There are many different uses for epoxy coatings, and nearly as many choices for the type of epoxy that will best do the job. Included here is a quick guide that differentiates between some common forms of epoxy and when to use each. If you have additional questions, come see us at Maxwell Supply in Tulsa.
Polyamide Epoxies
The molecular make-up of these epoxies helps to reduce the vapor pressure of the resin. Because of this, polyamide epoxies are great for use in primers, which can create improved flexibility, adhesion, wetting characteristics, and corrosion resistance. These epoxies stand up well to moisture, weather and alkali, but break down when exposed to chalk and acid.
Polyamine Epoxies
Within the broader category of polyamine epoxies are several smaller sub-categories that offer different chemical resistance properties to epoxy coatings. All polyamine epoxies share similar abilities to improve film hardness, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance. They’re often utilized when corrosion from microbiological factors is a concern. When compared to polyamides, these epoxies offer more toughness, more brittle and more chemically resistant, but not as flexible or resistant to most types of corrosion.
Phenolic Epoxies
These epoxies aren’t utilized for many applications. You’d likely only need them to create a coating chemically resistant containers like cans and drums. They’re created by heat-curing epoxy resin with a phenolic resin.
Novolac Epoxies
Acid is used as a catalyst to create a reaction between phenol and formaldehyde. The resulting product of this reaction is used to create the base for novolac epoxies. These are used when high resistance to both chemicals and heat is required. While they typically fully cure at high heats, specific formulas can be used to allow novolac epoxies to cure at room temperature.
Before applying epoxies on your next project, come see us at Maxwell Supply in Tulsa. We’ll help point you in the right direction.