Epoxy resins are a type of chemical compound that have revolutionized the construction industry. They are ideal for use in construction in numerous ways, thanks to their incredibly versatile polymer properties. These are useful as adhesives, coatings, corrosion-resistant polymers, sealants, etc. because of their exceptional chemical, heat and moisture resistance and adhesive capabilities.
Hence, there are several benefits of using epoxy resins. These materials are also designed to help in repair and maintenance of concrete structures.
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In this blog, we will find out everything about epoxy resins, including their various uses and numerous benefits.
What is Epoxy Resin?
Epoxy resins are chemical compounds that belong to a specific class of polymers and pre-polymers. These react with epoxy resin hardeners and curing agents like phenolic compounds, polyamines, or aminoamides to create a durable material.
Hence, epoxy resin-based construction chemicals from leading manufacturers like Sakshi Chem Sciences are extremely popular today in the construction industry.
Epoxy is a broad term that includes a selection of reactive compounds, especially those with an oxirane or epoxy ring. It belongs to a three-member ring which includes an oxygen atom with two carbon atoms that are bonded to each other. The epoxide molecules within it create variations in the molecular base and produce different types of epoxy resins.
These resins are highly versatile as you can produce different types of epoxy chemical structures despite using the same chemical reaction. By combining these epoxy resins with modifiers and curing agents, you can achieve properties for numerous construction applications.
Properties of Epoxy Resins
Below are the main properties of epoxy resins that make it one of the most versatile and useful compounds in the construction industry –
High mechanical strength
Epoxy resins have significantly high mechanical strength. For instance, epoxy resins are used to mend joints and as fillers, instead of conventional welding, as they are a more effective but cheaper alternative.
Low shrinkage
Adhesives made from epoxy resins have a lower degree of shrinkage as compared to other types of polymer-based adhesives. This is highly useful as even completely reactive compounds can experience some degree of shrinkage during the curing process.
Excellent adhesion
Epoxy resins also have excellent adhesive properties as they can easily co-react with many compounds and other resins that have low molecular weight.
As a curing agent, it can effectively help improve the various properties of the construction adhesive being used, such as cohesive strength, adhesive strength, hardness, toughness, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals and heat.
High electrical insulation
Epoxy resins are also widely used in various types of electrical appliances, such as motors, generators, insulators, bushings, and switchgears. They are strong electrical insulators and protect the electrical components against damage from moisture, dust and short circuiting.
Enhanced chemical resistance
Epoxy-based resins also have noticeable resistance to several chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, methanol, acetone, and types of organic acids, depending on the formula. In addition, epoxy resins also have higher resistance to solvents too.
Affordable alternative
Epoxy resins are easy to cure and compatible with various types of substrates. They can effectively wet the surface easily and make them suitable for multiple uses. They can also alter various polymers like unsaturated polyesters and polyurethane to enhance their chemical and physical properties.
Types of Epoxy Resins
Epoxy resins are molded at 50%-100% temperature ranges and have higher viscosity levels. Curing agents and catalysts like hardeners or accelerators can directly react with resins or through a catalytic action.
Below are the different types of epoxy resins you can buy in the market today –
Heat-cured epoxy
Heat-cured epoxy has several industrial uses, but not in the construction industry as they need high levels of heat to cure. For example, the minimum heat required to cure these types of epoxies is around 200-degrees Celsius, which is not possible to provide during construction.
However, these resins have the highest resilience and are widely used in various applications, such as in medical devices, electronic components, infrared telescopes, missile warning systems, etc.
Two-part Epoxy
Two-part epoxies are designed to carry the two distinct components needed to create a chemical reaction. As the resin is mixed with a hardener, it transforms from a thick liquid to a putty-like substance in around 24 hours, before finally settling into a hardened crude material.
You can simply scrape off the epoxy once it is set, but make sure to do this after softening it a little with a bit of paint thinner or rubbing alcohol, if needed.
These epoxy resins are also versatile and used in various industries, such as automotive, manufacturing, aeronautical, and construction. These resins are highly useful in construction projects that use concrete components, such as protective decorative moldings, etc.
Benefits of Using Epoxy Resins
As we mentioned before, epoxy resins are used in a wide variety of applications in various industries. The compound’s excellent durability, adhesion, physical properties and chemical resistance make it an exceptional and commonly used construction chemical too.
Below are some of the most common used of epoxy resins worldwide –
Adhesives
Epoxy resins are widely used for their strong adhesive properties, especially in construction projects where they are utilized as structural adhesives. These resins are highly useful not just in construction, but also in manufacturing vehicles, aircraft, bicycles, snowboards, etc.
Apart from structural adhesives, epoxy resins are also known for their flexibility, opaqueness and transparency which are useful in other industries.
Paints
Known as ‘powder coatings’, epoxy-based paints are mostly used in home appliances, such as washers, dryers, stoves, etc. This paint is especially affordable to use in huge commercial settings.
Epoxy paints can cover electric appliances with a thick protective coating and make them more durable. Hence, epoxy paints are mostly used with cast steel, cast iron, and cast aluminum, and similar other metals.
Coatings / Sealants
Epoxy is renowned for being highly resistant to corrosion which makes it ideal for use on various types of domestic appliances that otherwise rust quickly with time. For instance, pain cans, metal containers, etc. need to have a special coating to prevent corrosion.
Epoxy resin is an excellent coating that quickly hardens once it is applied on a compatible surface. It forms a thin but protective layer over the material and offers two main benefits. First, it provides a protective coating against corrosion and rust that can develop over metal-based appliances with time.
It also protects wooden surfaces against damage by insects, and rotting. This makes epoxy coatings excellent for use as waterproofing compounds that can protect doors, windows and other entry points of buildings.
Epoxy resins also have higher insulation and can be used as sealants to keep homes and buildings warm and dry in cold months, and cool and fresh in the hot months of the year. Commonly, epoxy resin-based coatings are applied on kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, bookcases, shelves, etc.
Flooring
Epoxy resins are also useful for decorative purposes, such as for flooring. Its highly versatile properties make epoxy useful for various applications, including chip flooring, aggregate flooring with epoxy resin, terrazzo flooring, etc.
Epoxy floorings are eco-friendly and significantly better as compared to conventional flooring products, as they reduce water usage and the need for pesticides. They also have excellent bonding strength, which makes them ideal for use as coated flooring, linings, and different forms of structural repairs in buildings.
Conclusion
There are several benefits of using epoxy resins which make them one of the most versatile and useful construction chemicals provided by leading manufacturers like Sakshi Chem Sciences in India. These resins provide exceptional adhesion, strong coating, and effective insulation against heat, moisture and electricity.
Hence, epoxy resins are widely used for various purposes during a construction project. Construction experts strongly advise buying high-quality and reliable epoxy resin products from trusted manufacturers for the most optimal results.
