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Simply defined epoxy resins are polymer plastics that undergoes a chemical reaction or cross linking that converts from a liquid polymer to solid plastic. Epoxy resins belongs to sub classifications of plastics called thermoset polymers. Thermo-setting polymers typically are liquid resins that converts via chemical reaction into a solid plastic that cannot be reverted back into its original liquid state.Inversely thermo-plastics. are polymers, which its physical state can be modified either by heat, pressure or can be diluted using a solvent into either a liquid and back to solid back and forth numerous times with minimal physical change from its original physical structure; a good example of a thermoplastic polymer is candle wax which is typically a solid but can be converted into a liquid state either by temperature or diluted into solution using a solvent such as kerosene.

The use of an epoxy resin usually falls into two factors that will dictate its primary use.

The compressive strength of a material is the compressive force per unit area that it n withstand. This is in contrast to the more commonly measured tensile strength. ASTM D695 is the standard test method in the USA. The figure below, from Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products, shows the test geometry.

North American plastics manufacturers generally report compressive yield strength, the stress measured at the point of permanent yield, zero slope, on the stress-strain curve. Ultimate compressive strength is the stress required to rupture a specimen. Materials such as most plastics that do not rupture can have their results reported as the compressive strength at a specific deformation such as 1%, 5%, or 10% of the test sample's original height.

The table below lists average compressive strengths and compressive moduli for some filled and unfilled polymers. Typical Compressive Yield Strength and Compressive Modulus of Polymers (A wide variation is possible between specific grades).

In general epoxy resin will react and polymerize at room temperature with the addition of a curing agent or catalyst. Higher mechanical performance epoxy resin systems typically requires special curing requirements to attain heat resistance of 250.

Higher mechanical performance epoxy resin system requires special consideration in handling such as processing higher viscosity resins, darker or more amber color and the need of external heat to induce polymerization.

Other factors such as ADHESION PERFORMANCE, CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESISTANCE, ELECTRICAL CONDUCTANCE OR INSULATIVE PROPERTIES, LOAD BEARING RESISTANCE PERFORMANCE AT HIGH OR LOW TEMPERATURE, DIMENSIONAL STABILITY are also attributes of the cured mechanical performance of an epoxy resin system.

Epoxy based polymers are one of the most versatile resins that can be modified into a multitude of applications and engineered to specific application and use. It offers ease of use and generally safe handling process, which makes it a versatile chemical compound that can be formulated to perform very specific task as demanded by the application.

When designing a composite part there are many aspects that must be taken into consideration to insure its efficacy during use. Design, material selection, fabricating process and other implementation parameters must be carefully considered.

Impact testing is one of the most revealing test methods that demonstrate a material's ability to resist and withstand a high-rate of. Its behavior during and after the impact can define its maximum mechanical property and conditional limits upon its destruction. To answer this question, one must determine the load or type of stress that the resin must endure during the life of the fabricated part. Through analysis of its resistance and and conclusively its ultimate mechanical performance pass the point of destruction one can determine and establish parameters and designs that will involve the use of an epoxy resin as an, adhesive, coating or ultimately an integral part of the synergy of a composite.

The impact resistance of an object provides the ultimate measure of its resistance to its definitive destruction. Governed by the many laws and dynamics of physics, a skilled chemist or materials engineer can determine the design equilibrium and ultimate performance by careful analysis of the material’s disassociation and the manner of its destruction. With this knowledge, other aspects of mechanical performance can be accurately derived and through skillful engineering one can determine:

MAX CLR is our line of very clear and color stable epoxy systems requiring absolute water clarity.

MAX BOND Product line is of epoxy - polyamide resin system demonstrating excellent mechanical properties suitable for marine and aeronautics construction. It is still an epoxy system but utilizes a very unique curing arrange that provides exceptional performance.