What is an adhesive?
An adhesive is a non-metallic substance that has the ability to bind different materials together. In addition, it offers increased design flexibility than other binding methods, such as sewing, mechanical fastening, or welding.
Adhesives are categorized into two types:
1. Reactive – Adhesives that require a chemical reaction to form an adhesive bond
2. Non-reactive – Adhesives that don’t require a physical change to form an adhesive bond, although they may undergo a physical change to form a bond
What is epoxy?
In general terms, epoxy is an industrial-strength adhesive and is a part of the epoxy resins family. Epoxy resins (polyepoxides) are a kind of reactive prepolymer & polymer containing epoxide groups, collectively known as epoxy.
There are two types of epoxy adhesive:
1. One-part or heat-cured epoxy adhesive: Normally used for industrial purposes, heat-cured epoxy adhesives require higher temperatures to cure and are highly used in the manufacturing of electronic components, medical devices, infrared telescopes, missile warning systems etc.
2. Two-part epoxy adhesive: As the name suggests, two components are required to initiate a chemical reaction for this adhesive to work. Unlike one-part epoxies, two-part epoxies have numerous industrial uses ranging from construction, automotive, and aeronautical to manufacturing like boat building. In construction, epoxy coatings are used for fixing countertops, combining cement with other stones or metal, and securing decorative mouldings.
What is epoxy adhesive for plastic?
Epoxy adhesives used to glue various plastic materials are called epoxy adhesives for plastic. Two-part epoxy adhesive is normally used as an adhesive for plastic. Among its advantages is its ability to form a durable bond with plastic materials and its high structural strength.
Having said that, every epoxy is different, and you should read the manufacturer’s label to find the best-suited epoxy for your needs.
Before making the purchase, you should check for:
• Cohesive strength
• Curing time
• Viscosity
• Water resistance
• Dimensional Stability
What are the pros and cons of using epoxy adhesive?
There are several pros contributing to the popularity of epoxy adhesives and some of them are listed below:
• Flexibility to use on a variety of materials
• Strong adhesion
• High longevity
• Temperature resistant
• Shockproof
• Water-resistant
• Chemical proof
• Long shelf life
• Can be combined with a range of accelerators or additives
However, there are some cons associated with epoxy coatings, including:
• The process can be complicated for first-time users
• Not pocket-friendly
• Cure time is limited
Do you need to follow any safety measures while working with epoxy?
Every epoxy adhesive is made up of reactive compounds including plastic epoxy. These chemicals when mixed release toxic fumes that can be hazardous to health. Hence, it is recommended to follow a few safety measures while working with them.
• Always protect your skin by wearing gloves
• Don’t forget to protect your eyes by wearing goggles
• Wear a mask to avoid inhaling fumes
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
Please note that epoxy when fully cured and hardened is not hazardous.
Why should one consider epoxy adhesive for plastic?
Because of its long-lasting and durable nature, it is one of the most popular choices of glue when it comes to plastic. It can not only be used to bind two plastic pieces together but also to fill holes and gaps. Pidilite Fevitite epoxy adhesive range by Pidilite Industries contains single and two component, super strength epoxy adhesives. Its excellent adhesion properties and compatibility with a wide range of substrates make the bonding of virtually anything to anything possible.
