Overview of compounds that can replace epoxy

When is it necessary to replace the epoxy

Epoxy adhesives can be easily found on sale in any department of building and finishing materials. But sometimes you still need to find a substitute for epoxy. For example, in the following situations:

• epoxy resins cause allergies in a specific person;
• the shape of the processed product requires precision and painstaking care in its creation (with resin, the final result may be sloppy);
• it is necessary to glue and repair children's toys or dishes;
• there is no way to buy epoxy - this substance is quite expensive;
• working material suddenly ended in the process of creativity or repair, and the nearest household stores have already been closed.

After curing, epoxy resin is absolutely safe for humans. But when working, it requires the use of personal protective equipment - masks and gloves. During the heating process, it emits harmful fumes. Do not allow the mass to come into contact with unprotected skin - the composition causes severe irritation.

Resin safety rules

Epoxy is, in fact, a safe material, but in the process of its preparation it is necessary to adhere to a number of safety measures.

What happens if you violate the precautions? Skin irritation. The resin itself is moderately irritating, but the hardeners are severe.

This phenomenon can be prevented by working with gloves, avoiding direct contact with the skin, not only of the compounds, but also of dust after grinding. You need to work with gloves and protective clothing. Additionally, a protective cream can be applied to the skin. In case of contact with the dermis of the resin, the place is washed with warm, soapy water, without using solvents.

You need to work with gloves and protective clothing.

Irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes. Wear safety glasses when handling components. If the substance gets into the eyes, rinse them with warm water. In case of unpleasant sensations, burning sensation, consult a doctor.

Wear safety glasses when handling components.

If dust gets after sanding, drink plenty of warm water and seek medical attention. It is worth considering the individual intolerance to substances. However, this is rare. To avoid the situation, do not use food containers for work. Compliance with all the rules will help to avoid serious consequences. In case of prolonged discomfort, consult a doctor immediately. All ingredients should be kept out of the reach of children.

If dust gets after sanding, drink plenty of warm water and seek medical attention.

Composition and properties

Creative epoxy comes in several varieties. Among themselves, the compositions differ in color and consistency, as well as in operational characteristics. The most popular version is marked ED-20, it is divided into products of the highest and 1 grades. The second option is considered industrial, thickens and sets after no more than 4 hours after mixing. Resin 1 grade is used for the needs of the chemical, aviation industry, shipbuilding, is used in the production of adhesives and sealants, and is used in electrical engineering.

The high-grade variety is ideal for decorative purposes. Such epoxy resin ED-20 is very transparent, viscous, easy to use, and products made from it are decorative. When a hardener is added, the correct mixture is obtained without bubbles, it holds the desired shape well.Other similar compounds are used in jewelry and crafts: ED-16, ED-22.

Among the characteristic features that are inherent in epoxy resin after crystallization, several of its properties can be noted.

• High adhesion capacity to various types of surfaces. It binds well to ceramics, metal, glass, interacts with polymers, concrete, wood.
• Dielectric properties. The resin has an extremely low electrical conductivity and can be used for the manufacture of decorative lamps.
• Resistance to external influences. The hardened compound tolerates mechanical processing well, is moisture resistant, is not afraid of temperature extremes and contact with chemicals.
• Ecological cleanliness. The material is absolutely non-toxic both when creating crafts and after complete hardening.

Thanks to these properties, epoxy has gained popularity in the jewelry and decorative industries. It is used to make jewelry, household items, and cast countertops and sinks for plumbing.

The composition of all types of epoxy is the same. It contains 3 main ingredients:

• caustic soda;
• diphenylolpropane;
• epichlorohydrin.

Depending on the type of compound, the proportions of the substances change. In addition, manufacturers add additives and substances to the composition that improve artistic properties and simplify work with the material. In addition to the base itself, to obtain a workable resin, a hardener is needed - a substance that turns a liquid and viscous composition into a monolithic one. It is he who is responsible for the crystallization process, usually attached to the selected compound, but sometimes it can be purchased separately.

In order for the epoxy resin for creativity to have an optimal consistency and other indicators, plasticizers are added to it, which provide improved strength or elasticity of the material, increasing its hydrophobic properties. Most often these are products labeled DBP, DEG-1, S-7106. If low-grade raw materials are used for creativity, the use of additives will help improve its performance. In a special compound for creativity, they are already present in the required volume.

With prolonged storage, epoxy resin for creativity, like its industrial counterparts, becomes more viscous. Solvents help to eliminate the problem, for this, white spirit is usually enough

However, it is worth using such aggressive liquids only as a last resort - they are intended for technical needs, require extremely careful handling. You can remove traces of resin from your hands with acetone-containing cosmetic liquids.

To increase the decorative properties of the product, in addition to glitters and dyes, other substances or fractions are often used. Among the fillers used most often, several options can be distinguished.

Minerals and rocks crushed into crumbs. Pomegranate, serpentine, marble, travertine look interesting. Even regular fine gravel can be used.

It is not a good idea to add high hygroscopic aggregates to the epoxy resin. These include all types of mineral powders, from tooth powder to talcum powder. They also help to make the material white, but make it more fragile and vulnerable to external threats.

Major replacement factors

There are many factors to consider when choosing a material to replace epoxy with. Not every material is suitable for pouring or creating a strong connection. The main difficulty in finding an alternative is that the epoxy resin in its original form is an oligomeric compound. In order to provide it with a transition to a polymerized state, a hardener is required that starts the necessary chemical processes.The final state of the material largely depends on the proportion of these ingredients: whether it becomes rigid or will have an elastic consistency and properties close to rubber.

It is necessary to look for a replacement for epoxy in cases where the master has manifestations of an allergic reaction to this oligomer. Also, resin not suitable for delicate work associated with giving the product an accurate and complex shape. It will be difficult to achieve accuracy here. Do not use epoxy compounds when repairing food products, as well as those intended for contact with children (toys, dishes).

When choosing an alternative to epoxy, it is important to consider a number of requirements that a chemical compound must have.

Possibility of polymerization with a transition to a new state of aggregation. Not only oligomeric compositions have such properties.

Resistant to wear and tear. The replacement must be able to withstand mechanical and other stresses while remaining durable.

Chemical resistance. After polymerization, the material should not react with acidic and alkaline media, change its characteristics under their influence. At the same time, in acetone or other esters, it should dissolve without giving a precipitate.

High moisture resistance. Impermeability to water and other liquids is a great advantage of epoxy.

Lack of hazardous vapors when working with the material. The composition should not contain compounds that require special conditions for working with them.

High mechanical strength. When creating a glue line, the material must withstand significant tensile forces.

No shrinkage and deformation

It is important that the material retains the specified geometric parameters.

All these characteristics already have epoxy resin. When looking for a replacement, sometimes you have to compromise in order to obtain results similar to the action of a universal material.

Rules for diluting resin with a hardener

When these two components are combined, an irreversible reaction occurs. You need to be aware of this and combine the hardener with the resin in accordance with the attached instructions.

If stirring requires heating the composition, also be extremely careful. If you allow the epoxy to overheat and boil, the mass will be spoiled and you can no longer use it. A sign of boiling is the appearance of foam (it is formed when the mass is heated up to + 60⁰С).

When the resin has crystallized, it is brought to the required transparent appearance by heating to + 40 ° C. The mass is regularly stirred when heated. When diluting the resin in a cold way, the mass will generate heat during the polymerization process. In the cold process, the solutions are mixed in a proportion of 10 parts of hardener to 1 part of resin.

How to choose and use epoxy for potting countertops

Countertops in any kitchen are constantly exposed to thermal shock, aggressive chemicals and sometimes mechanical shock. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that a decent thickness of the countertops is always poured. And don't forget about the decorative qualities of the finished product. The most acceptable formulations for work in this direction for beginners are MG EPOX STRONG and MG EPOX WHITE. More experienced craftsmen use the well-known ED-20 and a bunch of different plasticizers.

Countertops that imitate the sea and the shore are a small miracle that you can admire endlessly

How to use the epoxy resin selected for pouring the countertop, the step-by-step process of its creation, as well as a lot of important nuances, are described in detail in the video below.

Silicate adhesive for household use

Epoxy glue is often used in everyday life. With its help, furniture, plastic items are repaired, shoes are fastened. For light household repairs, silicate glue can be used. It used to be very popular for bonding cardboard, porcelain, ceramics and glass.Often, silicate compounds have been impregnated with fabric to harden it and add fire protection.

Silicate adhesives are easier to use than epoxy ones. To do this, you just need to apply it to the surfaces to be glued and press them for 5-10 minutes. Other adhesives can be added to the silicate adhesive to enhance adhesion.

You can also make a composition based on stationery glue, which will be resistant to the aggressive effects of acids. To do this, you need to mix fine sand, asbestos, concentrated sodium silicate and magnesia. After mixing these components, it is necessary to thoroughly mix the mixture and wait for it to thicken before starting work.

Experienced builders recommend using silicate sealants for waterproofing premises. They have the same characteristics as epoxy but are safer and more flexible than epoxy.

Cyanoacrylate glue

Such a tool will perfectly replace epoxy glue, since it has similar qualities. Cyanoacrylate adhesives are produced by many manufacturing companies - Moment, Titan and others, including those selling superglues. A distinctive feature is the transparency of the glue line after drying, as well as the highest strength. The tool holds various types of materials no worse than nails and screws, and many brands are characterized by thermal and water resistance.

The disadvantages of cyanoacrylate glue include weak resistance to scratching, falling, and other types of mechanical stress. Epoxy does not deteriorate during long-term storage, and this glue quickly breaks down, loses its properties. Cyanoacrylate glue is highly allergenic. It is not suitable for bonding fluoroplastic and polyethylene, but it is ideal for bonding metal and plastic.

Analogs

Finding a cheap analogue of epoxy for creativity, for pouring countertops or making interior items is unlikely to work. At home, substances that have the ability to polymerize, are distinguished by a transparent structure and strength are a good alternative. For needlework, jewelry making, the flexibility of the substitute to grinding, polishing, and other processing can also be of great importance.

When forming large products - a table, a lamp - more attention should be paid to the speed of its hardening and the homogeneity of the material. Sometimes the similarity still turns out to be noticeably worse than the classic epoxy resin, but there are also examples of a successful search for an alternative

Cyanoacrylate adhesives

These are the compositions "Titan", "Moment", well known to art lovers, as well as superglues with instant polymerization upon contact with air. Among the obvious advantages of such adhesives are:

• transparency of the seam after polymerization;
• high bond strength;
• a variety of choices - there are heat-resistant compounds;
• moisture resistance.

There are also disadvantages. Despite the strength under static loads, cyanoacrylate types of adhesives are not very resistant to mechanical damage and impact. They have a limited shelf life, and the chemical compounds themselves are toxic and can cause allergic reactions.

Silicate glue

It is sometimes compared to plexiglass, because after the polymerization is completed, the mixture actually acquires strength and transparency. Among the advantages of silicate glue are:

• extremely low toxicity;
• versatility;
• fire resistance;
• ease of preparation.

The disadvantage is the limited scope of application: for metal, ceramics, glass, plastic, textiles and wood. You can increase the properties of the composition by adding additional ingredients to it. For example, a mixture of crushed glass and asbestos gives the silicate adhesive improved chemical resistance. When mixed with milk casein, it acquires moisture resistance.

"Liquid glass"

A mixture actively used in various types of creativity. It has many advantages:

• hypoallergenic;
• high drying speed;
• smoothness and shine of the finished surface.

Since "water glass" is sodium silicate, it exhibits the best characteristics when applied to glass. In this case, the surface is first coated with a thin layer of the composition. After 24 hours, it will be quite sticky - to eliminate this effect, wipe it with regular alcohol. Then you can apply a second layer. The finished coating will no longer stick, it will provide good polymerization and long-lasting gloss.

UV Gel Polish

The hardening of this composition occurs almost instantly when properly treated with ultraviolet light. In this, gel-varnishes for manicure are superior to epoxy, with which they are related to a resin-based base. But such compositions have rather low strength characteristics. When struck or other mechanical stress, they quickly lose their decorative effect, become covered with cracks and chips.

The advantages of the gel polish include the ease in eliminating defects. Correction with removal of bubbles or restoration of coverage will be fairly easy to do at home. Gel polish is good for pouring molded products with a small thickness - jewelry, decor items. A UV lamp and a few minutes are enough for polymerization.

Polyester compounds

They also have the appearance of a resin that, after pouring, quickly gains strength and hardness. This option has many advantages, including short curing times. Hardeners are included during production.

BF adhesives

They are most often sold not under the usual brand name, but in the form of compositions under the Moment brand and the like. The connection takes place according to certain rules. It is imperative to dry the first layer - the primer, then apply the second, hold it for 4-5 minutes, and then press the parts to be glued with force. The reliability and strength of fixation depends on this factor.

The material has quite a few drawbacks. Clay BF has a pungent odor, it is better to work with it in a respirator. The adhesive properties are also limited. Compounds of this type are poorly suited for working with glass and polished metal.

How to replace the hardener?

When working with epoxy, experienced craftsmen try to prepare an additional bottle of hardener in advance, especially if the proportions of the mixture differ from the standard ones. The reason is simple: this component comes in small quantities and runs out quickly. If this happens directly in the course of work, you can find an alternative to a ready-made catalyst among the improvised funds available at home. The simplest options are:

• orthophosphoric acid;
• ammonia (ammonia alcohol);
• benzoyl peroxide.

Each of these chemical compounds has the ability to accelerate the curing of the epoxy. Moreover, craftsmen easily cope with the task using ordinary dry fuel, adding it in 10% of the volume of the total mass of the substance. The polymerization will take quite a long time - about 24 hours. And you can also take advantage of the achievements of the paint and varnish industry. For example, a hardener for car enamels from the nearest store or compositions "Etal 45M", "Telalit 410".

The most effective substitute for catalysts supplied with epoxy resin are substances from the group of aliphatic polyamines - PEPA, DETA. On average, their consumption is about 10%. If the original hardener supplied with the oligomer is small, but it is available, you can dilute it with 1% ethyl alcohol.

For information on how to replace epoxy, see the next video.

What replaces epoxy resin in creativity

It is difficult to find a full-fledged and worthy analogue of epoxy at home. Some craftsmen use liquid glass (or sodium silicate) as a replacement. Like resin, this substance does not cause allergic reactions. But working with liquid glass is difficult. This substance is capricious and has a long hardening time.The work process is reduced to a specific algorithm, you need:

1. Cover the product with sodium silicate in a thin layer.
2. Wait for the first layer to dry.
3. Once the surface is dry and sticky, wipe it off with alcohol.
4. Apply a second coat and let it dry completely.

Silicate adhesives

A good substitute for epoxy in the case of minor household repairs is silicate glue. It adheres well to various surfaces (porcelain, cardboard, ceramics and glass). Silicate is impregnated into wood products or fabric cuts to give the materials fire resistance and strength. And in order to achieve greater similarity with epoxy, other components are added to silicate adhesives:

1. For ceramics, glass, porcelain. Mix silicate glue (50 g) with powdered glass (15 g) and asbestos (30 g). The resulting composition is resistant to high temperatures and aggressive environments.
2. For containers where acid is stored. Mix in equal proportions the concentrate of liquid glass, silicate glue, asbestos, magnesia and fine sand.
3. For bonding surfaces exposed to moisture. Combine silicate glue (8 g) with casein powder (20 g).

Glue can serve as an alternative to epoxy

Cyanoacrylate adhesives

Another worthy alternative to epoxy. All super glues belong to these types of adhesives. After drying, the cyanoacrylate adhesives form a strong and transparent bond. Many species also contain additional additives that increase their thermal conductivity and moisture resistance. But consider the inherent disadvantages of cyanoacrylates:

• fragility;
• instability to mechanical (shock) influences;
• short shelf life;
• inability to glue fluoroplastic and polyethylene;
• toxicity (contact with the skin must not be allowed).

Polyester blends

These substances have one important quality - constant polymerization. That is, the composition begins to harden from the moment of its production.

This is explained by the inclusion of hardeners in the composition of the mass. Polyester blends are pre-accelerated and have a short curing time.

Gel polishes

One of the common ways to replace epoxy in a home creative workshop. The final gel polish of a transparent structure becomes an excellent option for an epoxy. When working with this composition, the product is given the required shape, then it is kept for a specified time under a UV lamp.

Gel polish is mainly used in nail design

The finish gel has a completely transparent structure and is easy to work with and adjust to create the desired shape. Its fast hardening remains a great advantage. If epoxy takes up to 40 hours, then under ultraviolet light the gel dries completely in 4–5 minutes. But there are also disadvantages of such material - its fragility.

With a sharp impact, the surface is covered with chips, it is easy to scratch and damage it. But when using gel polish, it gives more options. All blemishes, burst air bubbles are quickly removed by additional application of a gel varnish layer, followed by polishing (grinding). All corrective work takes no more than 10 minutes. By the way, such materials, like epoxy, are produced on the basis of resinous substances.

How to replace epoxy hardener

Epoxy requires a hardener that triggers the polymerization processes. Sometimes it happens that there is not enough catalyst or it is not included in the resin kit. The accelerator catalyst can also be replaced if necessary. The following compounds are used to replace:

• ammonia alcohol;
• benzoyl peroxide;
• orthophosphoric acid.

But, of course, it is difficult to find a worthy substitute that has all the properties of a curing agent-catalyst and an epoxy resin. Any analogue does not always show good results.Therefore, for responsible work, it is better to use epoxy resin.

Advantages

Due to its advantageous characteristics, many are wondering how to make an epoxy at home? More on this later, but now the main advantages of the material:

• Increased resistance to abrasive particles. This gives the material a high degree of wear;
• Does not absorb moisture;
• Possesses the highest rates of chemical and physical interactions;
• Maximum strength of the adhesive bonding method;
• Virtually no shrinkage;
• Does not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere after hardening.

The original shade resembles the color of amber. However, when adding certain components, you can get a color from transparent white to black. Not susceptible to alkaline attack is another big plus. But the structure can change, up to destruction under the influence of strong acids. Depending on the purpose of the resin, the resulting glue line can be hard or elastic.

When adding certain components, you can get a color from transparent white to black.

Applications

Creative epoxy resin is a unique material that leaves incredible scope for handicrafts. With its help, art products and objects with practical application are created. Some areas of application of the material deserve special attention.

Decorations

The transparent resin is ideal for creating original handicrafts. Modern craftsmen create original pendants, pendants, brooches and rings, earrings and bracelets from epoxy resin. Products look especially exquisite, inside of which parts of wildlife are carefully preserved.

Decor elements

An unusual paperweight for papers, a stylish candlestick, just a piece of furniture that differs in shape and color from any existing things. With the help of epoxy resin, you can create design masterpieces that amaze the imagination. Their fragile beauty looks very unusual, eye-catching. Crafted flower vases can recreate the splash of sea foam or convey the fragility of frost on frosty glass.

Light fixtures

Due to its dielectric properties, epoxy resin often becomes the basis for the creation of original luminaires. The shape of the product can be any, as well as the decorative design. You can create a unique piece of furniture for a specific design project of a house or apartment.

Furniture

Using epoxy to make furniture doesn't look too avant-garde, you just have to see the result of such work. Most often, a tabletop is made of a transparent material. When pouring into it, you can place almost any decor - from dried flowers and greenery to sea pebbles. The combination of wood and epoxy resin looks very interesting, the furniture is durable and original. In addition to countertops, beautiful and durable window sills, unusual aprons for the kitchen are obtained from this material.

Dishes

Epoxy cannot seriously replace glass or ceramics in the manufacture of dishes. But interesting decorative items are obtained from it: vases for fruits and sweets, stands, napkin holders, serving items. Tinted epoxy will work well with wood and wicker frames.

How to use epoxy

To achieve the effect, it is necessary to use the material correctly. To do this, follow these recommendations:

• The surface to be treated is cleaned of dirt, dust, after which it is well cleaned and dried;
• Epoxy is not suitable for all materials - it should not be used on nylon, polyethylene and other smooth surfaces without pores;
• The glue must be prepared according to the instructions;
• After processing, you can use the glued product only after a day;
• The resin is applied to all treated surfaces.

Epoxy resin is an irreplaceable substance in construction. It is recommended to follow all rules of use.

To achieve the effect, it is necessary to use the material correctly.

How to make resin with your own hands

How easy is it to make resin at home? Mix two products sold ready-made. It is the resin and hardener itself that initiates the polymerization process. Resin hardening occurs in a wide range, from minus 10 to plus 200 degrees. At maximum temperatures, the resin is prepared in large volumes and in production, where there are special boxes. At home, the cold polymerization method is suitable, for which the appropriate hardener is selected.

Resin hardening occurs in a wide range, from minus 10 to plus 200 degrees.

Mixing the ingredients correctly

Hardener and epoxy can be purchased in a ready-to-use liquid form. For cold curing use one part resin and 10 parts hardener. The process should take place at a temperature of 25 degrees. There are small life hacks that can help you avoid premature polymerisation of components. Before adding the hardener, the resin should be slowly heated to 40 degrees. The main thing is that air bubbles do not appear in the process. To do this, place a container with resin in another container with a larger volume and hot water. It is put on a small fire and the resin is brought to a liquid state. Then, very slowly and with constant stirring, add the hardener in parts.

It is better to mix the ingredients using conventional medical syringes. In the process, it is necessary to protect not only the skin, eyes, but also the respiratory organs

Mixing must be done very carefully, avoiding splashing. At this stage, all components are toxic

Before adding the hardener, the resin should be slowly heated to 40 degrees.

Preparing the hardener

Hardener is a catalyst fully involved in the resin polymerization process. Anhydrides, carboxylic acids, diamines can act as this substance. When mixed with resin, they will give strength, good adhesion to the surface, resistance to moisture and some chemical elements.

On a commercial scale, acids are used as a hardener, which reveal their properties at high temperatures. It is much easier to work at home with amines, which include polyethylene polyamine. The hardener is consumed faster than the resin, so you have to prepare it yourself. For this, only specific, chemicals sold in specialized stores are suitable.

Dry alcohol can be added to the resin in tablets, which are pre-crushed and added to the resin at a rate of 1 to 10. Leave the composition for 12 hours, after which it is used as directed. It is impossible to prepare a hardener at home from other available means.

Dry alcohol can be added to the resin in tablets, which are pre-crushed and added to the resin at a rate of 1 to 10.