How to dilute epoxy resin with hardener: operating rules, precautions

Features of the material

The formation of cross-linked polymers inside an oligomeric synthetic compound is possible only under the influence of a hardener. The unique properties of the material appear only after the two components are combined. The substance that is obtained after the polymerization reaction does not have a pungent odor. One of the characteristics of products made from epoxy resin is their high strength, resistance to mechanical stress and chemicals - acids, alkalis.

EDP

In working condition, the consistency of the solution is liquid and viscous. This quality makes it possible to pour the composition into a mold for the manufacture of souvenirs and decorations, electrical parts, and furniture. After hardening, the composition becomes hard and durable, easy to process - trimming, grinding. The surface of the material after hardening is transparent, without foreign inclusions. Moreover, the resulting product is absolutely safe and non-toxic.

Consistency of the finished solution

The quality of a polymer product directly depends on maintaining the proportions when mixing the two main components. If the amount of hardener exceeds the recommended dosage, it will appear on the surface of the polymer. If there is not enough hardener, the polymerization process will not proceed correctly and the surface of the product will remain sticky.

Prices for different types of epoxy resin

Epoxy resin

What it is?

Epoxy glue is a synthetic product based on epoxy resin. French chemist Castan discovered epoxy resin in 1936. This fact served as an impetus for the development of the chemical industry. The fact is that by adding various substances to the resin, many new materials can be obtained. Epoxy resins are used to produce adhesives and casting compounds, plastics, varnishes and many other products for various industries.

In physical form, resin can be a thick viscous liquid, transparent white, yellow and dark red in color, or a solid brown mass. The substance is characterized by resistance to halogens, some acids and alkalis. To obtain an adhesive composition, various components are added to it: hardeners, solvents, fillers and plasticizers.

The main characteristics by which epoxy adhesive is classified include the following:

It can be of two types in composition.

• One-component adhesives use liquid or solvent resin. The product is packaged in tubes and is ready for use without preparation. It is used for gluing small parts or sealing gaps.
• Most often, epoxy glue is two-component. It is sold as a kit, which includes two tubes. One tube contains resin in paste form, the second contains a hardener in liquid or powder form. The contents of the two tubes are mixed and used immediately, since after some time the mixture loses its ability to stick together. Most manufacturers produce two-component glue. Its application is almost universal.

There are two types of glue consistency.

• Liquid glue has the appearance of a gel. It saves time as it does not need to be prepared, and is also convenient for application to the surface.
• The plastic mass will have to be prepared. To do this, cut off the required amount from the contents of a cylindrical tube or bar, knead it with your hands and moisten it with water. The plastic mass is great for repairing chips, holes, and other defects.

The curing method divides adhesives into the following types:

• in the first, curing occurs at room temperature;
• the second must be heated before introducing the hardener.

Where is it used?

The compound, popularly called “epoxy,” has a wide range of applications - from domestic needs to industry. The material is in demand in many industries, so its composition is regularly improved depending on the application. The material can be hard, soft, elastic or hard.

Using a compound to fill the countertop

Industries where the use of two-component compound is common

1. Construction Epoxy waterproofing coating is widely used in basements and swimming pools.
2. Mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, aviation and electrical industries - as a heavy-duty adhesive solution that guarantees long-lasting and strong adhesion.
3. Furniture production - as a decorative element.
4. Design – as a material for making accessories, souvenirs and jewelry.

Application of compound for making jewelry

A thin layer of polymer composition has high chemical resistance and water resistance, so the compound is popular for processing in the production of glass fabric and glass fibers. Also, hard and durable material is used in the manufacture of modern multi-chamber window systems.

Adviсe

When preparing the composition, as well as when applying it to the surface or filling molds with this glue, there are universal tips that help achieve better gluing.

When preparing the composition, it is better to use utensils and auxiliary tools that are unnecessary for further use. It is almost impossible to clean them from such a composition, so all used containers and mixing tools will be thrown away.

Pouring into the mold must be done in stages, especially if you plan to make the layer thickness more than 2 mm. After the first coating has polymerized, the next portion is poured only after the layer has cured, but with a sticky surface.

For large volumes, it is better to buy special compounds that are not subject to overheating. When mixing a large amount of regular glue, there is a risk of the composition catching fire. Therefore, for your own safety, you need to calculate in advance the required volume of the mixture and buy glue designed specifically for this volume.

Basic properties of epoxy resin

1. Wide range of uses.
2. High strength and adhesive ability.
3. Minimal shrinkage.
4. Minimal moisture permeability after hardening.
5. Excellent physical and mechanical properties.
6. High adhesion to any materials.
7. Elasticity.
8. Dielectricity.
9. Resistance to chemically aggressive substances.
10. Anti-corrosion properties.

Jewelry making process

Bonding technology

The process is divided into stages - preparing the surface for gluing, diluting the adhesive composition and the joining procedure.

Before using epoxy glue, you should carry out preparatory work. It is necessary to clean the surfaces that are intended for connection. The procedure is carried out in advance, since during the work the diluted adhesive composition can quickly harden.

The next step is to clean the area to be glued using sandpaper. The surface should be degreased and dried. In production, this action is carried out using shot, sound waves or coarse fibers. The parts that will be glued together are chemically treated in an acid bath.

The epoxy composition is applied to both surfaces and pressed, so high adhesion is achieved. The parts are fixed in this position for 10 minutes. The object being glued is left under load. When the connection hardens, the product can be used. Epoxy glue dries from a few minutes to 3 days.

Methods of using epoxy compound

Common ways to use epoxy resin:

1. Epoxy adhesive.
2. Impregnating composition.
3. Waterproofing composition.
4. Material for manufacturing fiberglass by pouring or subsequent processing (cutting, grinding).

Pouring wood

Decor making kit

Since Soviet times, EDP, an epoxy adhesive consisting of ED-20 resin and PEPA hardener, has been widely used as an adhesive composition since Soviet times. Mix this composition in small quantities at room temperature. With a standard dosage of 1:10, deviations from the proportion are allowed, up to a ratio of 1:5.

Resin and hardener kit

If we compare ED-20 and ED-22 resins, the second has a lower viscosity. It is more convenient to use a composition of a more liquid consistency as an impregnating material, but the strength and heat resistance of such a coating will be less.

ED-20

Imported resins differ from domestic ones in their transparency and the absence of foreign inclusions. Moreover, their cost is sometimes even lower. An analogue of imported ED-22 is the German DER 330. Taiwanese resins 128 and 127, as well as Czech Epoxy 520, are distinguished by their viscosity and transparency.

How to mix at home?

To mix glue at home, you need to prepare for the process. It is recommended to carry out work in a well-ventilated area - inhaling epoxy resin vapors is unlikely to benefit the body. It would be a good idea to wear a respirator. You should use protective gloves for work. You should put on old clothes and cover your work area with something - it will be extremely difficult to clean off any glue that gets on them.

How to cook?

It is necessary to measure the ingredients in the required quantities. At home, it is very convenient to do this in medical syringes, since they have measuring divisions. In addition, the syringe will allow you to carry out the procedure carefully and take even small amounts of substances in the required dosage. There is no need to insert the needle into the syringe. The resin and hardener should be drawn up with separate syringes and placed in separate containers. If the resin is too thick, you can pour it into the syringe from the top, after removing the piston and closing the spout. Then both substances are thoroughly mixed to obtain homogeneous masses.

Each mass is also mixed with a separate tool. Epoxy resin can be difficult to mix due to its high viscosity. To facilitate the process, it is heated using a water bath. Heated resin mixes easier, but the temperature should not be higher than +55–60°C, as the polymerization process will accelerate. You should also carefully ensure that water does not get into the resin.

Ratio norms

To obtain a composition of proper quality, the correct proportions of ingredients must be used. Manufacturers, as a rule, indicate them in the instructions for use. Most often this ratio is 10 parts resin to 1–1.3 parts hardener. Some resins may require different proportions. The instructions should be followed to the letter. It happens that the instructions are not written down or are lost. In these cases, take 10 parts of resin and 1 part of hardener.

If you are not sure of the correct ratio of ingredients, the composition can be checked

You should take a little of the prepared mixture with the hardener and place it in a small metal container, and then heat it carefully, but do not bring it to a boil. When the substance has cooled, its quality can be determined

If the cooled mixture has hardened, then everything is done correctly and the glue can be used. If the mixture remains viscous, there is not enough hardener in it.

How to dilute?

The prepared epoxy glue remains liquid for a very short time. It can vary from 15 minutes to half an hour (depending on the manufacturer), and then quickly thickens and hardens. Sometimes this time is not enough to get the job done. To extend the working time of the glue, it can be diluted with acetone. You don’t need a lot of it - you need to take one part of it in relation to the amount of resin and mix it carefully.

How to make it more liquid?

For some surfaces, the use of viscous glue is not always convenient. Sometimes a liquid composition is needed to saturate the materials. To make the epoxy mixture more elastic and pliable for application, it can be made more liquid.

There are two ways to do this.

• Heating preserves the properties of the glue, but reduces the time of working with it. In addition, you can accidentally exceed the heating temperature, then the glue will be damaged. In this case, it is advisable, if possible, to heat the surfaces to be bonded. The advantages will be the preservation of the “life” of the glue and its easier application.
• Adding solvent. To obtain a more liquid composition, it can be mixed not only with acetone, but also with varnish solvents and denatured alcohol. By increasing the “life” of epoxy, they can change its color and damage the surface. Shrinkage of the resin and a decrease in its strength may also occur.

How to achieve transparent color?

Sometimes the color of the adhesive is important. In some cases, a transparent composition is needed to hide traces of repair, for example, jewelry. This composition may be needed when creating decorative items. Modern industry offers a wide range of epoxy compounds and dyes for them. With their help, you can achieve different colors, their shades and effects: any single color, matte, fluorescent, pearlescent, with sparkles.

It’s not difficult to prepare them: you need to add 5–6% paint in relation to the amount of resin in the composition. The same products will make the resin transparent if dissolved to 0.05% of the product. As available materials, you can use ballpoint or gel pen ink, alkyd paints. Air bubbles affect transparency, so you should carefully stir the composition. You can put it in a water bath, since heating will help the bubbles come out.

Purpose of hardeners

The role of the hardener is that it is not only a catalyst for the reaction, but also a full participant in it. The result is a compound of a certain consistency, suitable for work. And the resulting product after hardening will be reliable, durable and durable.

Modern compounds contain substances that accelerate the hardening process, which depends on the temperature of the solution and the type of hardener used. There are solutions on sale that harden even at low temperatures. Polymerization of some compositions is possible in conditions of high humidity.

Types of hardener

For domestic needs, a resin is used that hardens at normal temperatures; it is also called “cold-curing.” However, the most durable, chemically and mechanically resistant products are those obtained from hot-curing compositions.

The indicator of uniformity, hardness, durability and transparency of the composition depends on how accurately the proportion of the hardener is selected. Incorrectly selected quantity and mixing of components reduces the quality characteristics and affects the service life of the solution and the resulting product.

Varieties

The quality of the result is primarily affected by the type of hardener, not the resin. The most common low-cost varieties include PEPA and TETA hardeners. However, their quality is significantly lower than that of modified formulations.

Set with PEPA hardener

The main disadvantages of cheap compounds include the following:

1. The temperature at which curing occurs for TETA is at least 30 degrees, for PEPA – 15 degrees.
2. The compositions are vulnerable to moisture - this is a significant disadvantage when carrying out waterproofing work or when pouring a floor.
3. Polymerization occurs quickly, so creating a thick layer is problematic.

As for modified compounds, these disadvantages are not typical for them. The only negative is the high cost.

Set with TETA hardener to obtain a clear solution

If we compare these two types of hardener, it is easier to work with PEPA, since it allows for slight deviations from the proportions and behaves well at room temperature.

Characteristics of different brands of hardener

TETA is an imported product, transparent, with low viscosity. There is a pungent odor. This hardener requires strict adherence to proportions.

Prices for theta hardener for epoxy resin

Theta hardener for epoxy resin

How to use?

Any master class for beginners that teaches techniques for working with epoxy resin contains instructions for using this polymer. Whatever method you decide to use for work, first of all, you need to prepare the work surfaces. They must be cleaned of contaminants and thoroughly degreased with alcohol or acetone.

After this preparatory stage, you can proceed to the next steps.

Fill in

If it is necessary to glue two parts, then a layer of epoxy resin no more than 1 mm thick is applied to the working surface. Then both surfaces with the adhesive composition are combined with each other using a tangential sliding movement. This will help to securely glue the parts and ensure the removal of air bubbles. For bonding strength, the part can be secured with a clamp for 2 days. When casting into molds is required, the following rules are adhered to:

• The composition must be poured into the mold in a horizontal direction;
• work is carried out indoors at room temperature not lower than +20°C;
• so that after hardening the product comes out of the mold easily, its edges are treated with petroleum jelly;
• If wood is to be poured, it must be properly dried.

Drying

The drying time of the polymer resin depends on its freshness; old resin takes a long time to dry. Other factors influencing the polymerization time are the type of hardener and its amount in the mixture, the working surface area and its thickness, and ambient temperature. Polymerization and hardening of epoxy resin goes through the following stages:

• polymer resin in liquid consistency fills the entire space of the mold or working plane;
• the viscosity in consistency resembles honey and it is already difficult to fill relief forms with resin;
• high density, which is only suitable for gluing parts;
• the viscosity is such that when a part is separated from the total mass, a trail stretches out, which hardens right before our eyes;
• The epoxy mixture is like rubber and can be pulled, twisted and compressed;
• the composition polymerized and became solid.

After this, it is necessary to keep the product for 72 hours without use so that the polymerization completely stops and the composition of the material strengthens and hardens. You can speed up the drying process by increasing the room temperature to +30°C. It is noteworthy that in cold air, polymerization slows down. Now special accelerator additives have been developed, when added, the resin hardens faster, but these agents affect transparency - products have a yellowish tint after their use.

Breeding rules

When diluting a two-component epoxy composition, strictly adhere to the dosage specified in the instructions.

Note! After the two components combine, an irreversible reaction occurs. Therefore, if you have to mix a large volume of resin, then first it is recommended to make several test mixes to determine the optimal dosage of the components.

Dosage of components

Sequencing

One method of mixing involves preheating the resin to a less viscous state, at which point it will not crystallize or boil. A sign that the resin has overheated is the formation of foam - if this happens, the composition can no longer be used. When the resin crystallizes, it is heated to 40 degrees with regular stirring, bringing it to its original transparent state.

The manufacturing process of the composition must take place using personal protective equipment

The heated resin is drawn up with a syringe and injected into a mixing container. The hardener is added in the same way. Using a wooden spatula, mix the ingredients thoroughly.

In everyday life, a small amount of solution may be needed, for example, for gluing parts. In this case, cold mixing technology is used. The proportion is 1:10 , where the first value is the resin, and the second is the hardener. The air temperature should not exceed 25 degrees.

In any case, experts recommend performing a test mixing to identify the most correct proportion and only then using the entire volume of components available for work.

Note! When mixing the composition in a “cold” way, heat is released during the reaction process. If the volume is large, then the amount of thermal energy will be significant. As a result, polymerization will occur very quickly, and the composition will lose its suitability for use.

If the hardener dosage is incorrect, the resin will boil

A sign of a high-quality composition is the absence of air bubbles, viscous consistency and absolute transparency.

If it is necessary to obtain a large volume of working composition, then “water bath” technology is used to heat the resin. The temperature of the substance should rise to 50 degrees. Due to this, the volume of the solution suitable for use increases and its viability is extended (on average by 1-2 hours).

In this case, the heating temperature should remain uniform throughout the entire time. When it increases to 60 degrees, polymerization will inevitably occur, and the composition will be spoiled. It is also important to prevent water from getting into the compound - the composition will become cloudy and lose its adhesive properties.

Table 1. Preparation instructions.

Prices for PEP hardener for epoxy resin

Pape hardener for epoxy resin

Video - What should you consider when diluting epoxy resin?

The role of plasticizer

It may often be necessary to add the plasticizer DEG-1 or DBP to the composition before adding the hardener, in an amount of 5 - 10% of the total resin volume. In this case, the proportion changes - the hardener is taken not 10, but 5 parts, pouring it in a thin stream. This eliminates the brittleness and fragility of the cured product.

Plasticizer DEG-1

A plasticizer is required when making large-format EPS products. By adding it, it is possible to prevent the formation of cracks during the hardening process.

DBP is a universal plasticizer with a wide range of uses. The specificity of its use with epoxy resin is the need to slowly cook the resin with DBP at a temperature of 60 degrees and vigorous stirring for 3 hours. In this case, the plastic effect will be minimal, but sufficient to prevent cracking of the product during hardening. Due to the evaporation of DBP, the ductility of the product will be reduced over time. The dosage of this type of plasticizer should not exceed 10%.

Plasticizer DBP

Another type of plasticizer, DEG-1, has been developed for working with epoxy resins. The proportion may vary, but is usually between 5 and 10%. The greater the amount of DEG-1 added, the more expressive the plastic effect will be - in the cured state, the resin may have the consistency of bitumen. The resulting resin is modified with a long shelf life. The downside of DEG-1 is its brown tint - transparent products cannot be made from it.

Note! The greater the plasticity of the product, the less its mechanical strength.

Solution pot life

Prices for DEF plasticizer for epoxy resin

DEF plasticizer for epoxy resin

How to breed?

Diluting glue requires maximum care, so it is better to prepare all the necessary tools and protective equipment in advance.
Rubber gloves and a mask will be required to protect the skin and respiratory tract, because both components are extremely toxic substances; containers for diluting the components and sticks for mixing them are required. In addition, the room in which work will take place must be well ventilated.

Rubber gloves and a mask will be required to protect the skin and respiratory tract, because both components are extremely toxic substances. You need containers for diluting the components and sticks for mixing them. In addition, the room in which the work will take place must be well ventilated.

Depending on the composition, epoxy can form compounds of different rigidities. One type of composition is produced for a soft elastic coupling, and a completely different one for a hard coupling. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase components and prepare the adhesive composition, strictly observing the proportions specified by the manufacturer.

Typically, bottles with resin and hardener are accompanied by instructions, which always indicate how to properly mix the components, while maintaining the proportionality of dilution. As a rule, to prepare the adhesive composition, it is necessary to dilute the components 10: 1 - 1 part of the hardener for 10 parts of resin.

The proportionality of dilution depends on the specific manufacturer. In one case, the ratio may be 10:4, in another – 10:6, and in the third, to achieve the desired consistency, you need to dilute 4 parts of the hardener in 6 parts of the resin. The proportionality of dilution depends not only on the specific manufacturer, but also on the release date of the resin and hardener, storage conditions, ambient temperature, and, of course, on the quality of both products.

You can use an old pen refill to mark a small amount. Before use, it is thoroughly washed and marks are applied to the surface at regular intervals.

You can measure the amount of the component using a more convenient tool - a syringe. There are already marks on it, you don’t need to draw them yourself, and they are applied much more accurately than those made on the rod yourself. To pour the hardener into the syringe, you just need to remove the needle and pump it through the piston, and you will have to place the resin in it in a slightly different way, because you won’t be able to draw it in through the spout - its consistency is too viscous. In the syringe, you need to remove the needle, remove the piston and plug the spout, and only then pour the resin through the top.

In order to properly mix epoxy, you first need to prepare each component for dilution. A measured amount of viscous transparent resin is added to the container and mixed thoroughly. Sometimes epoxy resin is very difficult to mix, so to facilitate this process it can be heated in a water bath, 50-60 degrees is enough. But it is worth remembering that increasing the temperature not only facilitates stirring, but also accelerates the polymerization process - it is enough to just increase the temperature of the mixture by 10? C, and the reaction will speed up 2-3 times.

After preparation, the components must be combined and stirred in a clean container, but this must not be done very vigorously, otherwise the appearance of bubbles will not be avoided. Their presence in the glue can spoil the appearance of the objects being poured if the composition is used as a filler.

The prepared composition has a liquid consistency during the first minutes, but after 10-15 minutes it begins to quickly thicken, and after 30 minutes it hardens. To extend the working time with the composition, you can use a product such as acetone - it will increase the duration of the glue to 1 hour. To do this, you need to dissolve only 1 part of this substance in a composition with a ratio of 10: 1: 1.

Precautionary measures

When working with EPS, it is necessary to follow basic safety rules.

1. The room in which the compound is diluted must be well ventilated.
2. Children and animals are not allowed to the work site.
3. When diluting the composition, personal protective equipment is used: respirator, gloves, goggles.
4. The work is carried out in special clean clothes, from the surface of which particles and threads will not get into the solution.
5. Surrounding objects and furniture are also protected from accidental contact with the compound, which cannot subsequently be removed.

If the resin gets on the skin, wash it with acetone and soapy water.

Compliance with safety measures

Be careful!

Those who are planning to buy transparent epoxy glue in Moscow should also be aware that safety precautions must be taken when working with this product. In particular, it is prohibited to work with epoxies in a closed, unventilated area.

Inhaling the fumes emanating from epoxy resin can make a person feel sick. This means that access to open air is simply necessary.

If you do not have sufficient experience to confidently work with adhesives, we recommend that you use personal protective equipment. Otherwise, there is a possibility of accidentally sticking your hands together, damaging your skin, or staining your clothes.

When purchasing epoxy glue, always check its expiration date. An expired product is not only virtually useless, but can also be dangerous to human health when used.

It is also recommended to purchase epoxy only from trusted sales outlets where impeccable storage conditions are provided. For those who still have questions about how to properly use two-component epoxy adhesive, we recommend watching the video tutorial:

Making a vase from pencils and epoxy resin

Epoxy resin is easy to use and allows you to create unique decorative items. As an example, consider the process of making a vase from ordinary colored pencils.

Table 2. Vase made of colored pencils.

Vase of colored pencils

If there is a style that can be easily recognized without being an interior design specialist, it is the loft. The appearance of a residential or office space, similar in content to an industrial one, leaves no doubt about its identity. What to pay attention to when designing an office in the loft style? More details in a special article.

Fast curing EDP glue

This product is sold in packages weighing from 45 to 250 g and consists of two ingredients - a resin with modifiers and a hardener. It is used in the following cases:

• elimination of cracks, defects, chips;
• sealing and repair of electrical appliances;
• connection of parts made of glass, ceramics, alloys, metal and others.

It is analogous to cold welding and is used in cases where rapid curing is required.

Specifications

EDP ​​epoxy adhesive has some technical characteristics that must be taken into account when using the material. Among them, the following deserve special attention:

1. Excellent mechanical strength. The adhesive seam from EAF will not collapse even under active mechanical stress.
2. Low shrinkage. Allows you to accurately calculate the thickness of the seam when gluing parts.
3. Excellent compatibility with most materials.
4. Electrical insulation ability. A material such as EAF glue is positioned by manufacturers as a dielectric.
5. Resistant to water and damp environments. The created adhesive seam will have waterproof properties.
6. Post-processing compatible. When the adhesive joint has completely cooled, it can be processed. In particular, it withstands sanding, polishing, sawing and painting.