By Patrick-Drinkwater

EPOXY – How it works

• The remarkable strength of epoxy resin is due to its impressive molecular structure.
• Long chains of molecules in the resin structure form interlocking bonds with one another.
• These strong bond are responsible for epoxy's extremely durable quality, as well as its resistance to tearing, scratching
• Epoxies are a type of plastic material that becomes rigid after a chemical reaction Epoxies consist of two parts: Part A, which is the epoxy resin, and Part B, the hardener.
• Epoxies consist of two parts: Part A, which is the epoxy resin, and Part B, the hardener
• Part A contains chains of molecules with epoxide groups, which are ring-like structures made of two carbons and an oxygen.
• Epoxide groups are spring-loaded molecules, ready to break apart when disturbed.
• Part B, the hardener, contains nitrogen compounds that are attracted to the positively charged part of the epoxide ring.
• When mixed, the hardener reacts with the resin, causing the epoxide ring to spring apart and allowing chemical units to link with neighboring units, forming polymers.
• The polymers continue to cross-link with each other, making the structure stronger and harder.
• The process of rings breaking and chains cross-linking thickens and hardens the mixture irreversibly.