Epoxy resin is a reactive pre-polymer and polymer that contains epoxide groups. These resins react either with themselves or with a variety of co-reactants such as amines, phenols, and thiols in the presence of catalysts. Epoxy resin is used in a wide range of industrial applications. Epoxy resin is a type of resin with robust mechanical qualities, excellent chemical resistance, and high adhesive strength, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. Poly-epoxides are another name for epoxy resin.
Epoxy resin outperforms other types of resins in terms of shrinkage during cure and moisture and chemical resistance. It has a long shelf life and is impact resistant. It also has outstanding electrical and insulating qualities. When it comes to curing, epoxy resin differs from polyester resins. Rather than a catalyst, it is treated with a curing substance termed "hardener."
Epoxies are thermoset polymers manufactured by combining two or more industrial chemical components in a process. Because of their toughness, strong adhesion, chemical resistance, and other specialised features, epoxy resins are employed in a wide range of consumer and industrial applications. Epoxy resin is primarily used in the following industries.
· Metal coatings
· Electronic and electrical components
· Fibre-reinforced plastic materials
· Structural adhesives
· Paints
· Sealants
· Casting
The global Epoxy Resin market was worth USD 7,592.35 million in 2019 and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 5.85 percent over the next five years. Epoxy resins have more than one epoxy group per molecule and are thermosetting resins with appropriate cross-linking agents for increased reactivity. Epoxy resins are regarded as the most important raw material used in many chemical formulations. Epoxy resins' favourable qualities, such as high thermal stability, mechanical strength, moisture resistance, adhesion, and heat resistance, make them the resin of choice for a variety of end-user applications, such as laminates and insulators.