The production of industrial products like paints, adhesive agents, curing agents, foams, and resins make use of either epoxy or urethane components. Because of these components, we are able to make these useful industrial products. Without paints, we would not be able to make the world a colorful place to live in. Without adhesive agents, we would not be able assemble a piece of furniture. And so on.
Epoxy and urethane have similarities, but they also have some differences. Several industries have their own preference as to whether they use epoxy or urethane as components for their products. Though we have nothing to discuss about their price, since both components are equal in price, when it comes to their color, flexibility, texture, and chemical resistance, epoxy and urethane are different. In this article, we will find out the differences between epoxy and urethane.
We all know that paint colors fade as time goes by. Paint industries commonly prefer to use urethane because it is resistant to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is one of the factors that contribute to the paint’s changing of color. Since urethane is UV resistant, the color of the paint will remain the same for a longer time than when epoxy is used. Epoxy is not resistant to ultraviolet light so the paint products with epoxy often change color immediately.
When it comes to the flexibility property, both epoxy and urethane have strong advantages. Epoxy and urethane are important components in the adhesive and foam industries. Epoxy and urethane are used to bond surfaces together. Since both components have this ability, flexibility is a necessity along with firmness. It is said that epoxy offers higher strength than urethane. When applied to surfaces, the epoxy component keeps them from moving. However, the epoxy substance can easily crack if it is applied to surfaces that require partial or often movement. In other words, epoxy is not good to use on surfaces that inevitably need movement. This calls for urethane since it is more flexible than epoxy, even if it possesses an inferior bonding strength. Rain or shine, moving or not, the urethane can adapt well on different weathers and activities.
With regards to texture, urethane is more superior. Industrial products with urethane components remain smooth even if a long time passes by. Industrial products with epoxy, on the other hand, become chalky in texture after aging. Industrial companies use urethane for surfaces exposed in water because the texture of the surfaces still remains smooth even if they are underwater. On the other hand, surfaces with epoxy become brittle if exposed to extreme conditions.
However, when it comes to chemical resistance, epoxy is better than urethane. Epoxy is more highly resistant to chemicals than urethane. If a product with an epoxy component is exposed to acid and basic substances, the product will not easily corrode nor create unnecessary chemical reactions. The product will not have a diluting effect with acidic or basic substances because of the presence of the epoxy component. On the other hand, urethane only has a moderate chemical resistant property. This means that products with a urethane component will wear faster when exposed to acidic and basic substances.
Summary:
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The production of industrial products like paints, adhesive agents, curing agents, foams, and resins make use of either epoxy or urethane components.
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Paint industries commonly prefer to use urethane because it is resistant to ultraviolet light. Epoxy is not resistant to ultraviolet light so the paint products with epoxy often change color immediately.
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It is said that epoxy offers a higher strength bond than urethane.
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With regards to texture, urethane is superior, since urethane products remain smooth even after for a long time.
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Epoxy is more highly resistant to chemicals than urethane.