What is epoxy resin?

A lot of people ask us what is a thermoset resin or Epoxy?

What is epoxy resin? Epoxy resin is a type of polymer that is made up of a combination of epoxide groups and other molecules. It is commonly used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, including as a coating, adhesive, and filler. One of the key characteristics of epoxy resin is its strong adhesive properties, which make it ideal for bonding a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and wood. It is also known for its excellent resistance to chemicals and high temperatures, making it a popular choice for use in harsh environments.

Another common application for epoxy resin is as a coating, which is often used to protect surfaces from wear and tear, as well as from chemical and environmental exposure. It can be applied in a variety of forms, such as a paint, a gel, or a paste, and can be used to provide a durable, long-lasting finish.

Epoxy resin is also used as a filler material, particularly for filling gaps, cracks or irregular surfaces.

Epoxy resins come in two parts, resin and hardener, They are mixed together to form a chemical reaction that causes the mixture to cure and harden into a solid form.

In the art world, Epoxy resin is used to create high-gloss finishes and encapsulate objects such as beach sand, flowers, and other decorative items to give them a smooth and glossy finish.

A thermoset resin (epoxy) is a polymer that will irreversibly harden by curing from a soft solid or a viscous liquid prepolymer or resin.

Curing will generate heat which, we call “exotherm” when you mix parts A (resin) and B (hardener) based on a specific mixing ratio in volume/weight. Curing results in chemical reactions that create extensive cross-linking between polymer chains to produce an infusible and insoluble polymer network.

Secondly, the starting material for making thermosets usually comes in liquid prior to curing and often designed for molding into the final shape. Once hardened, a thermoset cannot be melted for reshaping. In contrast to thermoplastic polymers which are commonly produced and distributed in form of pellets and shaped into the final product form by melting, pressing, or injection molding. Thirdly and most importantly, thermosetting polymer mixtures based on thermosetting resin monomers and pre-polymers can be formulated, applied and processed in a variety of ways to create distinctive cured properties.

Moreover, cold and warm environment will have a great impact of thermoset resin curing process. The colder the environment will be, the longer the curing process will be. On the opposite, the warmer the environment is, the fastest the curing time will be. Warmer environment can cause important problems. Overheating, for instance. Yellowing of the resin, cracks and important shrinkage level of the resin.

For better results, pour the epoxy at 72°F (22°C).

Above all, besides offering the CHILL EPOXY™ products, POLYMERES TECHNOLOGIES offers a myriad of different thermoset systems (Epoxy, rigid and elastomeric polyurethanes) for different applications such as:

1.  Adhesives to structurally assemble different substrates.
2.  Molding and casting systems to mold and cast artistic or industrial parts.
3. Rapid prototyping resins for the validation of part designs and short run production.
4. Composites systems for the production of laminated parts.
5. Potting compounds to protect electric and electronic components against aggressive
   environment.
6. Coatings for the protection of different substrates.
7. Release agents to prevent resins to bond to molds or any other substrate.

In conclusion, there are multiple “thermoset systems” that POLYMERES TECHNOLOGIES can supply to you.

Do not hesitate to contact us for any information or guidance you may require at support@polymerestechnologies.com