Epoxy Resin: A Buying Guide
Epoxies have been essential across a wide variety of industries since the 1940s. Extremely durable and administered in a liquid form, epoxy resin cures to a temperature-resistant, high-clarity solid. The properties of strength and fast curing times are perfect for protective coating and filler use across an array of products, such as electrical components and flooring.
Due to its many applications it can be difficult to know which epoxy is correct for your project. In this guide we’ll discuss what epoxy actually is and which product is right for you.
What Is Epoxy Resin?
Epoxy resin is an extremely versatile synthetic resin consisting of two components - the resin and the hardener. When the liquid resin is mixed with a suitable hardener a chemical reaction is set in motion that can last several hours.
Also known as polyepoxide, epoxy is a polymer that adheres to a wide range of surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, concrete and stone. Once cured, epoxy is extremely strong, dimensionally stable and chemical-resistant. It benefits from minimal shrinkage, it is electrically insulative, cost-effective with low toxicity and no VOCs.
Is Epoxy Resin Safe?
Epoxy resin is a safe material to work with, however, there are a number of safety precautions that need to be adhered to during its application.
You should always wear gloves to make sure your hands aren’t exposed to the resin and hardener liquids. If you do get any liquids on your skin you can remove the chemical withs baby wipes and make sure you wash the area well.
You should wear a plastic apron and it is advised that you also wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. If the epoxy does make contact with your eyes you should flush the eyes repeatedly for 15 minutes and seek medical attention as soon as you can.
Due to the chemical reactions taking place it is important that you use epoxy in a place that is well ventilated. Open a window, use a ceiling fan or wear a respirator to make sure the air is as clean as possible.
The Different Types Of Epoxy Resin
There are a lot of different epoxies available that it is possible to become overwhelmed. But, essentially, there are only a few types that have been modified for specific jobs. 2 of the most common types of resin are:
1. Casting Epoxy Resin
Distinguished by its low viscosity and extended pouring time, casting epoxy resin is also referred to as pouring plastic or deep pour resin. Usually mixed with a 2:1 ratio of resin to hardener the higher viscosity means it is ideal to fill holes and gaps in materials to fortify their strength and stability.
2. Coating Epoxy Resin
Used to provide a strong, waterproof, chip-resistant and rust-proof coating. Mixed in a ratio of 1:1, coating resin has a quicker curing time and once cured the coatings are extremely durable, with an easy-to-clean, high-gloss surface.
What Is Epoxy Putty?
Epoxy putty is made up of two soft components that, when mixed together, cause a chemical reaction which hardens the putty. Epoxy putty can be kneaded and moulded by hand whilst soft. After curing, the putty turns into a material that is as hard as steel.
It is a powerful adhesive. It bonds to virtually any surface. It is waterproof. It can be shaped, moulded, sculpted, drilled, sawed, cut and painted. And perhaps best of all – it is one of the easiest repair compounds to use.
The Different Epoxy Resin Products
Precon Products stocks a huge range of different epoxy resins for each of your project requirements. Take a look through the below selection and if you’re still unsure which product is the right one for you please don’t hesitate to call us.
ARBO 2020
This is a unique three part epoxy sealant which provides great resistance to traffic loads once cured. ARBO 2020 can be colour matched and forms a flexible, hard-wearing seal with good adhesion to concrete, metals and glass.
Adomast Epotac
A two component based general purpose epoxy resin adhesive with low viscosity. With high mechanical strength, Epotac is very resistant to a range of chemicals while also having high bonding strength and flexibility.
Adomast Epomast Mortar
Epomast Mortar GP is an epoxy resin based repair mortar that provides a high strength, waterproof, low slump repair mortar with high chemical and frost resistant properties. It has virtually no shrinkage while providing adhesion to most building surfaces - horizontal, vertical or inverted!
Adomast Epocrack Seal
A two pack solvent free epoxy repair resin, Epocrack Seal was formulated as an extremely low viscosity system for gravity feeding or pressure injecting into fine cracks, voids and fissures in concrete. Repaired cracks are completely sealed against water ingress, applications include repair of concrete beams, columns, slabs, walls, etc.
Sika Sikadur 31
Sikadur®-31 CF Rapid is a moisture tolerant, thixotropic, structural 2-component adhesive and repair mortar, based on a combination of epoxy resins and special fillers. Easy to mix and apply, excellent adhesion qualities, high strength, no shrinkage or primer required.
Fosroc Nitomortar
Nitomortar comes in 3 different varieties: Nitomortar S, HB and FC. Nitomortar HB is a high performance solvent-free epoxy resin used for its “hanging” properties. Nitomortar S is designed for horizontal applications and can be used on metal substrates. Nitomortar FC can be applied on damp surfaces and it quickly cures.
Sika Sikadur 32
Using a combination of epoxy resins and special fillers, Sikadur®-32 Normal from Sika is a two component bonding agent. With no primer needed it is impermeable to liquids and water vapour with good chemical resistance.
Precon’s Epoxy Resin Free-Flow Grout
Traditional grout is made from a cement based mix, whereas Precon’s Epoxy Resin Free-Flow Grout is made of epoxy resins combined with a filler powder. This combination makes it waterproof and almost completely resistant to stains.
Adomast Resomast Mortar
Providing the ideal solution to a variety of applications, Resomast Mortar rapidly develops high strength. Ideal for use on concrete and masonry repairs, jointing, filling and grouting.
How Do You Remove Epoxy Resin?
If the resin has yet to set then you can use methylated spirit and a cloth to clean away the resin. Although, if the resin has cured, removing it can become very difficult due to its adhesion qualities.
If there is only a small amount of resin to remove you can scrape or sand it. An effective way to remove epoxy resin from wood or concrete is acetone although you need to be aware of the flammable properties of acetone and always use it in a well ventilated space. A heat gun can make the resin soft enough to remove with a plastic scraper. You could also use paint thinner to remove resin from plastic or glass.
Author Admin. Category Concrete Repair. First published Fri, 14 May 2021 12:00:00 +0100