Chemical industry produces large amount of pitches for use in construction, furniture decor. The most popular, resistant to high temperature were polyester and epoxy resins. When choosing specific pitch for work it is necessary to consider features of its application, all advantages and the existing shortcomings.
Polyester and epoxy resins belong to discharge of especially resistant, maintaining strong heating and not reverting to the original state polymeric products. They have different ways of production, use and the reference specifications. Correctly to choose necessary pitch for production/process of a specific type, it is necessary to consider their characteristics, pluses and minuses of production.
Polyester resin
Unique product of chemical production which turns out by polycondensation of polyatomic alcohols, the remains from petrochemical process of utilization of difficult components, acids, anhydrides and oils. Treats eco-friendly, safe in use, to quick-hardening products fibreglasses.
Polyester resin is widely used in various spheres of construction, whether it be shipbuilding (ship) or mechanical engineering, in development of sports equipment and other industries. She shows durability, ease of design, reliability, dielectric properties and heat conductivity. Easily gives in to coloring, creates reliable complex at glass addition that allows to do of it windowsills, canopies, partitions.
The final product of production from poliefirka vlagoustoychiv, maintains heavy loads, sharp temperature drop and influences of reagents, except for solvents of industrial format, does not allocate toxic connections in use. Rather affordable price, simplicity in application and ability to harden at the room temperature, without use of special temperature processing and the equipment allows to use it in wide fields of activity.
However, polyester pitch has number of the shortcomings affecting quality and safety. The main of them are:
- Availability of ognetoksichny softener (styrene). Therefore upon purchase it is necessary to read attentively composition of polyester resin, to choose safer types of acrylic, heat-resistant resins.
- Poliefirka is flammable pitch and flashes quickly as firewood. For elimination of it the producers enter additional components, safe catalysts, modify and fix chemical problem.
- The finished product demands additional treatment for protection against moisture and ultra-violet radiation. In addition, demands drawing protection against mechanical damages. More reliable, strong in operation the subject from polyair becomes after inclusion in its composition of glass.
It is possible to distinguish the following from the existing advantages of use of polyester resin:
- special skills in work are not required, rather attentively to read the attached instruction;
- when drawing on surface, does not emit hazardous substances;
- when mixing the small volume of hardener is required;
- time of curing of the put layer of polyester resin is three hours;
- the finished product will be flexible and elastic on bend.
Epoxy resin
Product of synthetic origin which consists of two components – hardener and pitch of basis. It is applied to restoration of various damages on tree, metal, plastic, leather, glass and other porous surfaces. In recent years it is often used in furniture decor, production of various glossy surfaces, jewelry, waterproofing of external and internal walls and floors. In addition, the two-part epoxy adhesive in connection with glass and after-polishing goes on eco decor of the ships.
It is the liquid mass of various shades, but most often on sale – the liquid of amber color reminding honey on consistence complete with hardener. In the course of mixing of components in various proportions the strong, rigid, soft or reminding rubber products turn out. They are resistant to interaction with acids, alkalis, reagents, but are partially soluble in acetone. Do not emit harmful and toxic compounds when using ready subject, have small percent of shrinkage.
Full hardening of products from epoksidka comes from 12 hours to one day. Commercially sometimes apply high temperatures to production of the strong objects which are exposed to extreme loadings (table-tops, chairs, stools, regiments) and having unlike characteristics with initial material.
In house conditions prior to use of epoxy resin it is necessary to read attentively the instruction, to prepare necessary tanks, it is desirable with cover. Considering that polymerization process takes place long time, it is necessary to cover subject from dust and pollution.
There are several features when mixing components of epoxy resin. Important skills in work are:
- hardener is entered into pitch slowly, in precisely measured ratio necessary for the chosen work;
- components carefully mix up in capacity to uniformity of structure;
- mixing has to be smooth, without sharp movements to avoid formation of bubbles (opaque pitch);
- to wait time specified in the instruction and only after that to perform necessary operations (pasting, formation, filling);
- not to move subject before full hardening of pitch to avoid deformation.
Completely ready subject from epoxy resin or the stuck together seam will be strong, transparent and by the form to remind organic glass/plastic, firm to the touch.
Differences between pitches
To understand what pitch is better, it will be necessary to be defined for what it to be used. Both products have the merits and demerits therefore the choice will depend on material, volume and terms of use of final subject.
It is conditionally possible to mark out the main differences of pitches:
- The cost of epoksidka is much higher than the fellow, polyester resin. However, both of them are in demand and find broad application.
- The area and the place of sale, remoteness from the producer – all this affects the price of epoxy resin, but availability in specialized shops is always guaranteed. Also longer warranty period of storage of epoksidka is considered.
- During the work with epoxy resin which allocates unpleasant smells in polymerization process it is necessary to work in safety mask and gloves. Polyester resin is non-toxic, but it is necessary to observe safety precautions during the work with it.
- Epoksidka differs in bigger durability, wear resistance, the best glue qualities, ability it is reliable to connect materials, various on structure. Though gives small shrinkage of material in the course of hardening.
- Time and conditions of polymerization. The polymeasure demands smaller interval of time for material hardening that reduces process of production of the final product, it is simple in production and is economic.
- Terms and storage conditions. Unlike two-component epoxy resin, the poliefirka is on sale in finished form. Polymerization process in it is begun on production and therefore when choosing necessary volume for work it is necessary to look at issue date. The recommended effective life of poliefirka makes 6 months of issue date.
- The ability to change look from mechanical influences and at rest at poliefirka is lower, than at epoxy resin. However, it does not reduce demand for the first pitch.
- Viscosity and ability to impregnate fabric. Epoxy resin, despite long time of hardening, use of high temperatures in certain cases of production, forms stronger seam in the place of joint of materials. It is resistant to mechanical or chemical influences. Depending on amount of the entered hardener, the final product can be different in structure and exterior.
Safety measures during the work
Prior to work with poliefirka or epoksidka it is necessary to read attentively the instruction on way of mixing, safety precautions and to prepare necessary objects of protection of respiratory organs and skin. Non-compliance with safety measures during the work with chemical reagents can cause burns and do much harm to health.
During mixing of components it is necessary to observe small features:
- not to use the ware intended for products;
- to prepare mask, gloves, protective apron and glasses;
- at hit of any of components on skin to wash out under flowing water at once, to process soap and alcohol, to apply cream;
- during connection of components it has to be open window leaf/balcony.