Commonly used solvents for epoxy resins

In many practical applications, solvents are used to achieve better application results, control the curing reaction speed, and enhance compatibility with other components. The following are commonly used solvents in epoxy resins.

1. Ethanol. Advantages: Inexpensive, widely available, safe to use, minimal residual odor, and can be used in drinking water. Disadvantages: Prone to delamination and whitening, poor compatibility, lack of reaction, slow evaporation, and when the coating is too thick, the surface cures and residual ethanol cannot evaporate, resulting in bubbles, blemishes, and even hollowing.

2. Acetone. Advantages: Excellent compatibility, miscible with epoxy in all proportions, high volatility, low residue, low viscosity, easy application, can dissolve surface oils and stains, making epoxy-resistant surfaces susceptible to adhesion. High penetrability, can penetrate the surface to a certain depth, increasing bond strength or improving the bond quality of sanded surfaces. Disadvantages: Slightly expensive; in many areas, a certificate from the Public Security Bureau is required to purchase it. Highly volatile and highly flammable. While non-toxic, it has an unpleasant odor and a strong anesthetic effect. When using it, ensure good ventilation, wear a gas mask, and establish a cordon.

3. Thinner for some paints. Advantages: Similar to acetone, excellent compatibility, miscible with epoxy in all proportions, high volatility, low residue, and low viscosity. Disadvantages: Also similar to acetone and corrosive, it is not recommended.

4. Xylene. Advantages: The material itself is non-toxic and can be used as an injectable reagent for human use. High boiling point and non-volatile: After curing, due to its strong polarity, it is well compatible with epoxy resin and will not migrate. It can promote the reaction between epoxy resin and amine and accelerate the reaction speed. It has good hydrophobicity and can significantly improve the gloss of the coating and reduce the occurrence of whitening. Disadvantages: It is easy to oxidize and discolor, and needs to be stored away from light, otherwise it will turn yellow. The scope of application is limited and can only be used in epoxy resin/amine curing systems, not epoxy resin/anhydride systems. It needs to be added in a certain proportion as required, and the amount added needs to be controlled, because it will reduce the mechanical properties, solvent resistance and chemical resistance of the cured product, so the addition ratio needs to be determined according to actual requirements.