Epoxy Resin, Epoxide Resin, DGEBA Resin, Thermoset Resin, EP

Epoxy Resin, Epoxide Resin, DGEBA Resin, Thermoset Resin, EP

🌟 Epoxy Resin

A) Physical and Chemical Properties

• Chemical Structure: Thermosetting polymer containing epoxide functional groups

• Molecular Weight: Varies by formulation (e.g. DGEBA ~340 g/mol)

• Appearance: Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid or solid granules

• Melting Point: ~64–76 °C for solid types

• Boiling Point (pre-cure): ~150–200 °C

• Density: ~1.15–1.20 g/cm³ @ 25 °C

• Solubility: Compatible with acetone, MEK, ethyl acetate; limited water solubility

• Refractive Index: n₂₀/D ~1.55

• Flash Point: ~150 °C

• Dielectric Constant: ~3.6–4.2

• Viscosity: 1000–15000 mPa·s depending on grade

• Storage: Store in dry, cool conditions away from UV and moisture

B) Applications

• Adhesives: High-strength bonding for metals, glass, wood, and plastics

• Coatings: Floor coatings, marine tank linings, corrosion-resistant layers

• Composites: Reinforcement systems with carbon or glass fibers

• Electronics: PCB insulation, potting compounds, encapsulation

• Arts & Casting: Transparent pours for jewelry, table tops, decorative objects

• Construction: Crack repair, anchoring systems, epoxy injection grouts

C) Manufacturing Method

• Main Route: Epichlorohydrin + Bisphenol-A → DGEBA (Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol A)

• Catalyst: Sodium hydroxide (basic medium)

• Variants: Bisphenol-F, Novolac-based resins, aliphatic epoxies

• Modifications: Reactive diluents, pigments, fillers, UV stabilizers

• Purity: ≥99% for base monomers; varies by formulation grade

D) Chemical Reactions

• Polymerization: Cured with hardeners (amines, anhydrides, phenolics)

• Thermal Cure: From 25 °C up to 150 °C depending on application

• UV Cure: In specialized systems with photoinitiators

E) Alternatives

• Polyurethane Resin: More flexible, rapid curing

• Polyester Resin: Lower cost, less chemical resistance

• Acrylic Resin: UV-curable, fast processing

• Phenolic Resin: Excellent thermal and chemical resistance

F) Synonyms Epoxy Resin, Epoxide Resin, DGEBA Resin, Thermoset Resin

G) Common Trade Names “Epoxy adhesive” “Floor coating resin” “Clear casting resin”

H) Usage Ratios

• Adhesive systems: 50–100% resin + 10–50% hardener

• Coatings: ~2–5 kg/m² depending on layer thickness

• Casting applications: 100% resin + 1–5% pigment or filler as needed