No; resin cannot be cured without a hardener. The hardener is a critical part of the curing process because it helps the resin to harden properly and become solid. It contains special chemicals that stimulate the curing procedure of resin, and without a hardener, the resin will not harden.
Types of Resin
There are different kinds of resin, each with a unique composition and properties. The type of depends on its application.
- Polyester resin is typically used for casting moulds. It is highly durable and is usually set by applying heat.
- On the other hand, epoxy resin is a highly versatile form of resin used in a wide range of products. Examples of epoxy resins include epoxy resin diluents, Acrylic Resin, Silicone Resin, Polyester Resin, glycidylamine epoxy resin, halogenated epoxy resins, aliphatic epoxy resins, novolac epoxy resin, and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA).
Resin and Hardener Applications
Resins and hardeners are typically used in a variety of applications, including coating, sealants, adhesives, composites, electronics, aerospace, and medical products. Usually, resins are applied as the base material for products, and hardeners are used to cure the resin. The versatility of resin and hardener makes them an important component in a wide range of industries and applications. Epoxy resin and hardener should be mixed in specific ratios to form a chemical reaction that leads to the curing and hardening of the resin. This curing process can be accelerated by a catalyst, light, and heat.
It’s best to measure equal parts of epoxy resin and hardener and ensure they are on an even scale. This can help ensure the resin cures properly and create cracks and other issues within your surface.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Ratios?
Using the wrong ratios of the resin and hardener or leaving out the hardener can result in an incomplete cure of the final result. Similarly, adding too much hardener to your the resin will cause it to cure rapidly, making it difficult to work with. At the same time, adding a small amount of hardener will make the curing process take longer than usual. Generally, with the wrong ratios the following outcomes may occur:
- Incomplete Curing: Using too little hardener, the resin may not fully cure, leaving the material tacky, soft, or sticky. This can result in a weak or brittle final product.
- Over-Curing: Using too much hardener, the curing process may happen too quickly, resulting in a hard, brittle material that may crack or warp over time. Over-curing may also cause the resin to discolor or become yellow.
- Heat Generation: Using wrong ratio can generate excessive heat. This can cause the material to crack or warp and can also be a safety hazard.
- Excessive Bubbles: Using the wrong ratios can also cause excessive bubbles to form in the mixture, which can affect the final appearance of the product.
- Weakened Strength: Mixing the components in the wrong ratios can also lead to a weakened final product. The strength and other physical properties of the material may be compromised
Is Resin The Same As Epoxy?
Resin and epoxy are not the same thing, but epoxy is a type of resin. Resin is a general term used to describe any material that is viscous and solidifies over time. There are many different types of resins, including polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy.
Epoxy is a type of thermosetting resin that is created by mixing two components together – the resin and a hardener. When these two components are mixed together, a chemical reaction is initiated that causes the resin to cure and harden into a durable solid. Epoxy is often used in applications where a high-strength, durable material is required, such as in composites, coatings, and adhesives.
Contact Bisley & Company
Bisley & Company is the leading distributor of epoxy hardening agents. We cater to various customer requirements and provide multiple curing products encompassing many applications. Contact us today for more information.