How to choose the right curing agent for epoxy resin?

Epoxy curing agent is a chemical reaction that builds up a cross-linked 3-D network and converts the epoxy resin to a solid form of material. If you want to purchase these curing agents, then you can find lot of variety in the market.

Apparently, these curing agents works as supplementary support to the harden epoxy resin. The industry manufacturing these curing agents over time has seen an undeniable growth in the sale of epoxy resin products.

However, you should have a complete knowledge about the type of curing agent you will be using. Moreover, precautionary measures should be taken while using them as those who have sensitive skin may have allergic reactions.

Following are the steps to be considered while choosing right kind of curing agent-

Identify type of material- you should acquire full knowledge about the material you will use for the resin. However, there are various types of epoxy resins but you need to select the right one that will suit your purpose.

Ideal room temperature- Some epoxy resins that are used in aircrafts and automobiles, for that the curing agent will show maximum effectiveness if cured at a set room temperature. However, few are used at extensive range of temperatures. These curing agents are an ideal option for glass like casting and pot applications.

Time Span of the Curing Agent- you should keep the knowledge about time span of the curing agent, as it will give you an idea about what time is required to complete the task. You must consider the time it takes to dry at a given temperature. It is important to notice dry time also. If the temperature is varying then it may produce a faster curing period.

Curing Process- at last, it is essential that you follow the instructions provided for epoxy to use. Mix the curing agent with the proper ratio mentioned in the instructions. The mixing procedure should be done fast in order to avoid lumps that may produce if the mixture is not mixed well. After following the procedure, the estimated results are not seen, then you require another curing agent for the epoxy resin.

All you need to know about color concentrates

Many industries including medical, construction and consumer industries make extensive use of colors and consider them as an imperative element for marketing and sales.

The ones who run plastic industry are more curious to bring their business to new heights. Moreover, they want to be ahead of the other competitors. However, in order to achieve their desired goals, one needs to have keen knowledge about implication of colors.

One should be very thoughtful about using the Color Concentrates right from the beginning of product development cycle in order to avoid any kind of limitations that may arise if proper planning is not done.

There are many factors to consider before the doing selection of these concentrates like temperature, material selection, molding, product life cycle, certification and many other factors. Moreover, when concentrate is to be added, it should be done keeping in mind to what kind of material, it is to be added in. Moreover, selection requires some attention in adding concentrates, so they are not added casually.

These concentrates are added using two methods. The first method involves adding up of base color in a liquid carrier with a high-speed mixer. Concentrate added is at level of 2-5 lb per 100 lb to the base resin.

In the second method, pigments are broken down and turned into fine particles and then the color is dispersed into the liquid carrier. One should use this method when you need to work with organic colorants in order to achieve the best color dispersion.

However, in order to add these concentrates, some of the equipments are required in order to gauge and drive the substance from its storage container to the other in order to mix with the resin material.

There are various other methods to do this process but whatever method is used, it is imperative to remember that liquid color requires additional equipment to set up the liquid into your system.

 There are numerous benefits of using these concentrates over the other and some of them are discussed below-

• The first advantage of using this concentrate is that it can easily handle all forms of materials.

• These concentrates can be scattered effectively that results to produce better color earning

• It also provides chemical addition stability.

Are you aware of the facts associated with reactive diluents?

Amongst wide variety of chemicals, reactive diluents are the most popular one that is being used in various applications. Its properties like filler-loading, strength, flexibility, adhesion, and solvent resistance makes its optimal for use in applications like for civil engineering purposes, coatings and paints, composites, electro, adhesives etc.

Besides, above-mentioned area of application, these diluents are also used in the following areas-

• Preparing of paint
• Varnishing compounds
• Diluents when mixed with polymers improves adhesion and stabilization

Reactive diluents is subdivided in three parts, which are-

• Aliphatic
• Aromatic
• Cycloaliphatic

Further based on their functionality, these are categorized further into groups, which include-

• Mono-functional
• Di-functional
• Tri-functional

From the above stated facts, you must have got sheer idea about this chemical substance. In contrast to other chemicals, these diluents are far better. Even when categorized in different forms like Epotec, the additive functionality of the product is improved.

Following are some of the advantages of diluents that explains how these are better than other chemicals-

• Resistant to chemical & water
• Low volatile feature
• Supports electrical properties
• Stickiness property of epoxy resins is reduced when diluents are mixed.
• High molecular weight is less
• Properties can easily be retained
• In contrast to other chemicals, diluents have low vapor pressure
• It is compatible with different phenolic epoxies that includes bis - phenol A, bis - phenol F & Phenolic epoxies
• Low viscosity
• Flexibility

Following are few more benefits of diluents when combined with resins-

• Stickiness can be reduced
• Cost of higher filler loadings is reduced
• These substances when mixed causes lower co-efficient of expansion, lower exothermic, higher compressive power and lower reduction properties.
• Life of chemical property is increased

If you are dealing in area that requires using such diluents, but dint have much of idea about its properties, then you must have gained knowledge from the provided information in this document. Use of this chemical for commercial use provides effective results.

However, before buying diluents make sure you have contacted the right provider. Buying chemicals from trusted resources is necessary, as it is matter of investment and brands reputation.

Before making a choice, look into the experience and reputation of a chemical provider. In addition to this, gain idea about chemicals, compare prices and structure about chemical product. Therefore, before you make a choice make sure you have detailed information that will help you make the right choice.