Although there are many types of epoxy resins in the field of metallography, the types of curing agents far exceed those of epoxy resins. Due to the high dependence of epoxy resin on curing agents, choosing a curing agent is very important.

In metallographic experimental analysis, curing agents are required. Do you know how to choose curing agents and the techniques for selecting curing agents?

       Method 1: Select from performance requirements:

Different epoxy resins have different requirements for curing agents. For example, some epoxy resins require high temperature resistance, and so on. Some require good flexibility, some require good corrosion resistance, and some have requirements for curing time, so it is necessary to choose a curing agent with corresponding performance.

          Method 2: Choose from the curing method

Some products cannot be heated, so thermal curing curing agents cannot be chosen. For example, amine curing agents are generally used for room temperature or low temperature curing, while anhydride and aromatic curing agents are commonly used for heating curing.

          Method 3: Select from the applicable period

What is the validity period? The shelf life actually refers to the time from the moment the epoxy resin is added with the curing agent until it becomes unusable. Some epoxy resins require a curing agent with a long shelf life, so anhydride or latent curing agents are chosen.

          Method 4: Select from the perspective of applicability

          Some requirements include water resistance, solvent resistance, weather resistance, water washing fastness, plasticizer resistance, improved adhesion, improved gloss, improved temperature resistance, prevention of degumming, and increased hardness.

           In short, the choice of curing agent should be based on the needs of the object.