What is Epoxy Made Of?
Epoxy is a term which has become synonymous with durability, strength, longevity, and versatility. Everything from adhesives, to coatings, and composites can be produced with epoxy. This is great and all, yet what exactly is epoxy made of? We’re here to help answer this question, and more, with the help of our in-house team of epoxy flooring experts. Enjoy!
The Basics of Epoxy Resin
At its core, epoxy consists of two components, epoxy resin and a hardener (catalyst). When these two substances are mixed together, they undergo a rapid chemical reaction which is referred to as curing. This curing process results in a rigid, durable material.
1. Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is a polymer made up of molecules which go by the name of epoxide groups. The most common style of epoxy resin is based on the chemical reaction of ECH (epichlorohydrin) with BPA (bisphenol-A). The versatility of epoxy resin predominantly originates from its ability to interact with a wide variety of hardeners, which in turn allows for various types of properties to form such as flexibility, strength, and chemical corrosion resistance.
2. Hardener
The hardener, oftentimes referred to as the curing agent or the catalyst, is what causes the reaction to form the solid polymer. It’s very cool science in real time! There are several different types of hardeners available, each one designed to provide different mechanical and thermal properties to the final product. Some of the most common hardeners include amines, anhydrides, and phenols. The choice of hardener will ultimately affect everything from the total curing time and temperature, to the overall strength and moisture resistance of the finished epoxy product.
The Curing Process
The magic of epoxy resides in the curing process. When the resin and hardener are properly mixed, the chemical reaction process created is referred to as polymerization. The process links molecular chains and creates a tight, cross-linked network. The curing process can be accelerated by heat and slowed by cold. The final result is a material which is extremely tough and resistant to environmental degradation and chemical corrosion.
Applications of Epoxy
Due to its formidable characteristics, epoxy finds applications in numerous fields:
- Adhesives: Epoxy adhesives are capable of bonding a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and wood
- Coatings: Epoxy coatings are used to provide protective and decorative finishes on floors, appliances, and industrial equipment
- Composites: Epoxy is used as a matrix to bind together fibers in composite materials, such as carbon fiber and fiberglass, used in everything from aerospace to sporting goods
- Electronics: Epoxies encapsulate electronic components, protecting them from dust, moisture, and short circuits
Choose Epoxy Floor Experts for All of Your Epoxy Flooring Needs!
Epoxy is more than just a strong adhesive. It’s a highly adaptable material that plays a crucial role in a variety of industries due to its strength, durability, and chemical resistance. Understanding the components and processes that make up epoxy helps appreciate not just how it works, but also why it’s so widely used across different applications. Whether you’re looking to repair a broken tool or are involved in high-tech manufacturing, epoxy’s properties make it an invaluable tool in both DIY projects and high-end industrial applications.
If you’re looking for some of the best epoxy flooring products and customer service around, you’ll want to contact us at Epoxy Floor Experts. We’ll be happy to coordinate a call to determine the next best steps and visit your home, business, or facility to gauge how we can best assist with our epoxy flooring expertise. We look forward to hearing from you soon and we’re eager to begin working together to see your epoxy floor vision come to life!
