9 Beneficial Features of Two-Part Epoxy Adhesives

If you’re looking for a versatile adhesive with a strong bonding strength that can be used on a wide variety of substrates, a two-part adhesive is a great option that can be used in a lot of applications. Since their development in the late 1950s, the technology of using polymeric material as an adhesive has been considered one of the best ways to achieve strong and reliable adhesion. From bonding worn-out parts and sealing cracked surfaces of various materials, two part epoxy adhesives are widely used both in house-hold as well as engineering applications. But there’s more to its success than its bonding strength, and they are the beneficial features it offers. These include:

Extremely modifiable

One of the most outstanding features of two-part epoxy adhesives is their limitless ability to be modified. Using pigments, fillers, and other resins, two-part epoxies can alter their viscosity, flexibility, bonding strength, and other properties. This adaptability to change form and property depending on its composition give two-part epoxy adhesive the versatility to be used in a wide range of applications.

Two-tier bonding strength

The incredible bonding strength of two-part epoxy adhesives such as Perigee’s Araldite 2031-1 lies in the chemistry of their two-part system. In order to bond, two-part epoxy needs the resin and hardener to be mixed. When this happens, the hardener causes polymerization, a chemical reaction in which monomer molecules bond together to form polymer chains. Bonding at a molecular level between the two parts is what makes two-part epoxy adhesive its incredible bonding strength.

Bonds wide variety of substrates

Two-part epoxy adhesive can bond a wide variety of substrates without compromising bonding strength. When mixed and applied correctly, and fully cured, a two-part epoxy can bond almost any kind of substrate. Additionally, because of their ability to be molded or modified in different forms, a two-part epoxy adhesive can be used for bonding wood, rubber, plastic, metal, masonry, and most kinds of substrates except for untreated plastic and elastomer.

Multiple form and function

Two-part epoxy adhesive is available in a variety of forms including liquid, paste, semi-cured form, as well as solid form. This makes the adhesive usable in a variety of situations where a more viscous or solid adhesive may be needed. The ability to take different forms also makes working with the adhesive convenient and easier.

Resistant to environmental elements

Two-part epoxy adhesives are resilient to environmental factors making it usable in almost any kind of setting or environment. The adhesive is resistant to oil, moisture, chemical, and most types of solvents. Due to this property, two-part epoxy adhesives are the preferred choice for bonding substrates in demanding applications characterized by extreme temperature changes, intense vibrations, and stress from mechanical shock.

Resilient against shearing and tension

Two-part epoxy adhesives have incredible shear strength. When applied and cured properly, the bond of two-part epoxy adhesives can withstand stress and forces that are otherwise capable of causing internal structure of the adhesion. Additionally, they also have a high tensile strength which refers to the ability to withstand the force applied from being stretched or pulled.

Temperate bonding

A two-part epoxy can cure at room temperature and does not always need to be heat treated. Depending on the type and form of the adhesive used, some bonds can achieve handling strength in as little as five minutes, while others could take as long as eight hours to set and cure. At the same, a chemical catalyst or heat treatment can be used to speed up the reaction between the two parts to get a faster curing time.

Crucial for industrial applications

Because of their incredible bonding strength and versatility, two-part epoxy adhesives have a wide range of applications in industry. They are used for assembly, applications, and repair of substrates across various industries including marine, automotive, appliance, aviation, electronics, plumbing, railway, HVAC, aerospace, manufacturing, and construction.

Resistant to chemical and flame

Chemical and flame resistance are two important features of two-part epoxy adhesives. Two-part epoxies can withstand exposure to harsh chemicals and compounds including organic solvents, acid, base, fuel, and others. Certain epoxies are formulated to have high resistance to flame and heat. This type of two-part epoxies are ideal for use in applications such as structural laminates and electrical devices.

Conclusion

With their incredible bonding strength, versatility, and resilient properties, two-part epoxy adhesives are one of the most useful adhesives that have numerous applications across various industries.

If you’re looking for a premium-grade two-part epoxy adhesive, Perigee Direct’s Araldite 2031-1 is a 1:1 mix ratio, black, toughened, thixotropic (non-slumping up to 10mm thickness) adhesive suitable for metal and composite bonding with good adhesion on Polyamides. It has low shrinkage characteristics and a high chemical resistance that makes it usable in diverse applications. Contact us to place your order.