Applicable Base Polymer Properties
Because of their thermosetting molecular structure, epoxy adhesives exhibit excellent tensile-shear strength but poor peel strength unless modified with a more resilient polymer. Epoxy adhesives offer excellent resistance to oil, moisture, and many solvents. Low shrinkage on curing and high resistance to creep under prolonged stress are characteristics of many high quality epoxy adhesives. Epoxy resins have no evolution of volatiles during cure and are useful in gap-filling applications.
Polyamide and amido-amines are commonly used room temperature curing agents for epoxy adhesives. They contribute to flexibility and provide moderately fast curing times at room temperature.