Epoxy is such an interesting coating. It holds benefits that would not only be beneficial to you but to the people around you. Today, we will dive deep as we get to know this coating.
So, what is Epoxy?
Basically, epoxy is composed of two liquid substances. When mixed together, they can serve as glue or as a filling for gaps. Unlike other superglues, epoxy doesn’t possess a strong odor. When epoxies are used, the person will not have to worry about sticking the glue to his/her hands. A stick can be used for the application. This is possible for epoxy since various brands have different curing times. One brand may harden faster than the others. Using a quick hardening epoxy is best used when two parts are needed to be held together while the slow epoxy can be used when precision is needed. Getting to know more about epoxy is a must for anyone who wants to use it.
What are its Applications?
Epoxy has numerous applications. One application is a coating. Numerous planes and windmills are coated with epoxy to protect them from the harsh elements they face every day. Rust and dust are only some of the problems epoxy has helped them with. Another object that uses epoxy as a coating is a can. Can serves as a container for the foods and beverages people consume. The epoxy coating’s main function is to prevent bacterial contamination.
Another application would be epoxied as adhesives. The functions of adhesives are already well-known but most don’t know what the glue is made up of. Epoxies are made up of a resin and a hardener that works hand-in-hand. The resin comes from an epoxide while the hardener is from polyamine. When the two combine, a reaction will occur that will lead to the familiar epoxy. Other additives such as silver, plasticizers, and pigments are also commonly found in epoxies depending on what their purposes are. Silver can be added for better electrical conductivity. Pigments are used to place specific colors on the epoxy. Plasticizers are used for flexibility purposes.
Factors affecting Epoxy
Different factors such as temperature and time can affect the hardening or curing time of epoxy. Epoxy is said to completely harden after several days. At around 140o Fahrenheit, epoxy will start to soften. Once the temperature is reduced, the epoxy will also start to harden as well. The epoxy may be difficult to apply when the temperature is at around 50o Fahrenheit. The epoxy starts to thicken at this point. However, epoxies can still handle extremely low temperatures so long as they were cured properly.
Risks?
The epoxy may look perfect but there are also some health risks associated with it. The hardener used for epoxy may cause allergic reactions to some of its users. Some may not notice it right away since delayed allergic reactions are common. As for the resin, it can cause disruptions in the endocrine system of the body. This disruption can cause tumors and learning disabilities in extreme cases.
Conclusion
Getting to know more about epoxy is beneficial to epoxy users. The factors which contribute to the effectiveness of epoxy must be taken into consideration when using them. The application of epoxies can also help other people create or finish their own tasks. In the end, epoxy is an all-around product that should be kept at every home.
If you are interested to learn more and getting your floorings coated, it is best to contact your local coating specialist. They can provide you with more detailed information on epoxy. They can also give a quotation for your floorings if you desire to coat them with epoxy.
