Polyepoxide, more commonly known as epoxy, has a wide range of applications from material manufacturing to general adhesives. Epoxy has been around since the 1920s when it was first commercially produced, and various types are used for electrical systems, industrial tooling, and more mundane applications such as the adhesives you can find in your hardware store or underwater epoxy in boat shops.
Epoxy is a co-polymer, which means that it is formed from two different chemicals, referred to as the resin and the hardener. When these two are mixed together, a chemical reaction ensues that results to the polymerization, or curing of the epoxy. The curing process varies depending on the resin and hardener, with some varieties that benefit from heat curing, or exposure to ultraviolet rays. Curing times can take a few minutes to a few hours, and some varieties are waterproof, such as variants of underwater epoxy that are capable of curing underwater.
Epoxies are more popularly used as an adhesive, and a multi-purpose epoxy should be able to bond wood, glass, concrete, fiberglass and other materials to each other or together. They are also used as sealants for leaky roofs or pipes, or as fillers for castings and moulds. The underwater epoxy allows for work to be done with wet materials and wet environments, making them popular among plumbers, swimming pool repairmen, and boat aficionados.
Depending on the nature of your repair needs, several epoxies are available in the market for you to choose from. Remember to select a variety that will fit your repair job best, and with the quantity that you need. Should you choose to buy a large amount, remember to mix only your desired quantity with every use.
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