Rating of the best epoxy resin for potting in 2020

Resin is a substance adapted to harden under certain environmental conditions. Resins exist both artificial (synthesized by man) and natural (woody). "Epoxy" (in the common people so called epoxy resin) refers to polymer resins, that is, it contains oligomers - molecules with a small limited mass.

The main characteristics of the resin, as a substance, include:

• Moisture resistance, ability to withstand open ultraviolet rays;
• The presence of an extremely weak susceptibility to destruction by alkalis and halogens, as well as acids;
• The ability to dissolve in acetone and esters;
• In the solidified state, there is no emission of (harmful) volatile substances.

Epoxy (transparent) resin contains two components, respectively, two chemical processes are required to obtain the final product. In the first mixing step, a linear substance with a reduced molecular weight is produced, which also has thermoplasticity. In the second stage (solidification), an insoluble and refractory solid is formed.

The most valuable feature of epoxy is its ability to quickly transition from liquid to solid. Moreover, as a result of such a transition, some surfaces with a sufficient degree of strength can be glued. Hence the demand for the mixture for both creative work and household work.

Types and chemical compositions of the resin used for pouring

Epoxy has long and often been used by people in everyday life. For any household work that requires a reliable and firm connection, it has become an indispensable assistant.

According to the composition, several types of resin are distinguished at once:

• Epoxy-diane, which are marked with the letters "ED" and have numbers 10, 16, 20 and 22. EP-SM-PRO resin also belongs to the same series. These substances are closely used in both household and industrial areas: the manufacture of complex materials (compounds) with the possibility of impregnation, the device of self-leveling floors, the production of adhesives, etc. This is not the entire list of applications for this type of resin;
• Epoxy-diane, used in the preparation of varnishes and paints. They are marked "E" with numbers 40 and 40-P. Indispensable in the creation of paint and varnish coatings;
• Epoxy modified - EPOFOM marking with numbers 1,2,3. They are used for repair work;
• Epoxy for special purposes. They may contain other substances, for example, resorcinol, chlorine, so their use is possible in special environmental conditions.

It is worth noting that any epoxy includes two elements - a hardener and the resin itself. And different fillers give it special properties.

Epoxy and its consumer qualities

The cost of this substance is quite high. Buying a small amount for household needs will not really hit your pocket, but buying large amounts will require a lot of money. However, the popularity of resin among the population does not decrease. This fact can be explained by the excellent qualities of the polymer, which include the following:

• Bond strength. In some cases, with a high degree of adherence to the process technology, the hardened mixture may well compete even with certain types of concrete;
• Heat resistance. The resin is able to successfully withstand high temperatures (+200 degrees Celsius and even higher);
• Moisture resistance. When solidified, the resin is absolutely impervious to and does not absorb moisture;
• Adhesive properties. High level of adhesion, subsequent bond strength, capable of bonding large surface areas;
• Practical resistance to most aggressive substances (for example, acids);
• Light weight when cured.

The listed properties are typical for all types of these substances. Properties can be lowered or improved by adding special components to the resin used in its production. In the process of purchasing epoxy resin, you should make sure that the intended purpose of the composition is mandatory. This information can be obtained from the information written on the label or by consulting the seller's consultant. Even a slight deviation from the composition required for certain works can directly distort their result.

Areas of use for epoxy

The scope of its application is quite wide. The substance is very popular in both domestic and industrial use. In turn, the technologies used for the manufacture of epoxy are being improved on an ongoing basis, which expands the scope of its application. At the same time, the composition gets updated qualities.

Most often in production, resin is used to solve the following tasks:

• Bonding surfaces and impregnating fiberglass. This is necessary for the construction industry, electrical engineering and radio electronics, aircraft and mechanical engineering, in the production of fiberglass, in the repair of machines and ships;
• Formation of a waterproofing layer. A similar symbiosis of epoxy with other materials is used to cover walls in rooms with high humidity, basements, pools, and other tanks in which liquids are stored;
• Creation of chemically resistant coatings for their interaction with internal / external media, as well as protection of porous materials;
• Creation of transparent parts, objects, by pouring resin into molds. In the future, such parts can be subjected to cutting, grinding, and other mechanical processing.

When bonding hard surfaces, an epoxy adhesive is much better than any other epoxy resin. Of course, the sticking effect will be achieved, but the special composition (glue) will allow you to achieve much better results.

Primary properties of epoxy resin

Almost all types of epoxy are transparent in their original state. But some of them have a yellowish tint. However, after reacting with the hardener, the yellowness remains. This is worth remembering if you want to apply a completely transparent bonding layer.

Other types of the polymer in question may have increased viscosity and, after curing, form small air bubbles in their mass, reducing the transparency effect. It is possible to eliminate them by heating the epoxy mass, both after the pouring process and before it. For such an operation, a burner or a special heating system is used. The procedure itself is laborious and does not always lead to the desired result.

Crafts made from epoxy can lose their transparency over time due to exposure to oxygen or ultraviolet radiation.This can be avoided if the composition contains a special chemical additive containing antioxidants or UV protectors.

Thus, when choosing an epoxy, the following must be considered (which will depend on the direction of the proposed work):

• The desired shade of resin before the introduction of all kinds of chemical additives;
• The degree of its viscosity;
• Features of the chemical composition.

Transparent types of epoxy can be used both for the manufacture of models of parts or jewelry (souvenirs, various decor), and for the production of large-scale work (pouring countertops, walls and shelves, etc.). The application technology will directly depend on the work performed.

To get complete confidence that the resin is designed for the job at hand (especially when processing extremely large areas), you should purchase a small sample container and see how the epoxy will behave when applied to non-conspicuous elements.

Industrial use of epoxy

The permanent appearance of new chemical compositions significantly expands the scope of epoxy use. With its help, it has now become possible not only to glue objects large in area, but also to make a replacement for metal parts in different designs from it, which will significantly reduce the cost and weight of the product.

The main areas of application include:

• Manufacturing of composite objects. Similarly, fiberglass and carbon fiber are made by impregnating synthetic fabric with resin. After that, these materials can be actively used in object-oriented modeling, when creating cars, aircraft, ships, missiles.
• Furniture manufacture. These can be both ordinary options (for example, kitchen countertops), and a real exclusive of household decor (slab tables and countertops, artificial rivers and waterfalls, etc.)
• Manufacturing of waterproofing / electrical insulating materials. The resin acts as a dielectric and is also moisture-proof.
• Jewelry making and jewelry work. Resin jewelry looks great and is cheap.
• Repair and installation work. Resin can be used to treat a cracked countertop, renovate a floor, fix a small boat (a leak in a fishing wooden boat), patch up a car body, etc.

Resin is many times easier to work with than ceramic / metal.

Pre-fill preparation rules

The preparation of the resin composition must be carried out in strict accordance with the instructions, which are by all means attached to each factory container. The lack of instructions in the kit casts doubt on the quality of the resin itself.

The proportions that must be observed when mixing play a huge role. The usual ratio of resin to hardener is 10 to 1. In special purpose formulations, the ratio can vary from 5 to 1 to 20 to 1. The methods for making small and large volumes also differ. Large volumes should first be thoroughly warmed up to reduce viscosity. It is worth remembering that an increase in temperature for every 10 degrees Celsius speeds up the polymerization process a couple of times.

Warming up the mixture, you need to constantly monitor its temperature. If you bring the substance to a boil, it will begin to cloud and foam. This composition will become unusable. By means of special thinners it is possible to reduce the viscosity of the mass. However, it should be remembered that even minimal doses of these additives (5-7%) can significantly reduce the adhesive qualities.

The problem of purifying the substance from visible impurities before its application looks especially urgent. Therefore, it is wiser to avoid stains at all. If this trouble happened, then it is better to carry out cleaning in a banal mechanical way. But it is not applicable to all surfaces. The use of special solvents also may not ensure the safety of surfaces. Freezing and reheating can also be used. But none of the listed methods gives a 100% guarantee of complete cleaning.

Rating of the best epoxies for potting for 2020

10th place: QTP-1130

As a matter of fact, a universal brand intended for processing countertops. A good choice for beginners. The mixture itself is transparent, does not suffer from a yellowish tint. The reduced viscosity self-levels the surface and fills in voids thoroughly. Scope of application - small tables.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Cover type	anti-slip, high-strength, self-leveling
Colour	colorless
Consistency	liquid
Storage period	half a year
Air humidity	0.85
Component ratio	100:60
Composition	Epoxy
PRICE, rub / kg.	674

• Suitable for inexperienced craftsmen;
• Has no side shades;
• Has a self-leveling effect.

• Limited shelf life.

9th place: Art-Eco

The recommended maximum thickness of the applied layer should not exceed 5-7 mm. The quality of the components of the substance is very high, but strict observance of the proportions is required when mixing with the hardener. A slightly noticeable yellowish tint is possible, so its compositions are often tinted.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Density, g / cm3	1.05
Dynamic viscosity, Pa.s	0.75
Breaking stress, MPa	65
Breaking strength, MPa	Not less 35
Impregnation adhesion from concrete, MPa	2
Elongation, in 5	5
PRICE, rub / kg.	1300

• Excellent penetrating power;
• Stability of chemical properties;
• No pungent odor.

• Full load on the processing site is possible only after 7 days.

8th place: ED-20

Completely Russian development, made according to Russian GOSTs. It is characterized by high viscosity. Over time, transparency may decrease, a yellowish tint appears. However, this disadvantage is more than compensated by the increased density and the substance is perfectly used for pouring floors. The relatively low cost is also a big plus. Suitable for both experienced and novice craftsmen.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Density, kg / m3	1.16
Tensile strength, MPa	40-90
Polymerization temperature, degrees Celsius	20
Full polymerization time, hours.	24
Moisture absorption, in 24 hours in%	0.001
Impact strength, KJ / m	5,25
PRICE, rub / kg.	505

• Good adhesion to glass, metal, ceramics;
• Resistance under the influence of aggressive media;
• Full dielectric.

• An outdated formula that is not always able to meet modern challenges.

7th place: CHS Epoxy 520

A quality mixture of Czech production, supplied complete with a specially developed hardener. Perfect even for such delicate work as compiling a herbarium. The main purpose is to work with small details and decor. Does not boil even when using large volumes

Specifications:

Name	Index
Epoxy equivalent, g / mol	182-192
Hazen color, no more	100
Dynamic viscosity, at 25 gr. Celsius (SDR)	12000-14500
Fraction of hydrolyzable chlorine	0.03
Epoxy index	5,2-5,5
PRICE, rub / kg.	1690

• High temperature of destruction of the hardened composition (from 90 degrees Celsius);
• There is no synthetic smell;
• Practically not subject to the formation of yellow spots.

• Slightly increased elasticity.

6th place: Crystal Glass

This Russian product is distinguished by its high fluidity and is excellent for filling large surfaces. According to the instructions, after mixing with the hardener that is sold in the kit, the mixture should be infused for a short time. This will result in better viscosity. Professionals prefer to work with this epoxy.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Colour	Transparent
Life time at 25 gr. Celsius, min.	35-40
Shrinkage	0.02
Breaking strength, MPa	60-80
Compressive strength, MPa	80-110
Mixture density, g / cm3	1,0-1,1
PRICE, rub / 300 grams.	570

• Easy to prepare;
• Suitable for the production of costume jewelry;
• Has the utmost transparency.

• The high degree of thickening makes it impossible to make even small edits in the treated surface (the awl does not take, you have to use small drills).

5th place: PEO-610KE

Special elastic resin, certified according to GOST. Elasticity is very suitable for processing worktops, because it allows you to evenly distribute the load on the supporting surface. Complete hardening - 2-3 days. In all senses, it is a medium-level substance.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Mass viscosity at +25 gr. centigrade	750
Curing time, days	02-03
Hardness	80
Max. operating temperature (degrees Celsius)	80
Price, rub / 600 grams.	1660

• Suitable for jewelry making;
• Does not turn yellow;
• Excellent sanding tolerance.

• Quite high price due to the specifics of the application.

4th place: EpoxAcast 690

Professional and expensive Russian-made compound. It is used exclusively for jewelry. It is applicable for countertops, but the required layer should not exceed 5 cm.Despite its strength and lightness, in a large volume it can give a slight shrinkage

Specifications:

Name	Index
Shrinkage,%	0.25
Ultimate strength, MPa	45
Flexural strength, MPa	75
Compressive strength, MPa	66
PRICE, rub / kg	2010

• Great for modeling and jewelry making;
• Supports the use of paints to create color images;
• Long life of the composition (300 hours).

• High price.

3rd place: MG-EPOX-STRONG

Epoxy from a German manufacturer. It has an impeccable reputation for its versatility. It is characterized as a super strong and ultra transparent compound. The final solidification time is a little less than 3 days.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Component ratio	100:40
Pot life after mixing	30 min.
Full hardening time	72 hours
Transportation at subzero temperatures	Possible
PRICE, rub / kg.	1100

• Unpretentious to the environment;
• Small likelihood of the formation of brown spots;
• Relatively low price.

• Small fill thickness (up to 10 mm).

2nd place: Epoxy CR 100

A universal and the safest mixture with all the necessary modern properties. Differs in increased wear resistance and antistatic properties. Product for professionals

Specifications:

Name	Index
Density, g / cm3	1,07-1,08
Viscosity, MPa	800-900
Mix ratio	1:10
Compressive strength, MPa	52
PRICE, rub / 10 kg.	18300

• Wide range of applications;
• Increased chemical resistance;
• Self-leveling ability.

• Sensitive to use on dirty surfaces (greasy stains, dust).

1st place: Magic Crystal-3D

Wear-resistant and durable epoxy, not afraid of exposure to open sunlight. Often used for the manufacture of jewelry and floors, with imitation 3D. Excellent for pouring even surfaces.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Pour point, gr. Celsius	25-50
UV protection content	In stock
Component ratio	100:50
Complete liquefaction, gr. Celsius	70
PRICE, rub / set 160 gr.	1050

• Super transparent composition;
• Works great on glossy surfaces;
• Good fluidity, no bubbles.

• Extended hardening of even small items (up to 48 hours).

Instead of an epilogue

The imagination of both the professional and the novice resin application is truly limitless. With the help of epoxy, you can make competent repairs and create wonderful jewelry. Fortunately, in terms of its composition, this substance only becomes even safer in use over time. And you can buy resin in any specialized hardware store at retail, or on online trading platforms, especially since you can find any necessary packaging option there.