Before Contacting Epoxy Resin Manufacturers What You Must Know

Epoxy resins are known to offer outstanding adhesive properties. It is one of the most used thermosetting polymers in all industries, especially construction. If mixed with any hardener, it cures. When properly cured, they can form chemically strong and durable networks. Hence, epoxy resin manufacturers widely deal in the industries of electronics, aerospace, household and art improvements. Artists, chemists, industrial manufacturers or DIY enthusiasts, everyone needs this polymer to achieve optimal results in their workspace.

In this article, you will get to know all the key chemical properties, variations and applications of this thermosetting polymer.

Epoxy Resin: Chemical Properties

The unique chemical structure of epoxy resins allows them to be used in different curing processes. Below are the chemical properties discussed in detail.

1. Chemical Structure

Epoxy resins, or DGEBA, are bisphenol A Diglycidyl ethers. They are prepared by the chemical reaction between BPA (bisphenol A) and epichlorohydrin. DGEBA contains epoxide, hydroxyl, and aromatic rings, which make it efficient for offering adhesion, thermal stability, rigidity, and other mechanical properties.

2. Cross-linking & Reactivity

Cross-linking or curing is the process of mixing epoxy resins with any hardener. This chemical reaction produces solid plastic from liquid resins. Hardeners or curing agents may include amine, catalytic and anhydride hardeners. Each of them offers different characteristics after reactions with epoxy resins.

3. Chemical & Thermal Resistance

As they have cross-linked structures, epoxy resins offer high thermal stability, which means they get decomposed at higher temperatures only. Depending on its formulation, epoxies get decomposed between 250°C to 400°C. It offers chemical resistance to several chemicals including alcohols, acids, bases, hydrocarbons and water.

4. Mechanical & Electrical Properties

Epoxies cure with improved adhesion and low shrinkage. Its solid covalent bonding makes it resistant to impacts within a cross-linked network. They are a must-use in PCB coatings and other electronics due to their electrical insulation properties.

5. Environmental Considerations

Epoxies offer low Volatile organic compounds emissions. With prolonged exposure, people can experience irritations or allergies on their skin. Except for some bio-based alternatives, conventional epoxy resins do not include biodegradable properties.

Epoxy Resins: Variants

Depending upon its chemical structure and areas of use, epoxy resins are of two types. Epoxy resin manufacturers fulfill the demands of their clients with the best quality epoxies of all variants.

• Waterborne

Waterborne epoxies have high demands in the industries of adhesives and coatings. This type of epoxy lowers the emission of VOCs or volatile organic compounds as it can be dispersed into water.

• Ultra Violet Curable

Due to some modern formulations, a few epoxies can be cured with exposure to UV light. They are highly used in applications such as adhesives and coatings, which require quick processing time.

Epoxy Resins: Applications

Due to its durability, heat and chemical resistance, and adhesion properties, epoxies have huge demands in a lot of applications.

• Coatings & Adhesives

Adhesive property is what makes the demand for epoxies in the industries of construction, aerospace and automotive. It offers wear and corrosion resistance while applied on metal surfaces or floors.

• Art & craft

Due to the glossy finish and clarity it offers, epoxies are highly used in resin art. Artists use them in various DIY projects, jewelry and tabletop decorations.

• Electrical & Electronics Systems

Epoxy resins offer excellent electrical insulation. This is why it has wide use as an adhesive in circuit boards and other electrical components, and electronic encapsulation.

Due to the huge application of epoxies, epoxy resin manufacturers do profitable businesses with their huge client base spread over a wide range of industries across the globe.

Safety Considerations for Epoxy Resins

Cured epoxy resins offer no health risks. But uncured epoxies and its hardeners are not completely safe for skin health. Direct skin contact with the dust and fumes released from it, can cause irritations to skin and respiratory discomforts.

A proper handling of uncured epoxies is essential especially while mixing. Epoxy resin manufacturers provide important guidelines for its safe use and dispersal to their customers. Follow the rules properly and use them carefully to minimize personal exposure.