How to use epoxy glue and its popular brands correctly

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.

Components for epoxy

When working with epoxy resin, additional components are necessarily used, which include:

1. Hardeners... They always come with the material, since without the hardener, the substance remains in a liquid state.
2. Plasticizersrequired to increase the ductility and strength of the finished product.
3. Excipients... Such components are for technical purposes and are used to ensure the desired level of viscosity of the composition, for example, when puttying. Decorative fillers are needed in order to give a craft or decoration a certain color, pattern or texture. This includes flowers in epoxy resin, sand, quartz chips and more.
4. Solvents necessary to remove unwanted material elements from the surface or to reduce the viscosity of the resin itself.

How to dilute epoxy?

Correct preparation of the composition directly affects the quality of the finished product. The epoxy dilution process consists of the following steps:

Preparation of materials and workplace. Resin and hardener are sold as a kit, but additional components are still being purchased. Indoor temperature and humidity must be within acceptable limits for a particular type of product.
Add the correct amount of resin to a clean, dry container, which is generally measured by weight or volume.
If necessary, additional components are added to the container, which are thoroughly mixed with a clean and dry instrument.
Then a special epoxy hardener is added. Its use should be strictly dosed.

Many masters advise pouring the hardener literally drop by drop, carefully stirring the composition.
After preparing the mass, it is important to remember how much does epoxy dry resin. In most varieties, it remains in working order for about 40 minutes, during which the material must have time to be transferred to the desired shape or to cover the surface with it.

After that, the curing process begins, which will end after about 24 hours.

Plasticizers for epoxy resin

Craftsmen, when creating crafts, carrying out various repair or construction work, together with epoxy, almost always use special plasticizers to increase the plasticity or mechanical strength of the composition. The most popular are:

1. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) - a small amount of plasticizer protects the composition from cracking, however, for its complete connection with the base material, long mixing and heating of the composition is required.
2. DEG-1 - a more popular plasticizer with an easy procedure for combining components. However, it also has a drawback: a transparent epoxy resin, when added, gets a slight orange tint.

Dyes for epoxy

When creating decorative elements and ornaments, a special color scheme for epoxy is often required. It needs to be bought in a specialty store, picking it up for a specific type of resin so that the dye does not interact with the composition and does not change color. By purchasing a specialized product, you can be sure of the success of tinting.

On the shelves of modern stores you can find:

1. Basic formulations in a variety of shades.
2. Metallic colors, consisting of the smallest particles, giving a multifaceted shine.
3. Fluorescent dyes that start to glow in the UV spectrum.
4. Luminophores, which, as it were, are "charged" from sunlight and themselves begin to glow in the dark with a certain color.
5. Dry powder pearlescent pigments with shimmering effect.

Epoxy resin molds

When working with such a composition, special molds for epoxy resin are used - forms in which the composition hardens and takes on its final form. They are mainly made from specialized silicone and can be of two types:

1. Purchased... These molds can be made of food grade silicone and used in cooking and candle making. It is taken for molds and non-food or technical silicone, the scope of which is limited to arts and crafts.
2. Homemade... If desired, the master can independently create molds of the desired shape and size from silicone or sculptural plasticine.

What can be combined with epoxy resin

Epoxies are used with woven fabrics to enhance adhesion in harsh environments, but their high cost limits their widespread use.

It is possible to combine epoxy resin with other types of resins, for example, with polyester. The main rule when combining different types of resins is that they should not come into contact in liquid and uncured form. Liquid epoxy is applied over the cured polyester layer. When combining backwards, the polyester resin does not adhere well to the epoxy coating. If this sequence of application is required, then the cured epoxy surface is sanded or wiped with a solvent. This will ensure the best possible adhesion.

Form filler

Resin is good for casting in molds, as shown in the photo. Parts that are obtained using this method can be machined. The rules by which the mixture is prepared in this case are identical to the rules already described above:

• In a similar form, glue is often used, for example, by aircraft modelers;
• To give the product any color, various dyes are added to the resin, as shown in the photo;
• And to make it as plastic as possible - plasticizers.

The following are used as fillers for epoxy resins:

• powders;
• textiles of synthetic origin;
• glass fiber;
• and other substances.

Let's sum up

Epoxy glue is a substance that many have heard of. However, the application features and characteristics of such an adhesive are not known to many. With its help, you can achieve a high-quality and durable connection. However, to prepare the substance, you will need to follow the rules described above.

Popular formulations

It is imperative to add a hardener to the resin to obtain the final result.

Using epoxy resin

One of the most common uses for epoxy is in adhesion. This is because its strong properties allow the use of structural and technical adhesives. Typically in the construction of vehicles, snowboards (skis), aircraft and bicycles. But epoxy adhesives aren't limited to structural applications. In fact, they are "in use" for any reason. Generally speaking, epoxy is in demand due to its varied uses.

For electronics and electrical systems

Playing an important role in the electronics industry, epoxy is used to make insulators, motors, transformers, and generators. Because they are fantastic insulators and provide protection against dust, moisture and short circuits, it remains one of the primary resins used in circuit design.

Use for painting

Known as powder coating, epoxy paint is found in many household products such as dryers, washing machines, ovens, and similar white products. Usually, this type of paint used in a more commercial setting. In water purification applications - for hard protective coatings, epoxy paint is an excellent option. Metals: cast iron, cast aluminum, cast steel and other metals work well with this paintable composite.

Use for coatings and sealants

Epoxy is also known for its anti-corrosion properties, making it ideal for many household items that can rust normally over time. Items, including paint cans, metal containers, and products that are acidic in structure, are usually coated before use.

Epoxy coated table

Another use for epoxy is in decorative flooring. Epoxy flooring is an environmentally friendly option for traditional flooring options as it reduces the need for pesticides and water consumption.

Repair application

Due to its strong adhesive properties, many consumers use epoxy to repair and maintain their household items. Fragile objects such as glass, ceramics and porcelain can be quickly fixed. You can also repair wood, metal, latex or other similar synthetic materials. By using epoxy on top of a fragile part, you will create a thin, tightly formed barrier that will securely hold and hold in place over the years.

Characteristics of epoxy resin

• Mechanical properties. The tensile strength of epoxies is 20-30% higher than that of polyesters. The ability to withstand stress and deformation without damage is much stronger. The flexural strength and resistance to stress are extremely high.
• Adhesive properties. When cured, the epoxy acts as a powerful adhesive with high adhesion.
• Shrinkage. Epoxies exhibit slight shrinkage when cured.
• Water resistance. Cured epoxy resins are water resistant.
• Shelf life. If stored properly, the resin will not lose its properties for several years.
• Polymerization. Curing of epoxy is influenced only by the curing agent and temperature. On average, at room temperature 22-25 ° C, the resin hardens in 24 hours. It is not worth adding more hardener to speed up the cure, the liquid may not harden at all. You can shorten the drying time by increasing the room temperature. When the temperature is increased by 10 degrees, the polymerization rate doubles. But do not set the temperature above 40 degrees.
• Smell. The resin does not emit a pronounced odor when cured.
• Boiling. Epoxy can boil and become unusable if heated too much.
• Durability. Cured epoxy resins resist wear, cracking, flaking, corrosion, micro cracking and mold.
• UV resistant. The polymer itself is not UV resistant. Although some brands contain additives that increase UV resistance. However, the best way to protect the surface from yellowing and deterioration is to apply a UV-resistant polyurethane varnish.
• The complexity of the application. Working with epoxy requires application experience and certain skills, since during curing, viscosity is lost, and it becomes difficult to work with the material on vertical and inclined surfaces.
• Spheres of application. Epoxies are used for the production of products with increased wear resistance, waterproofing, adhesion strength. For example, in the rocket and aircraft industry, shipbuilding, the production of racing cars, etc.
• Price. Epoxy is much more expensive than polyester.
• Environmental friendliness and safety. Epoxies do not contain carcinogenic components, volatile organic compounds, and are not flammable. The resin components are safe and easy to transport and store.

What are the differences between epoxy, vinylester and polyester resins?

Epoxy
and vinyl ester / polyester resins include
to two different families.

Epoxy
resins are cured with amine hardeners
at room temperature and have
excellent adhesion and mechanical
properties. The resins themselves are practically not
have expiration date limitations.
The hardener has a shelf life of 1 year.
closed containers.

Vinyl / polyester
contain unsaturated polyester or
a hybrid vinyl ester base and
are cured according to the catalytic scheme
peroxide, forming a solid resin with
the formation of spatial connections.

Measures
safety when working with resins

Is always
need to work in disposable
gloves and wear protective goggles if
splashes possible. Work should be done in
respirator. Resin can cause
skin irritation. Avoid direct
contact of resin, hardener and their mixture with
skin and wear gloves and protective
clothes. Wash off any resin on your skin
liquid soap immediately after contact. Never
do not use for these purposes
solvents. Avoid breathing vapors
resin. Use resin only in areas with
good ventilation. In tight places
provide fresh air and
extraction of vapors. Wear a respirator with
a filter for organic vapors. Respirator
also necessary for sanding
cured resin. If the curing time
less than a week, you must have
organic and dust filter. Polyester
resins are more dangerous than
epoxy.

Originals:

 
and

Composition and manufacturing features

ES refers to complex compounds; it manifests its physical and technical characteristics exclusively in the form of a polymer.When reacted with hardeners, oligomers form the structure of many crosslinked polymers. Produced in accordance with GOST 10587-84. Speaking about the composition of the epoxy, it should be noted that it can be modified by physical or chemical methods.

Chemical technology involves a reaction with additional substances, as a result, the formula of the basic substance changes, the very structure of the polymer cell is transformed. For example, when reacting with polyesters of alcohols of the glycidyl group, the elastic parameters of the hardened resin change. Together with this, its moisture resistance also changes. And by introducing organohalogen or organophosphorus compounds into the structure, it is possible to multiply the flammability of the material.

The physical technique involves mixing ES with individual additional substances without starting a chemical reaction. Thus, the addition of rubber increases the parameter of absorption of mechanical energy during impacts. And when mixed with titanium dioxide, the visual characteristics of the resin change - it becomes completely opaque to the rays of the UV spectrum.

Epoxy Resin Specifications

Before finding out what temperature the epoxy resin withstands after hardening, it is worth learning about the main technical parameters of this substance. These are the following characteristics:

• the complete polymerization process takes place within 24–36 hours;
• accelerate the resin hardening procedure by increasing the temperature to + 70⁰С;
• in conditions of low temperatures (up to + 15⁰С), the curing time of the resinous substance decreases;
• when hardening, the epoxy does not shrink and does not expand;
• after hardening, the resin can be subjected to any processing: grinding, polishing, drilling, turning, painting, etc.;
• the recommended operating temperature of epoxy resin is set within the range from -50⁰С to + 150⁰С;
• the maximum allowable temperature during operation is up to + 80⁰С;
• the hardened material shows excellent resistance to aggressive influences, including alkalis, solvents and high humidity.

Epoxy is often used for decorative purposes

Melting temperature of the substance

According to the technical regulations, it was established that the temperature at which the epoxy melts is + 155⁰С. But, given the declared technical characteristics, it is difficult to say that the epoxy will melt. Even heat-resistant epoxy glue or ED-20 epoxy, which is customary for household work, after polymerization, even under ultra-high temperatures, will behave as follows:

• crack;
• foam;
• change its structure without turning into a liquid state (crumbling and breaking).

Some resins (depending on the type of hardener used) can catch fire and produce a lot of soot. The combustion process will continue until the moment of heat replenishment (for example, in an open flame). As soon as the source of fire is eliminated, the hardened resin will stop burning.

Even when burning, epoxy is much safer than many other artificial substances. For example, foam or expanded polystyrene. Therefore, it makes no sense to talk about what temperature the epoxy glue can withstand until it melts. Almost always, the cured epoxy does not melt, but collapses, turning into a charred shapeless mass.

Are there fast-setting resins

All epoxies are classified into two major groups. These are structural resins and decorative (or jewelry) resins. Decorative epoxies are characterized by transparency and faster cure times. They are used mainly for design work for the manufacture of souvenir products.

Decorative resins have a faster curing time

Permissible operating temperature of finished products

Technical regulations adopted certain standards for the operation of products and repaired items, when working with which epoxy resin was used. These are the following indicators:

• constant temperature: from -40⁰С to + 120⁰С;
• maximum permissible: from -40⁰С to + 150⁰С.

But some brands of epoxy, according to manufacturers' estimates, have different characteristics. For example, such extreme (maximum permissible) indicators:

• epoxy glue grade PEO-490K (LZOS, Lytkarino): + 350⁰С;
• epoxy PEO-13K (LUMEX, Saint Petersburg): + 196⁰С;
• compound PEO-28M (PLANET, Veliky Novgorod): + 130⁰С.

Such epoxy substances are specific. Many professionals attribute them not even to epoxy, but to epoxy-silicon-organic. The additional inclusion of silicon creates an increased resistance of substances to thermal effects.

Epoxy adhesive: composition and properties

Epoxy adhesive epoxy is a synthetic thermosetting product. The product is a combination of the main element of epoxy resin and additional substances such as solvents, hardeners, plasticizers and fillers.

Solvents for epoxy adhesive:

• xylene;
• acetone;
• alcohols.

To obtain the highest quality adhesive material, it is necessary to take no more than 3-5% solvent in relation to the volume of dry resin. Since the solution is difficult to remove from the adhesive joint, the amount of solvent should not be exceeded.

It is important to consider that alcohols accelerate the hardening of epoxy glue.

Epoxy fillers:

• powdery components: aluminum oxide, carbon black, vanadium, beryllium and zinc oxide, aluminum or nickel powder;
• carbon and glass fibers;
• fabrics made of synthetic or glass fibers.

Esters of phthalic and phosphoric acid act as plasticizers. Experts recommend using oligomeric and polymeric plasticizers, using oligoamides and oligosulfides, since their use affects the physical and mechanical properties of the epoxy material, allowing them to regulate and improve the quality of adhesion.

With the successful connection of the necessary components, an adhesive mass should be obtained, which will have the following qualities:

1. frost resistance - the glue can withstand temperatures up to -20 ° С;
2. heat resistance - usually up to +250 ° С, depending on the filler;
3. plasticity - the already hardened composition is elastic, therefore, with a slight displacement of the parts, the seam does not break;
4. glue tolerates atmospheric, gasoline and oil exposure well;
5. the product is resistant to cracks and shrinkage;
6. under the influence of detergents and household chemicals, the glue does not decompose;
7. water-repellent effect - the structure of the glue provides the details with high-quality waterproofing;
8. good interaction with various surface structures.

Disadvantages:

the glue is not suitable for working with polyethylene, teflon and silicone;
in the work you need to be extremely careful, since the composition hardens very quickly and if flaws are detected, it will be incredibly difficult and costly to fix them;
it is important to observe safety measures in working with the material, since if it gets into the eyes or on the skin, it will be very problematic to wash the glue.

Applications

The polymer product ED-20 is widely used. In almost every area of ​​production, this composition may be in demand.

• Instrumentation. In the form of an electrical insulator, as well as for creating frame structures and their walls, which have a low degree of thermal conductivity.
• Radio engineering sphere. For the manufacture of boards, chips, microcircuits.
• Shipbuilding. Manufacturing and repair of frames for boats, yachts, boats, as well as composite materials for various purposes.
• Aircraft construction. For the manufacture of the frame of the fuselage, wing and other composite elements.
• Defense industrial complex.As a constituent element for the production of lightweight models of body armor.
• Mechanical engineering. Manufacturing and repair of hinged body parts and interior trim elements.
• Furniture manufacturing. For decorative finishing and manufacturing of exclusive furniture models as imitation of stone, wood, metal.
• Construction. As a waterproofing material for various technical structures.

Taking an epoxy resin as a basis and adding one or another plasticizer to it, various types of glue that are used in everyday life are obtained from this polymer. Such glue has a high degree of strength and a different time period for polymerization. Most often, epoxy glue is used in everyday life to carry out repair work.

How to use epoxy

When working with epoxy resin, certain proportions must be observed, because the ratio of hardener and resin affects the physical properties of the resulting product and the timing of its curing.

Working with epoxy requires careful preparation

How to dilute epoxy with hardener

The proportions of the hardener and resin, as a rule, are always indicated by the manufacturers of these substances on their packaging or in the accompanying documentation, which simplifies the process of preparing the final product. The general cooking procedure can be described as follows:

• before cooking, it is recommended to heat the resin, but not bring it to a boil or crystallization;
• if crystallization has occurred, then the resin can be returned to its original state by heating it to a temperature of + 40 ° C with constant stirring;
• resin is poured into a prepared container or mold, after which a hardener is added;
• both components are thoroughly mixed, for which a wooden stick or other durable object is used;

Wood and epoxy successfully combined in the manufacture of furniture and interior items

Preparation and use in large quantities

When pouring a floor or making large structural elements of furniture, as well as interior items, a large amount of epoxy is required. In this case, the complexity of the work is to ensure uniform heating of the required volume and maintain the specified temperature for a certain time required for its use. The required result can be achieved using a water bath, with which the resin is heated to a temperature of +50 .. + 55 ° C with constant stirring, after which this temperature is maintained.

Preparation and use for small items

When preparing small quantities of epoxy resin, mixing is carried out in a cold way.

Epoxy Resin Crafts Using Natural Plants

For normal bonding, the ratio of resin to hardener is 1:10, i.e. one measured part of the hardener contains ten parts of resin. Works are performed at room temperature. Stirring must be carried out with great care, the resulting composition should not contain air bubbles, it must have a uniform and viscous consistency.

How to make bulk epoxy products

Making a large piece of epoxy resin has certain difficulties. It should be transparent without air bubbles. Curing in the thickness and on the surface should be uniform. If the thickness of the product is more than 2 mm, then the material is usually applied in layers after the primary polymerization of the previous coating.

Epoxy can be poured into molds. To make the finished product easy to separate, the mold is greased with technical petroleum jelly or other fat. With the help of powder dye, the product can be given any color. After completion of the work, the product is first kept at a temperature slightly above room temperature.After 2-3 hours, primary polymerization occurs, hardening "before sticking", after which the product is heated in an oven to accelerate the curing process up to 5-6 hours.

Full cure at room temperature takes up to 7 days, and the addition of TETA (Triethylenetetramine) may cause the surface to remain tacky.

The product cast from an epoxy material is further subject to mechanical processing (cutting and grinding).

Domestic epoxy resin is of little use for casting massive products due to uneven curing in the thickness.

What can be made from epoxy

Not so long ago, epoxy became a discovery. The substance itself has been used since the middle of the 20th century, but it has gained particular popularity in recent years.

Epoxy Jewelry: A Frozen Tale

Creative people once decided to try to repeat a natural miracle: if the insect is frozen forever in amber, then you can probably try to use epoxy for the experiment. It is not known who first came up with this idea, but it became the impetus for a whole trend in Handmade: jewelry made of epoxy resin Crystal is divinely beautiful.

If you have a question, what is jewelry resin, you can answer this way: these are unlimited possibilities for creating exclusive jewelry

To create unique jewelry, molds are needed for pouring epoxy resin: these can be improvised containers, and purchased figurines, and special molds.

This is a great way to preserve the memory of a season or a special event.

Pendants keep their original look forever

Lovers of special jewelry do not stop at the already tested products and are constantly looking for new solutions.

Furniture made of wood and epoxy resin: a new word in decor

Transparent epoxy resin began to be actively used for pouring wood. It turned out that it is not so difficult to create a table from literally any processed driftwood, and it quickly turns into a magical miracle.

Tables can be kept transparent or get their own color at the request of the creator

Looking at a tree in resin is a pleasure

Wood and epoxy worktop can cause envy mixed with admiration

Epoxy wood glue obtained by mixing resin with some hardener. This glue is suitable for various non-porous surfaces.

Filling the floor with epoxy resin

Due to its performance characteristics, epoxy has been successfully used for pouring floors: wonderful 3D floors have earned all the praise.

No seams: smooth, perfect surface with high strength

Such a floor is resistant to low and high temperatures, remaining intact

Long-lasting beauty, resistant to aggressive household chemicals

The disadvantage of flooring can be considered high labor costs and financial investments. For a floor to be truly durable, it must be poured in strict accordance with the rules.

Other areas of application

Above was listed the modern use of epoxy in different directions of design and Handmade, but there is also a traditional use that goes back more than half a century. Glass fabrics are impregnated with epoxy, and various elements in the field of electrical engineering, radio electronics, automotive and aviation industries are glued with it. The resin has found its application in construction, ship- and mechanical engineering. In construction, epoxy is an excellent material for waterproofing premises.

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