How to Determine Which Epoxy Resin To Order

Epoxy resins comprise either low molecular weight prepolymers or high molecular weight polymers. These polymers contain at least two epoxide groups since they rarely exist as pure substances.

Quite a large number of epoxy resins are industrially produced to match their several uses. Your choice of an epoxy resin, however, is influenced by the intended use. Epoxy resin is used as a binder in coatings for floors or countertops. Commonly sold in hardware stores are the epoxy adhesives but demand for its users grow to match industry requirements.

Some specific uses of epoxy resin include but at not limited to;

• Industrial coatings
• Non-skid coatings
• Rigid foams
• Binding in cement and mortar
• Solidify sandy surfaces in oil drilling
• Fiber reinforced plastics

Epoxy resins have distinctive advantages over traditional thermo set resins. These benefits include;

• They have a long shelf life
• They are impact resistant
• They demonstrate excellent chemical resistance
• They have admirable moisture resistance
• They display impressive mechanical and fatigue strength

Epoxy Resin Qualities and Their Uses Based on Composition

To help you decide on which epoxy resin to order, you need to know the types that exist and understand their uses as detailed below. There are several industrial applications of the epoxy resins but for best results, it’s important to identify which resin fits the current demand situation.

1. EL2 Epoxy Laminating Resin 500g

This epoxy resin is available in two hardener speeds namely FAST and SLOW. The former has a pot-life of fewer than 20 minutes, is de-moldable in 8 hours while the latter lasts between 95 to 115 minutes, and is de-mouldable in 30 hours.
It’s a general purpose laminating resin used in wet-lay or vacuum bagging composites like glass fiber and aramid fiber. If you are in need of laminating work, go for this high-performance epoxy resin.

2. IN2 Epoxy Infusion Resin

Just like laminating resin, the infusion resin also comes in two hardener speeds. The FAST speed has a pot-life of 9 to 14minutes and de-moulds in8 hours while the SLOW speed has an 80 to 100 minutes pot-life but de-moulds in 24 hours.

It’s specially designed for use in resin infusion composites production. It possesses a high-performance reinforcement capability making it suitable for uses on carbon fiber and aramids such as Kevlar.

4. Glasscast Clear Epoxy Surface Coating Resin

If you need proper coating, this is the resin to use. Its uses vary from tabletops to bar tops and even penny floors. It gives a perfect clear gloss surface for the mentioned surfaces.

The amazing feature of coating resin is its ability to self-level and cure that leaves a smooth, glossy surface. It’s quite easy to polish and provides a full gloss for restoring scratched surfaces.

5. Black Epoxy Repair Filler

You can comfortably repair cracks and gaps in carbon fiber just by using the black epoxy repair filler. Not only does it repair, but it strengthens and prevents deterioration of the repaired damages. Timely polishing provides a glossy finish once the filler is cured. Additional uses of this epoxy repair filler include sealing edges on core sandwich panels.

Unlike normal fillers, this one is less thick. This quality enables it to slide easily into cracks and strengthen repaired parts within the carbon fiber parts. Repaired parts can then be sanded and polished to restore original look and feel.

6. EF80 Flexible Epoxy Resin

Just like the name, its composition ensures it retains its flexibility once fully cured. Because of its flexible nature, it’s suitable for surfaces that require flexible coating.

The surfaces that might do with flexible epoxy resin are highly impacted areas on rally cars, articulated components as well as connecting tubes.

Different epoxy resin compositions are included below;

Glycidylamine Epoxy Resin
Aliphatic Epoxy Resin
Novolac Epoxy Resin
Bisphenol F Epoxy Resin
Bisphenol An Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resins can be poisonous. The components used to make the different types of resins are mixed under controlled environments in special places. Subsequently, use and storage of epoxy resins should be followed to the letter to avoid accidents. Dumping of used empty bottles should be handled safely for health proposes. Safety instructions written on containers give clear guidance on how to handle and dispose of the empty containers.