What glues epoxy glue, the concept of epoxy

In some cases, to connect different surfaces and parts, you can do without drilling holes and hot welding. One available and quick way is epoxy based adhesive. But before you apply it, you need to figure out what the epoxy glue is and what its composition is. The material has a good characteristic, with its help you can glue many things without resorting to complex methods.

History of glue

Epoxy glue (glue epoxy) - a popular universal material for bonding, whose widespread use began many years ago, and it is still popular. Despite the emergence in the construction industry of the latest and stronger compounds, epoxy effectively glues products that have sufficient density and hardness.

The glue base - epoxy resin or bauxite, was invented in 1938 by the Russian chemist Alexander Pavlovich Dianin. The first scientist received a key component for the production of this compound - bisphenol A or diphenylolpropane. In honor of him, the name epoxy-diane resins went. The first batch of this adhesive material was released in Germany in early 1940, the first commercial name is Araldit.

In the USSR, they began to use epoxy glue only in 1960, but large-scale production immediately began, which was envied even in the West. Industrial production was organized in Dzerzhinsk, Sumgait, Kotovsk, Leningrad, Ufa. The most popular at that time was Epoxy Diane, which had polyethylene, a polyamide hardener, or EDP glue, made in the city of Dzerzhinsk. Since then, it has been produced in this form, the packaging design has also remained the same - a plastic or glass jar placed in a red and white cardboard box. The form of release has changed only in the Baltic countries - a multi-colored tube.

Composition and what glues

To find out what glues epoxy glue, you first need to understand its composition and properties.

The adhesive is considered universal, with its help it is possible to obtain a strong connection of the glued surface, the epoxy resin, which is a component, penetrates to a sufficient depth of the glued surfaces.

Additional components

As additional components apply:

1. Hardeners - polyamide, aminamide, modifiers from polymeric substances. These components change the state of the components from helium to solid, help to harden, give strength, make solidification and drying faster.
2. Solvents - xylene, various types of alcohols, acetone. They help dry all components faster.
3. Fillers - powder: metal oxide, aluminum, silica; glass and carbon fiber, special fabrics. Perform the function of hardener and stabilizer, determine the characteristics of the material.
4. Plasticizers - phosphoric or phthalic acid ester. Affect heat resistance, physical and chemical characteristics.

What can be glued

Where epoxy glue is used and what can be glued to them, you can find out by reading the instructions, since its scope is quite large. It is used not only for domestic needs, but also for industrial and agriculture, rarely what kind of repair takes place without this material:

1. Construction - connects plastic and reinforced concrete structures, acts as a filler of voids and cracks. Can be used to bond concrete and metal products.
2. Engineering is a fast-fastening element of brake pads, good bonding of parts made of plastic and metal materials. It is used to repair the gas tank of a car, cracks and other damages to the car body, repair gearboxes, skins.
3. Aviation - installation of aircraft, use in the manufacture of solar panels, gives heat resistance inside and outside the equipment.
4. Shipbuilding - assembly of fiberglass structures and work with fasteners to create a waterproof barrier, coating the surface of yachts.
5. Domestic needs - gluing shoes, souvenirs, furniture details, sealing joints and much more.

Varieties and classification

There are several types of glue, which differ in the number of adhesive components in the composition.

Types of glue

It can contain as one component, and 2 components:

1. One-component - the main component is a resin dissolved in an organic solvent that does not have a color characteristic. With it, you can work with small parts, seal plumbing during installation, prepare for assembly and installation of sewer and water networks. Available mainly in tubes and tubes with a small volume. This type of epoxy is widely used in household needs, needlework, car repair. Storage after use only in closed form.
2. Two-component - is a set consisting of two containers with the contents that need to be prepared. The first content is resin, the second is a technical hardener. For cooking, you need to dilute and mix the components in the proportions specified in the instructions for use. Gently and thoroughly mix, withstand exposure, only then the glue will have strength.

One and the second type of EAF have found their field of application, but the more popular two-component epoxy. It is easier to store, and the working composition can be done in a short time, it can be used in many areas. When two components are mixed, polymerization begins and the mixture quickly turns from a viscous to solid.

Consistency Classification

Depending on the condition of the main constituents, epoxylin or epoxy glue is divided:

1. Liquid form - presented in tubes, dilution is not required, with its help you can apply the adhesive to any surface.
2. Lamellar - before use it is recommended to knead, mix.

The most common brands

A large selection of this glue is presented on the market, if you wish, you can purchase products of both imported and domestic manufacturers:

1. “Contact” - recommended operation in rooms with high humidity, is widely used in plumbing, especially for sealing pipes, bathtubs, toilets, sinks.
2. "Moment" is one of the most popular, package weight from 5 grams and above. This brand is time-tested and is reliable and durable.
3. "Bison" is a two-component type of glue, it is a colorless gel, well suited for restoring the shape of the product, filling various voids and cracked surfaces.
4. "Superhvat" is a uniform epoxy, the content of mineral fillers in the composition increases the ability to glue surfaces.
5. “Second” - the ability to instant freeze within 3 minutes.
6. "Ultima" (Ultimo) - known for its versatility, it is used for gluing almost all surfaces, especially decorative and facing. It is widely used in the repair of automotive equipment, household plumbing.
7. "Poxipol" - has a composition that has a high drying rate, can harden 6-10 minutes after mixing, so working with it should be quick.
8. EPD is a quality product at an affordable price, suitable for bonding many surfaces from glass to metal.
9. "Epoxy-titanium" - a glue of high strength, has resistance to physical impact, is available in blisters and buckets.
10. "Defense - EC" is a chemically resistant type of epoxy, produced in large containers up to 10 kg. It is applied on large productions.

Instructions for use

The process of all work consists of three main stages that must be correctly performed

Work sequence:

• Cleaning the surface to be bonded.
• Cooking the adhesive itself.
• Gluing.

The surface is cleaned with sandpaper, degreasing, then drying. In large-scale production, processing is carried out using sand or ultrasound, and the parts themselves are degreased in an organic solvent and an acid etching process is carried out.

Glue preparation consists of extruding the epoxy into a mixing container, then the required amount of hardener is added, usually this ratio is 1:10. The last cooking step is to mix all the ingredients manually.

The finished glue is applied to one of the parts, pressed tightly with the other part and left in a fixed state for 10 minutes. The product can be used after several hours.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage is versatility in application, but there are other positive aspects.

Pros in choosing this glue:

1. There is no shrinkage, that is, the volume does not change, since a special seam is formed during gluing.
2. Cracks do not form on the surface to be bonded, since the polymer compounds included in the composition have high elasticity.
3. It has good adhesive properties to all types of glued materials.
4. Resistance to solvents, including aggressive ones, to alkaline and oil formulations.
5. Pretty strong and elastic with increasing temperature to +350 degrees.
6. The finished surface can be painted with paint or varnish.
7. It has the property not to conduct electric currents, can be used as a dielectric.
8. The polymerization itself takes place in all layers of the bonded surface.
9. When adding various fillers, an adhesive mixture of universal application will be obtained.
10. Resistance of the adhesive to moisture.
11. Not subject to destruction by ultraviolet radiation and open air.
12. It can be used as a component of the slip system.

Material disadvantages:

• Before using the two-component form, mixing of the compositions is necessary.
• Strict observance of safety measures during the work.
• Compliance with the proportions of dilution of the adhesive.
• The quick execution of work, in order to catch the glue, the packaging is recommended before immediate use.

Work Safety

Since non-frozen components are harmful to the human body, it is important to follow the rules and safety precautions:

• all work should be carried out with gloves;
• during mixing and gluing, keep the window open;
• lack of children;
• when the adhesive contacts the skin, remove them with acetone, then rinse under running water with soap;
• In case of contact with eyes, seek medical attention.

Before starting work, you need to read the instructions and figure out what the epoxy adheres to.

Frozen epoxy mass is considered harmless, but before that it is necessary to take into account the following points:

• The surfaces to be bonded must be treated and degreased.
• All components are measured in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• The temperature indicator should not be lower than indicated in the instructions.
• Adding various foreign substances to the adhesive reduces the strength of the product that is bonded.
• Hardener is better to add a little more.
• Water is not allowed in the adhesive mass.
• The adhesive layer between the surfaces to be bonded should be fairly thin.

In the process of working with glue, one should not forget about safety measures, strictly follow the instructions for use, the storage temperature should not be too high. When working, especially for people prone to allergic reactions, it is advisable to protect the respiratory system with a mask or respirator, hands with gloves. With proper operation, epoxy glue will become a reliable assistant in everyday life.