Whether you’re looking for a sealant, a coating, an encapsulation—or, of course, an adhesive—two-part epoxy is a great one-size-fits-all polymeric material. Since their development in the 1950s, two-part epoxies have come to be recognized for their versatility and performance in the world of adhesives. If you haven’t had the pleasure of using one yet at work or for a personal project, first take your pick from our wide selection, and then check out these 8 benefits of using a two-part epoxy!
Endless Modifications
Perhaps the most notable feature of two-part epoxy is that it can be modified with pigments, fillers, and other resins to change its viscosity, bonding strength, flexibility, and many other properties. We wanted to start with this benefit because it’s the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to two-part epoxies. Because of its ability to adapt to so many modifications, two-part epoxy has a lot of benefits that can apply to a variety of situations.
Two-Tiered Strength
Two-part epoxies are known for having a high bond strength to a wide variety of substrates.
Part of this strength lies in the chemistry of its two-part system. The other element of strength comes from its ability to accept a variety of modifications. To bond, two-part epoxy requires mixing a resin and a hardener. The hardener triggers polymerization, which is the chemical reaction that bonds monomer molecules together to form polymer chains, which leads to curing. Two-part versions are stronger than one-part epoxies because of this bonding reaction.
No Substrate Left Behind
Two-part epoxies allow assemblers to bond almost anything to almost anything else. The two-part bonding process creates such a strong chemical reaction, when fully cured, that two-part epoxies practically become a new material as strong as a hard piece of molded plastic. This impressive bonding strength sets it apart from its one-component counterpart.
Because it’s available in so many forms and so easily modified, two-part epoxies bond rubber, metal, wood, glass, plastic, masonry, and pretty much any other substrate, aside from untreated plastic and elastomer.
Form and Function
Two-part epoxies come in liquid, paste, and semi-cured film and solid forms. In addition to obviously being a very strong adhesive, two-part epoxies are great for filling gaps, provide excellent electrical insulation, and exhibit high chemical inertness—meaning they aren’t likely to react terribly when exposed to a variety of chemicals.
Weathering Many Environments
Because two-part epoxies are able to resist oil, moisture, and even a lot of solvents, they’re great for use in a variety of settings and environments. In fact, they were formulated for demanding applications where extreme temperature changes, high vibrations, and mechanical shock would be present.
Strong Against Shearing and Tension
Two-part epoxies have excellent shear strength, which means they’re good at resisting outside forces that try to cause the internal structure of the adhesive to slide against itself.
In addition, their tensile strength, or ability to resist breaking while being stretched or pulled, is very high.
Temperate Bonding
A two-part epoxy can cure at room temperature, so you don't always need heat when using it. It achieves handling strength after anywhere between five minutes and eight hours, depending on the curing agents. Of course, a chemical catalyst or heat can be applied to speed the reaction between the resin and hardener.
Great for Industry
If you work in an industry that uses adhesives at all, chances are you’ve come into contact with a two-part epoxy once or twice. Because of their strength and versatility, two-part epoxies are used for assembly, applications, and repairs in industries including marine, automotive, aerospace, aviation, railway, appliance, electronics, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, manufacturing, and construction.
The ability to take on so many modifications really does make two-part epoxy a strong, temperate, and versatile adhesive for an enormous variety of substrates, conditions, and industries. Get your hands on the best two-part epoxy on the market at Hotmelt.com or contact us for any of your epoxy or hot-melt-related questions.