Epoxy Resin at R&G Faserverbundwerkstoffe

What is Epoxy Resin?

Epoxy resins (EP) are thermosetting plastics that usually comprise of a resin and hardener. When mixed, epoxy resin systems react and form solid plastics with a range of beneficial properties. When reinforced with fibres or fillers, 2 part epoxies are used extensively throughout the construction industry where high-stress resistance is paramount. When unreinforced, they act as excellent adhesives and casting resins (electronic component encapsulation, cracks-filling in concrete constructions), or as durable coatings for concrete, wood, and steel.

Applications and Epoxy Resin Uses

The range of applications for epoxy resin is extremely broad, covering almost all industries and sectors. Examples include:

• aeronautical resins - including comprehensive use in aircraft building
• marine resins - used in boat building, kayaks and canoes (especially hulls)
• sports equipment resins - used for skis, surfboards, and racquets of all kinds
• prototyping resins - used for casting prototypes and models of all kinds
• medical resins - used in the construction of prostheses and x-ray machines
• vehicle construction resins - used in all aspects of vehicle construction
• construction resins - used for heavy load anchors, filling cracks, coatings
• landscaping resins - used for landscaping and within garden ponds
• art resins - used for casting, within sculpture and object manufacturing

Additionally, when reinforced with other materials, epoxy resin has an almost unlimited range of applications and uses.

Advantages of Epoxy Resins

As a versatile and durable material, epoxy resin boasts a range of beneficial properties. These include:

• High static and dynamic strength
• Low curing shrinkage, good dimensional stability
• Strong adhesion and adhesive properties
• High temperature resistance
• Good chemical and weather resistance
• Highly effective dielectric properties (insulating)
• Low combustibility, high emissivity

Epoxy Resin Systems

There are a number of different epoxy resin systems, distinguished by specific application. Each system provides a mixture of specific properties tailored to its use. These include:

Laminating Resins

Laminating resins are diluted liquids used to impregnate reinforcing fibres such as woven fabrics. After the curing process, a solid and extremely strong load-bearing material is produced. Laminating is a manual process where the fibres are soaked with rolls or brushes.

Injection Resins

These are low-viscosity epoxy resins with exceptional flow properties. They are processed by traditional injection or vacuum injection.

Casting Resins

These boast very low shrinkage properties and develop very little exothermia (reaction heat). This means that they are generally suitable for thicker casting.

Adhesive Resins

Today, the best construction adhesives are epoxy D resin-based. The processing times can often be as low as 5 minutes, moving up to 10 minutes, 30 minutes and 90 minutes. The adhesives are slightly thicker and are excellent for gap-filling.

Gelcoats and Moulding Resins

These are thickened and dyed epoxy resin systems. They are often used as an outer layer, either to give a smooth surface or as the surface for plastic moulds.

Epoxy Resin Curing

Curing is the process of the epoxy resin setting into its final form. A number of curing systems currently exist depending on the application.

Cold Curing

Cold curing systems are the easiest to use. They are usually processed and cured at room temperature (20 °C.). After about 24 hours they can be demoulded.

Hot Curing

• Cold/Hot Curing
  These resins integrate at room temperature so that components can be easily removed and processed. In "normal" applications the strength provided is often sufficient. However, further strength can be attained with post-cure heat treatment. Normally a temperature of 50 - 60 °C is sufficient for approximately 10 hours.
• Hot Curing
  Some special epoxy resins are also suitable for high temperature applications. However, high curing temperatures are also required for this.

Buy Epoxy Resin for Your Application

Here at R&G Faserverbundwerkstoffe, we stock a wide range of epoxy resin systems suited to a variety of applications. Filters can be used to select criteria such as processing time and the processing method. Certain applications require authorisation of epoxy usage; particularly in the aeronautics, marine and vehicle construction industries. Otherwise, you are free to select the most appropriate system for your needs.

Health and Safety

Resins and hardeners are hazardous substances. The best protection is offered by Nitrile Gloves which are available in our shop.