Density of epoxy resin: material consumption and application technology

Chemistry is a complex science, and not everyone has knowledge in this area. However, those who work with chemical compositions and ensure that certain processes take place in them must have an idea of ​​the substances used. The density of the epoxy resin in the finished product will be high only if the components are correctly selected and optimal conditions are created for the polymerization of the composition.

The density of epoxy may vary depending on the ratio of components

Epoxy resins: varieties of chemical compositions

The use of epoxy has long and firmly entered our life. In everyday life, where you need a reliable connection or solid composition, this tool is irreplaceable. Epoxy resin is a type of synthetic resin, an oligomer containing epoxy groups. The substance has a complex chemical formula.

Any epoxy consists of the main component - resin, as well as a hardener

Depending on the composition, there are several types of resins:

1. Epoxy diane. They are marked ED-10, ED-16, ED-20, ED-22, EP-SM-PRO. They are actively used in everyday life and in the industrial sphere. Compounds with impregnation function, self-leveling floor, adhesives - this is not a complete list of applications for this type of polymer.
2. Epoxy-diane, intended for the manufacture of varnishes and paints. These epoxies are marked with E-40, E-40 R. With their help, durable paint and varnish coatings are created.
3. Epoxy-modified (EPOFOM-1,2,3). Used for repair work.
4. Special epoxy resins. The peculiarities of the compositions (with chlorine, resorcinol, etc.) allow them to be used in special conditions.

Any epoxy resin consists of two components - the resin itself as a base substance and a hardener. Various fillers give the formulation certain qualities.

The main consumer properties of epoxy resin

The cost of epoxy is quite high. It is quite affordable to purchase a small amount for household needs, but significant volumes require considerable financial costs. At the same time, the popularity of the substance is growing.This fact can be explained by the presence of good consumer qualities of this polymer. Among the main characteristics are the following:

Epoxy resin is characterized by heat resistance, water resistance and toughness

1. Strength. With a high level of manufacturability of manufacturing and application processes, the hardened resin can compete with certain brands of concrete.
2. Heat resistance. Epoxy resin can withstand temperatures of 200 ° C and above.
3. Waterproof. In the solid state, the substance does not absorb water.
4. Adhesive properties. The high level of adhesion and strength of the joints allow gluing large surfaces.
5. Resistant to many aggressive chemicals.
6. Low weight of products.

These characteristics are inherent in all types of resin. These qualities can manifest themselves to a greater or lesser extent depending on the additives used in the preparation of the epoxy.

Helpful advice! When purchasing epoxy resin, it is imperative to determine (independently on the basis of the information on the packaging or ask the specialist of the selling company to provide information about the product) the intended purpose of the composition. Even a slight discrepancy can affect the bottom line.

Modern Uses of Epoxy Resin

The emergence of new formulations is constantly expanding the scope of epoxy resins. With the help of these polymeric materials, it is possible not only to glue objects and create decorative items, furniture, but also to replace significant metal elements of structures and mechanisms, reducing their cost and reducing weight. The main areas of application of epoxy include:

Epoxy resin is actively used in repair work

1. Manufacturing of composite materials. Using the method of impregnating synthetic fabrics, fiberglass and carbon fiber are made. The material is lightweight and durable. It is actively used in modeling, in the creation of cars, missiles, ships, aircraft.
2. Furniture manufacturing. These are options both in-line (mainly kitchen countertops) and exclusive (slab tables, tabletops - rivers, maps, paintings, etc.).
3. Creation of electrical and waterproofing materials. Epoxy resin is a dielectric and moisture resistant.
4. Jewelry production. Epoxy jewelry (pendants, bracelets, brooches, etc.) are inexpensive and are decorative and aesthetically pleasing.
5. Renovation work. You can fill a cracked tabletop with epoxy, make a new floor, fix a leak in a boat, repair a car body using glass cloth, etc.
6. Manufacturing of various handicrafts, souvenirs, stand models.

Working with epoxy is much easier than working with, for example, metal or ceramics.

Making epoxy resin: addition to the instructions

Epoxy resin always comes with a hardener, since the main liquid will not solidify without it. All information on how to make epoxy can be read in the instructions for use. The manufacturer still does not cover some important points, so it is worth mentioning them separately:

For different types of work, its composition and temperature regime of the resin are selected

1. The quality of the final product is affected by both the lack and the excess of the hardener. With a shortage, the mass will be characterized by stickiness. An excessive amount of additive will speed up the polymerization process, but will lead to cracking of the material.
2. It is necessary to stir the components with an object that does not have additional elements (blades, rims, curvatures, etc.). Such devices accelerate the curing process.
3. The toxicity of epoxy is manifested in a liquid state, but it is insignificant, therefore, airing the room is quite enough to create a safe environment.
4. Do not allow the ingress of third-party liquid into both individual components and the finished composition.
5. It is necessary to mix the amount of material that can be worked out before the curing process begins. If, nevertheless, a lot of epoxy has been prepared, it is better to pour it in small quantities in different containers - it will retain the required viscosity longer.

Helpful advice! When preparing the resin for different types of work, it is necessary to observe a certain technology, including the correct choice of composition, temperature regime, an algorithm of actions and a time frame.

It is necessary to mix such an amount of substance that does not have time to harden before the end of the work

Technological subtleties of working with epoxy resin

From the moment the mixture is prepared and until the start of its active hardening, there are 40 minutes, during which it is required to have time to use up the composition. In the course of work, the resin can be used as an adhesive, for applying a top layer to the base, for filling cavities or special forms. Based on the purpose, the required amount of epoxy should be mixed.

It is important to know the polymer consumption. An accurate indicator is especially relevant in cases where significant horizontal surfaces are poured. For example, the consumption of epoxy resin per 1m² of countertop is 1 liter (or 1.1 kg) with a layer thickness of 0.1 cm. This amount is without additives. The value is average and may vary depending on the polymer manufacturer.

The optimum epoxy layer for curing is 1 cm. A thicker coating may crack during curing. If you need to fill in a thick layer - 2 or more centimeters, you can do it in stages, applying the composition in several steps. For large volumes, you can choose an epoxy resin with a hardener.

It is important to properly prepare the surface on which the polymer will be applied:

The finished epoxy must be used within 40 minutes

1. Dust off.
2. Degrease. If a solvent was used for these purposes, you need to remove it and wait until the residues evaporate, that is, the surface becomes dry.
3. Wooden parts should be sanded. This will create roughness that will increase the contact area.
4. Metal surfaces must be sanded to a high gloss.

When gluing the parts, it is necessary to tighten the structure with clamps.

Tips for Making Colored Epoxy

To be sure of the result of epoxy staining, it is better to purchase specially designed products for this. You can find them in shops and art salons selling related products. The types of paints can be as follows:

1. Plain. Gives the epoxy a specific color (blue, red, purple, etc.).
2. Fluorescent. Due to the presence of the phosphor in the composition, the products acquire a glowing effect. They can also give an additional color shade.
3. With a matte effect. Absorbs the gloss of the material.
4. Metallic. Items acquire a metallic sheen.
5. With sequins. The hardened epoxy mass shimmers.

It is recommended to purchase special dyes for painting epoxy resin

In the photo of epoxy resin on the Internet, both types of dyes and finished products with their use are demonstrated. You can choose the color option you want. The type of products largely depends on the amount of dye introduced. A few drops will preserve transparency and give a light shade. By increasing the amount of dye, you can get a more expressive color. To achieve a bright, deep shade, you should first paint the composition white, and then add the desired shade.

Helpful advice! To avoid difficulties in working with dyes, it is better to purchase a product from the same manufacturer that made the epoxy resin.

Epoxy resin for creativity: features, main brands

One of the qualities of epoxy resin - transparency - allows you to use this material for creativity. Similar compositions are used to make 3D paintings, original countertops, jewelry, and decorative interior items. As an excellent filling compound, epoxy is used to create herbariums and various exhibition models of natural materials. Natural and dried flowers, exotic species of insects, samples of minerals acquire additional originality and exoticism under a transparent polymer layer.

When choosing a material for creativity, the class of epoxy is important. The most popular transparent formulations are:

Epoxy resin is used for the manufacture of furniture, paintings, jewelry, decorative items

1. Resin Art. Substance of liquid consistency, used for drawing and performing various decoration works. The composition gives objects a 3D effect, creates a glossy layer.
2. Magic Crystal-3D. It is used in the manufacture of volumetric objects of small sizes: jewelry, vases, candlesticks, key rings, decorative cases, etc.
3. Epoxy CR 100. It is used to create products with significant volumes and surfaces, so it goes on sale in large packages.
4. ED-20. It can be used both in the construction industry and for the manufacture of various decorative elements.
5. Aquaglass Citrus. It quickly hardens both in a thin layer and in a thicker one - up to 2 cm, it is convenient to use for coating.
6. Diamant. Used to create jewelry, sold in small quantities.

Helpful advice! When purchasing resin for creative purposes, you need to be sure that it is resistant to yellowing.

DIY wood and epoxy products

A large number of photos with images of products made from epoxy resin or using this substance are posted on the Internet. A significant number of them are made from wood and resin. Wood is often preferred due to its high level of environmental friendliness and natural decorative effect. Even untreated surfaces can be beautiful elements of interiors, and in the case of the use of additional materials, their decorative value increases.

For products with epoxy resin, the wood must be dry

Any wood surface, even perfectly sanded, has pores, into which epoxy penetrates, creating a strong bond. Therefore, the combination of materials is successful for the manufacture of exclusive furniture. Epoxy is often used transparent for pouring or gluing wooden surfaces. It can also be tinted depending on the design intent.

It is not difficult to make a product from wood and epoxy on your own. You can take an idea from the Internet as a model. The article said above about the choice and preparation of an epoxy composition, but a few tips for home craftsmen will not be superfluous:

Related article:

Transparent epoxy resin for pouring: material for creativity and everyday life

Main characteristics and application technology. Making a composition with your own hands. Epoxy resin and wood products.

• for connection with epoxy, it is permissible to use only well-dried wood;
• when pouring horizontal surfaces, it is necessary to maintain a strict level of product location;
• high mechanical stress on elements with epoxy inserts can only be allowed 4-5 days after hardening.

The presence of backlights significantly enhances the decorative effect of epoxy resin and wood products. There is also information on the technique of creating glowing polymers in this article.

Today furniture made of epoxy resin and wood is very popular

Density of epoxy: standard and actual

Epoxy resin is resistant to alkalis, halogens and some types of acids.This quality is ensured by the chemical composition and basic properties. The substance in its pure form, without hardeners, has the following characteristics:

• elasticity is 3000-4500 MPa;
• tensile strength reaches 80 MPa;
• the density is 1.2 g / cm³.

The basic units used to measure the density of epoxy resin are g / cm³ (kg / m³). The magnitude indicator may depend on the following factors:

1. From the temperature. Hot-cured products are denser.
2. From the presence of air. Bubbles in the epoxy layer reduce the density.
3. From the presence of pigment additives. Dyes, imparting decorativeness to the material, reduce its density.
4. On the quality of the hardeners. When using acidic additives, the density of the material is higher than after using alkaline ones.

The epoxy resin without hardener has a density of 1.2 g / cm³

The density of epoxy resin (kg / m³ or g / cm³) is one of the main indicators of the strength of the hardened material. If, during operation, a product made of polymer will experience significant mechanical stress, special attention must be paid to this value.

Helpful advice! It is almost impossible to determine the density of the epoxy resin composition prepared for work at home; this requires a laboratory. Consequently, the optimum value can be achieved only if the processability is observed in the process of working with the polymer.

Technical indicators of ED-20 epoxy resin: density, viscosity, temperature

Epoxy resin ED-20 has been widely used both in production and in everyday life. It is a yellow or brown liquid substance with no additives. This resin can be combined with various hardeners, depending on the purpose and volume used, a plasticizer is used. Products from ED-20 are characterized by the following qualities:

• high density and strength;
• resistance to mechanical stress;
• waterproofness, dielectric properties;
• heat resistance;
• high level of adhesion;
• low weight.

Epoxy resin ED-20 is characterized by high strength and density

The main technical parameters of this type of resin are as follows:

• density of epoxy resin ED-20, kg / m³ - 1110-1230 with cold curing method, 1200-1270 - with hot;
• dynamic viscosity - 13-20 Pa / s;
• softening temperature - up to 60 ° С;
• gelation time - 8 hours.

Resin ED-20 is a universal material. The high level of density allows it to be used both for making interesting jewelry, and for creating cars, ships, planes. This polymer is also included in the compositions of paints and varnishes.

Important! It is possible to store ED-20 resin only in a tightly closed container at a temperature not exceeding 40 ° C.

Polyester resin: how to work, the toxicity of the composition

A large number of resins are used in industrial production. In everyday life, the most acceptable are epoxy and polyester. Both are thermosetting plastics, and once they have cured, they cannot be returned to a liquid state. The process of polymerization of polyester resins begins at the stage of their manufacture in production. The hardeners included in the kit only accelerate this reaction.

Most often, epoxy and polyester resins are used in everyday life.

Hence, we can conclude that the polyester resin will harden without the addition, but the shelf life of the composition is of particular relevance. The main advantages of polyester resins are:

• low cost;
• fast curing;
• no intense change in viscosity.

The level of harmfulness of polyester resin is low, although the polymer has a rather pronounced odor. With prolonged contact and indoors, the composition may cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and redness on contact with the skin. Working with polyester resin is not difficult.The hardener, or more precisely, the accelerator, must be poured in the proportions recommended by the manufacturer, stirred not intensively (this will help to avoid the appearance of bubbles) for 2 minutes.

The curing agent in polyester resin acts as a catalyst, that is, when it is added, heat is released, which activates the polymerization process. It is possible not to add additives to this type of resin, but to use external heat sources.

Fast curing is one of the main advantages of polyester resin

Helpful advice! Do not apply polyester resin to the epoxy layer - the substances will exfoliate.

Is epoxy harmful to health and how much

When it comes to epoxy, the words “chemical”, “synthetic”, “reaction”, “polymerization” and more complex, intimidating names of substances are constantly used. The association is easy to guess - solid chemistry, which means it is harmful. The content of the article has already tried to highlight this issue, but it is so important and relevant that it is worth dwelling on it more thoroughly.

Once again, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the harmfulness of epoxy is associated only with its liquid state. Inhalation of vapors may cause stomach discomfort, headache, cough. All this is easy to avoid if you work in a ventilated room, and even more reliable - in a respirator. With infrequent contact with the composition, problems usually do not arise. Those who are engaged in industrial production are maximally protected from the effects of harmful substances.

Wearing a respirator is recommended when working with epoxy

Once cured, the epoxy is non-toxic. If wearing a pendant or bracelet caused a certain negative reaction, this is most likely due to the individual characteristics of the body, with an allergic reaction to specific substances. Most often these are the materials on the basis of which the decorative coating of the product is made, and not the main part of it.

To avoid getting the resin on your skin, it is worth working with gloves with rubber or other similar impregnation. Epoxy resin does not cause burns, but it should be removed if it gets in contact with it as soon as possible: due to body temperature, it will begin to freeze, and then it will be more difficult to remove it - you will need solvents that are much more toxic than resin.

To a certain extent, working with epoxy is a trial and error method. The article contains information that will help at least partially avoid problems. If the desire is complemented by the correct organization of the workflow, knowledge of the features of the materials used, the result will certainly delight.