Epoxy

This article is about the thermoset plastic materials. For the chemical group, see epoxide.
A syringe of "5-minute" epoxy glue, containing separate compartments for the epoxy resin and the hardener
Structure of the epoxide group, a reactive functional group present in all epoxy resins

Epoxy is the family of basic components or cured end products of epoxy resins. Epoxy resins, also known as polyepoxides, are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. The epoxide functional group is also collectively called epoxy.[1] The IUPAC name for an epoxide group is an oxirane.

Epoxy resins may be reacted (cross-linked) either with themselves through catalytic homopolymerisation, or with a wide range of co-reactants including polyfunctional amines, acids (and acid anhydrides), phenols, alcohols and thiols (sometimes called mercaptans). These co-reactants are often referred to as hardeners or curatives, and the cross-linking reaction is commonly referred to as curing.

Reaction of polyepoxides with themselves or with polyfunctional hardeners forms a thermosetting polymer, often with favorable mechanical properties and high thermal and chemical resistance. Epoxy has a wide range of applications, including metal coatings, composites,[2] use in electronics, electrical components (e.g. for chips on board), LEDs, high-tension electrical insulators, paintbrush manufacturing, fiber-reinforced plastic materials, and adhesives for structural[3] and other purposes.[4][5]

The health risks associated with exposure to epoxy resin compounds include contact dermatitis and allergic reactions, as well as respiratory problems from breathing vapor and sanding dust, especially from compounds not fully cured.[6][7][8]

  1. ^ May, Clayton (2018). Epoxy Resins: Chemistry and Technology (2nd ed.). CRC Press. p. 65. ISBN 978-1-351-44995-3.
  2. ^ Rodríguez-Uicab, Omar; Abot, Jandro L.; Avilés, Francis (January 2020). "Electrical Resistance Sensing of Epoxy Curing Using an Embedded Carbon Nanotube Yarn". Sensors. 20 (11): 3230. Bibcode:2020Senso..20.3230R. doi:10.3390/s20113230. ISSN 1424-8220. PMC 7309011. PMID 32517164.
  3. ^ Miturska, Izabela; Rudawska, Anna; Müller, Miroslav; Hromasová, Monika (January 2021). "The Influence of Mixing Methods of Epoxy Composition Ingredients on Selected Mechanical Properties of Modified Epoxy Construction Materials". Materials. 14 (2): 411. Bibcode:2021Mate...14..411M. doi:10.3390/ma14020411. ISSN 1996-1944. PMC 7830189. PMID 33467604.
  4. ^ "US Patent Application for FIRE-RESISTANT GLAZING Patent Application (Application #20130196091 issued August 1, 2013) - Justia Patents Search". patents.justia.com. Retrieved 2022-04-27.
  5. ^ Sukanto, Heru; Raharjo, Wijang Wisnu; Ariawan, Dody; Triyono, Joko; Kaavesina, Mujtahid (2021-01-01). "Epoxy resins thermosetting for mechanical engineering". Open Engineering. 11 (1): 797–814. Bibcode:2021OEng...11...78S. doi:10.1515/eng-2021-0078. ISSN 2391-5439. S2CID 235799133.
  6. ^ "Health Effects from Overexposure to Epoxy • WEST SYSTEM". WEST SYSTEM. Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  7. ^ Mathias, C. G. Toby (1987). "Allergic Contact Dermatitis from a Nonbisphenol A Epoxy in a Graphite Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Laminate". Journal of Occupational Medicine. 29 (9): 754–755. ISSN 0096-1736. JSTOR 45007846. PMID 3681510.
  8. ^ Holness, D. Linn; Nethercott, James R. (1989). "Occupational Contact Dermatitis Due to Epoxy Resin in a Fiberglass Binder". Journal of Occupational Medicine. 31 (2): 87–89. ISSN 0096-1736. JSTOR 45015475. PMID 2523476.