Epoxy resin has become one of the leading adhesive solutions in many industrial fields from construction, automotive, electronics to aerospace,… With strong adhesion, waterproof, heat and chemical resistance, epoxy glue not only helps improve work efficiency but also increases product durability. This article will introduce in detail the important applications of epoxy in industry and explore the most popular products of epoxy resin on the market these days.
What is epoxy resin?
One of the important steps in determining the effect of epoxy glue on the surface is to understand the structural formula of the constituent compounds. Epoxy glue, also known as AB glue, is a type of polymer with oxirane or epoxide groups participating in the curing reaction. Epoxy resin is converted to a thermoset state through a chemical reaction between the resin and the curing agent. This reaction can take place at high temperatures or room temperature, depending on the type of curing agent. After curing, epoxy glue is insoluble in solvents and does not melt when heated.
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What is AB glue and its applications?
Epoxy glue is known for some superior properties:
- Epoxy resins derived from Bisphenol A (BPA) have high chemical and corrosion resistance thanks to their aromatic ring structure and strong phenolic ether bonds. This is also one of the most commonly used epoxy resins.
- Due to the presence of polar hydroxyl and ether groups in the resin, epoxy resins have good adhesion to many material surfaces, including metals, wood, concrete, glass, ceramics and many plastics, creating highly aesthetic surfaces.
- The curing process of epoxy glue takes place with low shrinkage, helping to maintain the dimensional accuracy of the final product after completion.
- The mechanical properties such as hardness, flexibility and good acid resistance of epoxy adhesives are also significantly improved, depending on the type of curing agent used.
- Curing agents such as amines, modified amines, aromatic amines, polyamides, anhydrides or acids all offer different properties, resulting in their diverse and versatile properties.
In addition to its good resistance to external environmental factors such as high temperature, pressure, water and chemical exposure, epoxy glue can also replace traditional bonding methods such as drilling, chiseling, screwing, etc. without causing damage to the material surface. These advantages not only make epoxy glue a popular choice but also promote its development and application in diverse industrial fields around the world.
Types of Epoxy Glue
Epoxy resin can be divided into one-component glue and two-component adhesive. One-component adhesive needs high temperature to activate the reaction, while two-component adhesive can dry at ambient temperature:
One-component epoxy adhesive
Working mechanism: Epoxy resin and hardener (usually aromatic amines) are premixed and require high temperatures to initiate the curing process. Before the temperature reaches the required level, the epoxy mixture is still in a liquid or viscous state depending on the type of adhesive. As the temperature increases, a chemical reaction between the epoxy resin and the hardener begins. This process causes cross-linking between the epoxy resin and hardener molecules, thereby making the adhesive hard and highly mechanically durable.
Advantages:
- Easy to use: No need to mix each component before use, saving time and effort.
- Convenient in application: Suitable for applications that require high flexibility and do not require high precision in mixing ratio.
- Suitable for high temperatures: Suitable for applications that require curing at higher temperatures, where the curing agents are self-activated.
Disadvantages:
- Limited working time: Limited working time before the adhesive begins to cure, due to temperature dependence.
- Limited storage capacity: Since the curing reaction can occur even when the adhesive is not in use.
Two-component epoxy adhesive
Working mechanism: Two-component glue, also known as AB glue, includes glue A (epoxy resin, solvent, pigment, additives, …), glue B (hardener, solvent) stored separately. When used, mix A and B in a certain ratio and apply the glue to the surface after a period of time at room temperature to polymerize. The quality of the bond will depend on: epoxy type, hardener, A/B ratio, etc.
Advantages:
- High precision: Allows adjustment of the mixing ratio between epoxy resin and hardener, optimizing the properties of the final product.
- Longer working time: Can control the working time before the adhesive starts to cure, suitable for applications requiring precision and adjustment.
- Better storage capacity: The two components can be stored for a long time without causing curing reaction before use.
Disadvantages:
- Complexity in use: Requires careful preparation and precise mixing before application, which can increase costs and working time.
- Higher technical requirements: Requires the user to have an understanding of mixing ratios and curing processes.
However, in modern industry, controlling the curing process of epoxy glue by adjusting the temperature or choosing the right two-component glue including epoxy resin and hardener has made bonding diverse materials such as wood, plastic, metal (such as iron, aluminum), composite and rubber easier than ever. With years of experience in the field of adhesives, Prostech is ready to support customers in choosing the right type of epoxy resin and providing integrated solutions into the production line to optimize production efficiency. Contact us for a free consultation.
Applications of epoxy adhesive
Epoxy glue has very diverse and rich applications in many different fields:
Construction and repair industry
Epoxy adhesives are widely used for maintenance, repair and reinforcement of concrete, steel, wood, stone and ceramic structures. With excellent adhesion and resistance to harsh weather conditions, epoxy adhesives are the ideal choice for surface and structural repairs in the construction industry.
Manufacturing industry
In industrial manufacturing, epoxy adhesives are used to bond and assemble components, surfaces or final products. With high durability, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance, it is applied in many fields from electronics, automobiles to medical equipment and aerospace.
Shipbuilding industry
Epoxy adhesives are used for waterproofing, bonding and repairing ship hulls. They are also used in the manufacture and assembly of lightweight and durable composite structures such as pontoons, paddle boards and kayaks.
Electronics industry
With good electrical insulation properties and the ability to adhere to many surfaces, epoxy is widely used in the production and repair of electronic components, including potting and encapsulating.
Arts and crafts industry
Epoxy glue is commonly used in arts and crafts projects to add shine, protection, and smooth surfaces. It is also a favorite material for making jewelry out of wax and other materials.
Applications in epoxy flooring art
Epoxy floors are popular in interior and exterior design, thanks to their smooth, easy-to-clean surface and high durability. This product is suitable for many types of spaces from homes, offices, shops to restaurants,…
Top 5 popular epoxy adhesive brands in the market
Epoxy glue not only has properties such as good heat resistance, strength, water resistance and waterproofing but also comes in a variety of colors and product forms. Depending on the specific requirements of the product and application, manufacturers can choose between transparent and colored adhesive, liquid and viscous form, or between syringe and barrel form,…
Some famous Epoxy resins manufacturing brands that provide quality products at reasonable prices include:
Permabond’s Epoxy & PU Adhesive
Permabond is a famous brand for Epoxy and PU Adhesive. Permabond products are widely used in industrial and construction applications.
Gluditec’s Epoxy & PU Adhesive
Gluditec cũng là một nhà sản xuất uy tín với các sản phẩm keo Epoxy và keo PU. Ngoài các vật liệu keo, Gluditec còn cung cấp các thiết bị bơm tra keo, trộn keo,…
Gluditec is also a reputable manufacturer of Epoxy and PU adhesive products. In addition to materials, Gluditec also provides a wide range of adhesive dispensing and mixing equipment,…
Huntsman’s Epoxy Araldite & PU Adhesive
Araldite, owned by Huntsman, is one of the Epoxy adhesive brands known for its high quality and good strength. Huntsman products are widely used in applications from industrial to household.
Everwide’s Epoxy Adhesive
Everwide is an Epoxy adhesive brand that has a wide range of product options available to meet the diverse needs of the market.
3M’s Epoxy & PU Adhesive
3M is famous for manufacturing all kinds of glue in general, high quality Epoxy glue in particular for industrial and commercial applications.
Where to buy genuine epoxy glue?
You can buy epoxy resins at some construction material stores and supermarkets worldwide. In addition, you can also buy epoxy glue at famous distributors in the world such as Prostech at the best price.
Prostech is an authorized distributor of epoxy adhesive from big brands such as Permabond, Gluditec, 3M, etc. With many years of experience, Prostech has supplied products to thousands of large and small manufacturers worldwide. Not only providing products, Prostech always strives to create the best values for customers through support and professional advice on products to meet the specific needs of customers.
