Epoxy facts for kids

A syringe of "5-minute" epoxy, containing separate compartments for each of the two components

Epoxy is a very strong type of glue or coating. It's made from special chemicals called epoxy resins. When you hear "epoxy," it usually means this powerful adhesive used to stick things together.

To use epoxy, you usually have to mix two different parts. These parts react with each other to create the super strong material.

What is Epoxy?

Epoxy resins are a group of chemicals that react easily. They contain special parts called epoxide groups. When you mix them, you add other chemicals often called 'hardeners' or 'curatives'. These hardeners make the epoxy change from a liquid into a solid. This process is called 'curing'.

How Epoxy Becomes Strong

When the hardener mixes with the epoxy resin, a chemical reaction happens. This reaction creates a new, very strong material called a thermosetting polymer. Think of it like baking a cake: once it's baked, it stays solid and doesn't melt back into batter.

This cured epoxy is known for being:

• Very strong: It can hold things together tightly.
• Heat resistant: It can handle high temperatures without breaking down.
• Chemical resistant: Many chemicals won't damage it.

These amazing properties make epoxy useful in many different industries and for lots of jobs around the house.

Epoxy vs. Other Glues

You might know other strong glues like superglue. Superglue is made from a chemical called cyanoacrylate. While superglue is fast and strong, epoxy often creates an even tougher bond, especially for bigger jobs or when you need resistance to heat and chemicals.

Where is Epoxy Used?

Epoxy is used in countless ways because of its strength and durability.

• Adhesives: It's a fantastic glue for fixing broken items, building models, or even putting together parts of airplanes and cars.
• Coatings: Epoxy can be used to create tough, protective layers on floors, especially in garages or industrial buildings. It makes surfaces very durable and easy to clean.
• Electronics: It protects delicate electronic parts, like the tiny chips inside your calculator or phone, from damage.
• Sports Equipment: You can find epoxy in things like surfboards, skis, and even fishing rods, helping them be strong and last longer.
• Art and Crafts: Artists use epoxy resin to create shiny, durable coatings on artwork, jewelry, and tabletops.

Epoxy is a versatile material that helps make many things stronger and more durable in our daily lives.

Images for kids

• 

  Structure of bisphenol-A diglycidyl ether epoxy resin: n denotes the number of polymerized subunits and is typically in the range from 0 to 25

• 

  Special epoxy is strong enough to withstand the forces between a surfboard fin and the fin mount. This epoxy is waterproof and capable of curing underwater. The blue-coloured epoxy on the left is still undergoing curing

• 

  An epoxy encapsulated hybrid circuit on a printed circuit board.

• 

  The interior of a pocket calculator. The dark lump of epoxy in the center covers the processor chip

See also

In Spanish: Resina epoxi para niños