If you have been looking for adhesives for various applications, you might have heard of epoxy glue or epoxy resin. Epoxy glue is an adhesive that features a synthetic mixture of an epoxy polymer or a resin mixed with a suitable hardener and used for joining or attaching the same or different surfaces together. It creates a durable, strong and a tough bond that can withstand adverse environmental conditions and stress. It can also work well as a filler used to fill voids or gaps when it still in the liquid state and before it is allowed to chemically cure. In most cases, you can get the glue, with the polymer as well the hardener either separately so that you do the mixing, or you can buy epoxy resin that has already been mixed.
Benefits of Epoxy glue
It is a fact that there are various types of glues and adhesives, but epoxy adhesives happen to be among the most preferred for a variety of applications. Their special formulations and behaviors as adhesives make them stand out from the rest. If you have been wondering if this is the right type of glue for your needs, here is a brief look at some of the benefits it has and why you should consider using it as your preferred adhesive for your upcoming projects:
Great flexural strength
Epoxy glue has an enviable flexural strength, and this makes it suitable for applications such as casting or laminating load-bearing forms or forms that will be subjected to lots of stress. It is also worth noting that most epoxy glues also come with enhanced resistance to both moisture and chemicals and this is why they are preferred for use in outdoor sculptures.
Have good “wetting” properties
Epoxy glues are known to have very good wetting properties owing to their high quality adhesive nature. As such, they enjoy a long pot-life before they start losing their toughness. It is for this reason that epoxy glue is seen as a good option for lamination, and it is always a common constituent in most of the special paint finishes.
Do not attack polystyrene
Another admirable feature of epoxy glues is that they do not attack polystyrene as is always the case with other glue types. As such, it is one of the most popular options for coating Styrofoam or polystyrene forms.
Can be used with a variety of fillers
As far as filling goes, epoxy-based glues can work well with a variety of fillers, without ever worrying about the risk of moisture. This gives a lot of flexibility on the type and nature of fillers you would like to use. Whether you are interested in using fillers such as marble dust, filite, metal powders, or dried ball clay, you can easily use them with epoxy glue to create high-quality clay-like putty that you can use for all your filling needs.
No special pre-warming necessary
Just like polyurethane resin and polyester, epoxy glues and resins will not need any kind of special pre-warming for them to cure and mix well when you want to use them. You can easily use the glue under normal room temperatures, but you can always use moderate heat if you want to accelerate the curing process.
The resin lasts much longer
Another feature you will find admirable about epoxy glue is that its resin component has a longer shelf-life compared to other types of resins. It can last for up to three years, though most manufacturers will state that it can last up to only one year on the shelves. Perhaps this is so owing to the fact that the hardener part is more active and comes with a shorter lifespan.
Applications of epoxy glue
The scope of application of epoxy glue is wide and varied. It has been described in some quarters as a glue for all applications and here is a brief look at some of the applications to which it can be subjected-:
Fiberglass repair – fiberglass is a widely used material in passenger cars, boat hulls, and livestock trailers. Such surfaces are prone to cracks and dents that if not treated in time, they may expand and lead to very costly repairs. Epoxy glues, can, however, be used to restore such surfaces in case of minor damage or dents.
Woodworking and carpentry – a small portion of epoxy glue is sufficient to replace wood glue when you are working on cabinets and furniture. One huge advantage it has over wood glue is that it sets faster, and as such, it is ideal in urgent situations where faster setting is required. It can also make a reliable secondary glue to reinforce wood glue. In most instances, they have been used to laminate plywood using fiberglass. When used in this manner, the strength and durability of the construction are greatly enhanced. It is also a common choice for coating bar tops.
Metal and wood fillers – epoxy glues and epoxy adhesives are very effective when used to repair rust in metal or rot in wood. They can be used as fillers to restore metal or wooden beams. The only thing you should watch out for when using epoxy glue and resins as fillers is that for the sake of metals, be sure to choose one that doesn’t have chemical additives that may end up causing unwanted reactions.
Reinforcing bolts – epoxy glues and resins can also be used to reinforce fasteners such as bolts. For example, during the bolting process of a heavy vibrating machine to concrete floors, it is normal to find epoxy resins being used as reinforcement. They are used to protect such bolts from getting corroded, to strengthen the joints, and to delay any cracking that may be a result of stress.
Making jewelry – it will surprise you to learn that epoxy glue can be used to make custom jewelry. This may not be a common application, but for layered metal jewelry, epoxy glues and resin are known to provide a very good experience in binding the layers together.
For all your adhesive needs, you can trust MPI Matco. We have years of experience in adhesive systems including UV adhesives, structural adhesives, sealants and pressure-sensitive tapes. Talk to our experts today for help and advice on your project.
