Epoxy adhesive is available in a variety of formulations to accomplish different tasks. All epoxy adhesives share a common thread in the fact that they need a hardener to be applied to the epoxy resin to cause it to set up and become useful as an adhesive. Epoxy adhesive is available in a fast-set epoxy variety as well as normal drying epoxy and slow-drying epoxy formulations. In some cases, a liquid epoxy is preferable, and other applications make the thicker gel epoxy formulations a better choice.
This type of adhesive is composed of one or more resin components and a hardener. The epoxy resin might be a liquid or a gel formulation, and each of these epoxy types has uses for which it is more applicable. Epoxy-based materials are often able to adhere to a variety of surfaces with a durable bond that will resist damage from moisture and heat. Epoxy adhesive is a preferred adhesive option for many applications because of its strong bonding ability and versatility.
Epoxy adhesive is used in a variety of hobby applications and can commonly be a hobbyist’s adhesive of choice. The particular requirements of a project often dictate which variety of epoxy adhesive is the best choice. Depending upon the application, hobbyists might choose a fast-set liquid epoxy to make repairs to remote control plane structures or a slow-drying epoxy to allow for more precise placement of parts in the construction of models or to repair furniture in a home workshop.
As an engineering adhesive, epoxy-based materials are commonly used to bond one surface to another, thus limiting movement between the joints and dampening sound. Epoxy adhesive is also used as structural adhesive to glue fixtures in place in locations where driving a nail might cause issues. An example of this epoxy application might include setting tack strip for carpeting on a concrete floor with an sub-floor heating system. Epoxy adhesives makes it possible to adhere the fixture to a surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner without the risks associated with driving nails into the surface.
Epoxy adhesive has also proven to be useful for emergency repairs. Many epoxy adhesives are not affected by the presence of moisture, thus allowing their use in environments where other adhesives would be rendered useless. Epoxy adhesives of this kind can be used to make emergency repairs to swimming pools, boats or equipment in a marine environment.