Epoxy resins are a class of thermosetting polymers made from monomers that contain at least two epoxide groups. They provide strong adhesion, chemical resistance and other specialized properties. Due to these qualities, epoxy resins are used in a variety of consumer and industrial products.
“Uncured” epoxy resins refer to the polymer containing multiple epoxy groups produced from a reactive process. “Cured” epoxy resins (also known as epoxies) have undergone a chemical reaction which “cross-linked” polymer chains. This process uses a variety curing agents, also known as hardeners. The term “epoxy resins” can refer to both the cured end product and the uncured resin.
Epoxy resins can be solid, liquid or dissolved in a solvent. At room temperature, these resins are generally solid but revert to a viscous liquid (one with a thick, sticky consistency) when heated. When cross-linked, epoxy resins are hard, abrasion and chemically resistant, dimensionally stable, with strong electrical and insulation properties.