Transparent epoxy withstands extremes

A new transparent epoxy approved for cosmetics products and food contact is resistant to high temperatures and humidity, its manufacturer claims.

Master Bond claims its Polymer Adhesive RP30HT can withstand temperatures from -50C to over 205C (-60F to more than 400F).

Heat resistant epoxy allows processors to fill packaging with hot or frozen substances without risk of causing leaks or damage.

Epoxy is used to make cosmetic packaging as well as infant feeding bottles, plates, mugs, jugs, beakers, microwave oven ware and storage containers.

It is also used in the production of the epoxy-phenolic resins that form internal protective linings for cans and metal lids.

The resins are also used as coatings for water storage tanks and wine vats.

The epoxy, which can be used for bonding, casting, coating and potting, also is resistant to variety chemicals, the company claims.

These include water, oil and most organic solvents.

Plastics as well as metals, glass, ceramics, wood, and vulcanized rubbers can be bonded using the epoxy, which only suffers shrinkage of 0.0003 inches, Master Bond claims.

Despite the strength of the bond, which can withstand pressures up to 3200 psi, the epoxy is nearly clear, claims the manufacturer.

The spectral transmittance, a measures of transparency, is about 97 per cent, the company claims.

EP30HT conforms to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for food contact applications.

The epoxy, which can be applied by brushing or dipping, is available in premixed bi-packs and cartridge/gun packaging for convenient dispensing as well as in pint, quart, gallon and five gallon container kits.

US-based Master Bond is a manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, coatings, potting and encapsulation compounds and impregnation resins.

The company has a product line of over 3,000 grades of acrylics, anaerobics, cyanoacrylates, epoxies, latex, polyamides, polyurethanes and silicone systems.