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What is Epoxy?

Epoxy is a thermosetting polymer that is produced from a reaction of a resin with


a specific hardener. Epoxy is used as an adhesive in several forms like epoxy
primer and epoxy glue. It is used for epoxy floors and other applications. Epoxy
thinner is a mix of solvents and alcohols intended for utilization with the majority
of epoxy coatings. It is a strong thinner that evaporates rapidly and prevents
sags. It has characteristics of corrosion resistant, strong adhesion, and
resistance to chemicals. The resin and hardener are mixed in particular
quantities to commence curing. When the temperatures at application are high,
slow thinners are used to improve the product flow. Rapid evaporating thinners
are normally used for spray work to increase atomization, and reduce the
probability for sags. These thinners are helpful for roller and brush work at low
temperatures since the chances of confinement under the drying paint are

reduced.

Epoxies are blended with inert aggregates to attain certain characteristics.

Epoxy Characteristics

Epoxy has unique characteristics as explained below:

• Epoxy coatings are widely used due to their exceptional chemical


resistance, low porosity, durability, and bond strength.
• Epoxies contain a curing agent and a base. These elements are blended
in a specific ratio. Heat is generated due to a chemical reaction, and the
mixture is hardened to produce an inert plastic.
• Epoxies may lose their shine when exposed to direct sunlight. This
yellowing effect is a valid problem that can be resolved by addition of
urethanes or latex.
• Epoxies harden in a short time, but complete curing occurs after several
days. After complete hardening is achieved, it is possible to sand the
coating. After proper epoxy curing, it can withstand below zero
temperatures. High temperatures lower the epoxy viscosity, and also
decrease the epoxy application time.
• Epoxies are by nature brittle and hard. Additives are added that reduce
the brittleness, but usually also reduce the chemical resistance.
• Particular epoxies have been developed with increased resistance to
temperatures, chemicals, yellowing, and the ability for underwater
application.
• After mixing of epoxies in a container, these are transferred to another
container before application. This process is practiced to ensure proper
mixing that may not be adequate if only one container is used. Mixing is
normally not satisfactory at the container sides, edges, and corners. This
shifting of epoxies from one container to another ensures complete mixing
before application.

Epoxies and paints are not recommended to be directly applied to galvanized


surfaces. Galvanization is a protecting coat that forms a protective layer. Epoxies
that are applied to galvanized surfaces may peel off soon. Galvanized surfaces
may be coated only with a superior primer. Similarly, galvanization is not
recommended for aluminum surfaces since these surfaces have a tendency to

bend, due to which the coating may be removed.

How Epoxies Work

Epoxies have excellent adhesive properties because of the polar bonding, when
in contact with different surfaces. On the surfaces that are dry, the epoxy and
surface bond dislocates the air. Even underwater, a similar action occurs and the
polar bond displaces the water. Therefore, painting undersea is not much
different from the painting done above the water. The epoxy's performance is not
much dependent on the environment

Read more:
http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/civil/articles/63632.aspx#ixzz1JEUEipZo

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