general classes of epoxy pure epoxy, polyester resins, and epoxy acrylates that break out in different ways with respect to properties and performance. Pure epoxy is typically just a resin and a hardener.
Advantages Of Epoxy Resins:
- Excellent esthetics.
- Conservation of tooth structure.
- Good longevity.
- Can be repaired.
- Bonds to tooth structure.
- Complex tooth preparation needed.
- Economic restorative material.
Epoxy Resin Prices In Ghana:
The cost of epoxy resins in Ghana cost between GHS 60.00 and GHS 120.00 ..!!!