Adhesive applications, thermosetting epoxy resin based

Adhesive applications, thermosetting epoxy resin based on N-cyanourea-terminated oligomer, 107... 

The commercial possibilities for epoxy resins were first recognized by DeTrey Fmres in Switzerland and DeVoe and Raynolds in the United States (1,2). In 1936, DeTrey Fmres produced a low melting bisphenol A-based epoxy resin that gave a thermoset composition with phthalic anhydride. Application of the hardened composition was foreseen in dental products, but initial attempts to market the resin were unsuccessful. The patents were licensed to CIBA AG of Basel, Switzerland (now CIBA-GEIGY), and in 1946 the first epoxy adhesive was shown at the Swiss Industries Fair and samples of casting resin were offered to the electrical industry. 

Another way to classify polymers results from the consideration of their typical applications. Typical classes are Compression molding compounds, injection molding compounds, semi-finished products, films, fibers, foams (urethane foam, styrofoam), adhesives (synthetic adhesives are based on elastomers, thermoplastics, emulsions, and thermosets. Examples of thermosetting adhesives are Epoxy, polyurethane, cyanoacrylate, acrylic polymers), coatings, membranes, ion exchangers, resins (polyester resin, epoxy resin, vinylether resin), thermosets (polymer material that irreversibly cures), elastomers (BR, silicon rubber). 

Thermosetting polymers based on epoxy resins often display superior tensile strength and chemical resistance when compared with their thermoplastic counterparts. Such attributes make epoxy polymers ideal matrices for adhesives and composites. However the applicability of epoxy polymers as matrices for adhesives and composites are often limited by an inherent weakness - low flaw tolerance. Ironically, the same crosslinked chemical structure that imparts high strength and superior chemical resistance also promotes brittle behavior. 

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