Epoxy resins
The thermosetting material epoxy resin is versatile and offers numerous application possibilities. The group of synthetic resins includes epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, vinyl ester resin, phenolic resin and acrylic resin.
Epoxy resin plastics (EP resins, epoxy resin) have terminal epoxy groups. They are produced by the reaction of bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin. An epoxy resin is thus a reactive resin that is usually reacted with an aminic hardener and possibly other additives to form a thermoset plastic. The epoxy resin is thus a liquid material that cures by chemical reaction of resin and hardener. After curing, a crystal-clear, unbreakable, high-gloss and hard surface is obtained.
These properties make such a synthetic resin an extremely versatile, all-purpose material. Epoxy resins are clear and viscous and can be optimized for specific end properties by modification with reactive reactive diluents and adhesion promoters.
Modified epoxy resins
| Product | Chemical base | EEW g/eq | Viscosity at 25ยฐC mPaโขs | Gardner colour max | Application | Industries | Attributes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ipox ER 1020 | Bisphenol-A-diglycidylether monofunctional RD | 190 โ 205 | 900 โ 1500 | 1 | solvent-free epoxy systems, hydrophobic character, optimized wetting of substrate and fillers |      |  | |
| ipox ER 1022 | Bisphenol-A-diglycidylether monofunctional RD | 189 โ 213 | 700 โ 1000 | 2 | solvent-free epoxy systems, hydrophobic character, chemical resistant coatings | | | |
| ipox ER 1042 | Bisphenol-A/F-diglycidylether monofunctional RD | 185 โ 200 | 900 โ 1200 | 1 | solvent-free epoxy systems, hydrophobic character, optimized wetting of substrate and fillers | | | |
| ipox ER 1042-5 | Bisphenol-A/F-diglycidylether monofunctional RD | 190 โ 205 | 400 โ 600 | 1 | solvent-free epoxy systems, lower viscosity than ipox ER 1042-7 | | | |
| ipox ER 1042-7 | Bisphenol-A/F-diglycidylether monofunctional RD | 185 โ 200 | 500 โ 900 | 1 | solvent-free epoxy systems, lower viscosity than ipox ER 1042 | | | |
| ipox ER 1044 | Bispenol-A/F-diglycidylether, contains benzyl alcohol | 200 โ 225 | 850 โ 1050 | 2 | priming and injection resins in construction chemistry | | - | |
| ipox ER 1052 | Bisphenol-A/F-diglycidylether difunctional RD | 164 โ 176 | 600 โ 900 | 1 | solvent-free epoxy systems, improved curing, very good solvent resistance | | | |
| ipox ER 1052-5 | Bisphenol-A/F-diglycidylether difunctional RD | 164 โ 176 | 450 โ 650 | 1 | solvent-free epoxy systems, lower viscosity than ipox ER 1052 | | | |
| ipox ER 1052-9 | Bisphenol-A/F-diglycidylether difunctional RD | 164 โ 176 | 700 โ 1000 | 1 | solvent-free epoxy systems, higher viscosity than ipox ER 1052 | | | |
| ipox ER 1054 | Bisphenol-A/F-diglycidylether difunctional RD | 160 โ 180 | 900 โ 1400 | 1 | solvent-free epoxy systems, very good chemical resistance | | | |
| ipox ER 1062 | Bisphenol-A/F-diglycidylether difunctional RD | 172 โ 188 | 700 โ 1000 | 1 | solvent-free epoxy systems, very good chemical resistance | | |
Components of epoxy resin systems
Epoxy resin systems always consist of at least 2 components, the resin and the amine or anhydride based curing agent. The curing agents are reaction partners and together with the resin form a macromolecular plastic. The thermosets produced by crosslinking have high mechanical properties as well as good temperature and chemical resistance.
The field of application of epoxy resins is particularly diverse. They are used as coating systems for industrial floors and can be chemical-resistant, decorative, vapor-permeable, elastic, solvent-free, UV-resistant, VOC-free, and self-leveling.
Epoxy resin is used as 1K adhesives for a wide range of applications, as laminates in composites and wind energy, as coatings in the automotive, transportation and aerospace sectors, and as insulating molding compounds for electrical engineering and electronics.
The final properties of epoxy resins can be influenced by the selective choice of the appropriate curing agent and by the addition of additives. Epoxy resins can be high or low viscosity, fast or slow curing.
Thus, a wide range of applications can be served by the production of epoxy resins.
Epoxies adhere very well to metal, making them suitable for applications in the coating, automotive, aerospace and marine segments. Epoxy resins are resistant to water, heat and UV. They exhibit high scratch resistance. Epoxy resin is waterproof and water resistant and can also be used to seal surfaces, pools, pipes, etc. Epoxy resin is absolutely waterproof after curing. Even after several years, this material is tight, provided that there are no cracks caused by major vibrations.
Processing epoxy resins
Epoxy resins are processed as casting resins or reactive resins, molding compounds or as prepregs. Cured resins are characterized by excellent electrical insulation properties, very high adhesive strength and low shrinkage during curing. The properties of epoxy resin systems can be greatly influenced by reinforcing materials such as glass or carbon fibers.
The properties of epoxy resins listed below refer to the finished state after curing. The final properties are very much dependent on the structure of the epoxy resin, the degree of crosslinking, the type and quantity of reinforcing material and the processing method.
Epoxy resins are characterized by high strength. They are stiff and tough, but can also be made elastic by modifiers. Epoxy resin is relatively impact-resistant, but also hard and abrasion-resistant. EP adheres very well to most substrates. Through fiber reinforcements during production, a strong increase in strength and a significant increase in stiffness (Young's modulus) can be achieved with epoxy resins. Epoxy also has very good electrical properties. Epoxy resin is a very good electrical insulator in a wide temperature range. Thermally, epoxy shows good heat resistance even at higher temperatures. Depending on the curing agent, heat resistance of up to 250ยฐC can be achieved with special formulations. Epoxy resins are difficult to ignite, but special self-extinguishing formulations are available.
Cycloaliphatic epoxy resins exhibit excellent weathering and UV resistance and are popular for exterior applications.
Epoxy resins exhibit very good chemical resistance to many acids and bases. In addition to the resin system, the hardener type, as well as the structure of the material and the fillers are decisive for the chemical resistance. A closed resin layer on the surface is important.
In the crosslinked state, the resins are largely harmless from a health point of view. During processing, however, it is essential to observe protective measures with personal protective equipment, since exposure of the skin to liquid epoxy resin and hardeners causes inflammation and rashes. Skin contact must be avoided at all costs. Suitable protective clothing such as gloves and safety goggles during processing help to avoid skin contamination.
