Epoxy
Deliverable in 1-5 working days
Deliverable in 1-5 working days
Deliverable in 1-5 working days
Deliverable in 1-5 working days
Deliverable in 1-5 working days
Deliverable in 1-5 working days
What is epoxy ?
Epoxy is a two-component, thermosetting plastic. The two components consist of component A, the base resin, and component B, the hardener. After mixing both components, a chemical process occurs. This process ensures the curing of the epoxy resin.
If you use epoxy resin in combination with glass fibre or other fibres, this is called a composite. Laminated or moulded pieces of epoxy resin and composites weigh much less than traditional materials, such as metal, wood or aluminium. In cars and planes, all these classic materials have now been replaced by composites. This reduces fuel consumption considerably, which in turn is good for the environment.
Features of epoxy
- High flexibility
- Adheres to almost all surfaces
- Good electrical insulation
- Resistant to chemicals
- Liquid and vapour tight
- Lightweight
- High compression and tensile strength
- Self-levelling
- Highly resistant to breakage and tearing in combination with aramid fibres
Applications of epoxy
Epoxy resins have many successful applications in the plastics industry. This is mainly due to the fact that they are versatile, easy to use and therefore universally applicable. You have undoubtedly come across items made from epoxy resins. They are used, for example, in household appliances, large building constructions, computers, satellites, on beverage cans, ship walls, etc.
Bio-epoxy is one of the most universally applicable epoxy resins. This bio-based epoxy resin is made from natural raw materials including cashew nut shells. The high wear resistance of this resin ensures that products made with bio-epoxy are strong and durable. Bio-epoxy is used in the food sector, model making, aircraft construction and composite repairs.
Under the influence of UV rays, epoxy has a tendency to yellow. This is why the use of a UV-resistant topcoat is recommended for the finish.
Working with epoxy
Summary
Benefits
- Strong
- Durable
- Odourless
- Self-levelling
- Electrically insulating
- Crystal-clear
- Water- and vapour-proof
- Food-safe
- Adhesion on polyester
- Colourable
Disadvantages
- Sensitive to UV light
- Allergic reaction if inhaled
- More expensive than polyester
- Attention and accuracy required in weighing and processing
- Weight ratio