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Sample report for adhesive category. Other reports may vary in format.
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| 15.12USA - Epoxies - U.S. Adhesives
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Epoxies, by definition, are resins containing one or more oxirane groups. For the purpose of this study report, the epoxy raw materials category includes the epoxy resins, precondensates, hardeners, catalysts, accelerators, and modifiers. This category does not include the epoxy potting compounds commonly used in the electronics industry.
Epoxy resins ranging from moderately viscous liquids to brittle solids are commercially available. The most common and economical resins are those based on the reaction of epichlorohydrin with Bisphenol A. The diglycidyl ether of Bisphenol A is the lowest molecular weight epoxy resin in this category and finds the widest usage in adhesives. Commercial versions are semi-viscous liquids at room temperature and have an average oxirane functionality of 1.6. The molecular weight Bis A solid epoxies are more frequently used in coatings. Specialty epoxies, usually solid resins, ranging in oxirane functionality from 2-4 or more are also available. These products are relatively expensive and find most utility in high performance structural adhesives.
Hardeners used to crosslink epoxy resins include aliphatic primary and secondary polyamines, polyamine and epoxy adducts, polyamine with amine compounds, such as dicyandiamide. Other catalysts, such as tertiary amines, are sometimes used to accelerate the cure.
Diluents are used to reduce adhesive viscosity, thus obtaining more efficient mixing and improved substrate wetting. These include both non-reactive liquids, such as phthalate plasticizers, and reactive materials, which are commonly low viscosity monofunctional epoxies. Polymeric modifiers, such as nylon and synthetic rubber, are sometimes used in epoxy adhesives to increase peel strength, impact resistance and sheer strength.
Versatility and a high level of performance are the major attributes of epoxy adhesives. The varieties of epoxy resins, hardeners, catalysts and modifiers available allow the adhesive formulator to design a product having the properties required for specific applications. Performance properties characteristic of most epoxy adhesives include broad specific adhesion to many substrates such as metals, masonry, plastics, wood and glass; solvent and chemical resistance; elevated temperature resistance; and high strength. The choice of epoxy resin and hardener will dictate the rate of reactivity at ambient and elevated temperatures. Although single package epoxy adhesives and non-volatile liquid forms are available, 2-part systems continue to dominate. Hybrid epoxy terminated polyurethanes have been introduced and new markets and applications are being developed. This resin classification market report on epoxies estimates 2003 demand with a historical perspective back to 2000 as well as forecasts through 2005 and 2010 within the U.S. Adhesives Industry. |
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| Report Table of Contents |
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Epoxies Report - U.S. Adhesives Industry - RAW MATERIALS Market
Market Information - Forecasting Size and Growth Trends
Market Sector Information – Forecasting Size and Growth Trends
Market Segment Information – Forecasting Size and Growth Trends
Formulative Technology Information – Forecasting Size and Growth Trends
Raw Material Suppliers
Growth Opportunities – Size and Growth Trend
Commentary |
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