More about Epoxies

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Epoxies are used as coatings, adhesives, castings and foam and as components in composite materials. In these functions, their applications are virtually limitless, especially since a basic epoxy can be modified by a multitude of additives. These additives can enhance hardness, adhesiveness and thickness, providing reduced costs and more efficient production.

From a scientific standpoint, an epoxy is an epoxide polymer that strengthens after a catalyst is introduced. Epoxides are three-membered cyclic ethers; epoxide polymers are large molecules with long chains of repeating epoxide units. When a hardening agent is introduced to these polymers, they cure into a variety of useful substances. The most common resins produced by this reaction have high-strength and low shrinkage. They are generated from the polymerization of bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin. However, the majority of manufacturers and consumers do not use raw epoxy resins. Instead, they utilize various blends and epoxy compounds, which are produced by another set of manufacturers after the raw resins have been made. These epoxy manufacturers can create all manner of custom and standard epoxy resins, from adhesives and sealants to electrical insulators, depending on the needs of their customers.

It is these resulting epoxy-based materials that have such high value to modern industry. They are used in everything from paint and primer to tooling molds and laminates. Epoxy based substances also have found wide use in the electronics industry, where they provide exceptional insulation and protective coating. They are also used in the fabrication of printed circuit boards, often as an adhesive between layers in multi-layer PCBs. Hobbyists of all types use epoxy adhesives, whether directly or indirectly: Skis and other sporting goods utilize the exceptional bonds provided by epoxy based materials; and epoxies provide a method to repair or attach countless objects. Certain epoxy resin formulations are of particular use in marine applications because of their resistance to water and high strength bonds.