Epoxy Adhesives

Abstract

There are numerous commercially available epoxy adhesives supplied as One-part Pastes, Two-part Pastes or Films.

• One-part pastes and films are generally heat curing, although a few one-part paste adhesives are formulated to cure on exposure to UV.

• Films may be supplied with or without the adhesive impregnated into a thin textile carrier or support (aids handling, placement and control of bondline thickness). Films are usually provided with a protective (contrast coloured) backing sheet to avoid contamination during handling and cutting. This must be removed completely during assembly as it will prevent adhesion.

• Two-part pastes are normally room temperature (RT) curing, although heating can be used to accelerate the cure. This may be essential to realise the full service temperature potential of the adhesive and provide an acceptable rate of cure. The paste viscosities range from thin liquids to putty. Many are thixotropic or non slumping to aid handling and placement in the joint.