Safety first when working with epoxy

The applications for epoxy-based materials are extensive and include coatings, adhesives and composite materials such as those using carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforcements (although polyester, vinyl ester, and other thermosetting resins are also used for glass-reinforced plastic). The chemistry of epoxies and the range of commercially available variations allows cure polymers to be produced with a very broad range of properties. In general, epoxies are known for their excellent adhesion, chemical and heat resistance, good-to-excellent mechanical properties and very good electrical insulating properties. Many properties of epoxies can be modified (for example silver-filled epoxies with good electrical conductivity are available, although epoxies are typically electrically insulating). Variations offering high thermal insulation, or thermal conductivity combined with high electrical resistance for electronics applications, are available

When working with epoxy, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips to keeping safe when using Epoxy:

• Proper ventilation. Make sure there is fresh air entering a room when working with resin. …
• Wear disposable gloves.
• Wear protective clothing.
• Designate items as epoxy only.
• Wear a respirator.
• Wear safety goggles.
• Clean up spills immediately.