Epoxy article

[GordMay]

“Diluents in Epoxy Adhesive Formulations” ~ by Edward M. Petrie
”The primary function of a diluent in an epoxy resin formulation is to reduce its viscosity to either make it easier to compound with fillers, improve filler loading capacity, or to improve application properties ...~ ... In addition to lowering the viscosity, however, diluents will also affect the performance properties of the adhesive. Diluents generally lower the degree of crosslinking and degrade the physical properties of the cured epoxy. This reduction in crosslink density increases the resiliency of the adhesive, but it also reduces tensile strength as well as heat and chemical resistance ...”
This article discusses the types of diluents used in epoxy adhesive formulations.
Access the entire Article: http://www.specialchem4adhesives.com...as053&li=20380

[GordMay]

“Epoxy Hybrid Adhesives” ~ by Edward M. Petrie
http://www.specialchem4adhesives.com...ticleweek.aspx

High levels of performance are required for adhesives used for demanding structural applications in industries like aerospace. Epoxy adhesives can be used to provide good adhesion and processing characteristics, but they can also be blended with other resins to provide additional properties improvements.

A variety of polymers, both thermosets as well as thermoplastics, can be blended and co-reacted with epoxy resins. The most common of these are nitrile, phenolic, nylon, polysulfide, and polyurethane resins.

Hybrid resins can be used to improve flexibility, thermal shock resistance, elongation, heat distortion temperature, and impact strength of epoxy adhesives. However, there can also be some sacrifice in certain physical properties due to the characteristics of the additive. Take a look at Ed Petrie's article to know more!