Prior to that, Sean worked in the construction industry, specializing in contract and project management for commercial and industrial floor and roof projects. These urethane adhesives are durable and highly elastic for applications requiring energy absorption and flexibility between many dissimilar materials. What adhesive types are best for bonding composites? Epoxy vs Polyurethane. Let us have a look at the use of Epoxy in various type of places: The first and most important use of epoxy resin is that it is used as an adhesive. We love epoxy, as you will know if you’ve spent any time on this site, but the first type of glue that gets considered in wood working projects is usually poly-vinyl acetate (PVA) wood glue and for good reasons. It’s not a matter of choosing one over the other, but a matter of utilizing both to achieve the desired result: Epoxy primers for bonding the system to concrete, epoxy build coat(s) for total system build/thickness, and polyurethane topcoats for enhanced physical performance, chemical-resistance, safety and aesthetics. PU also resists damage from many different threats well, including solvents, alkalis, and sources of corrosion. Both epoxy and acrylic adhesives come in a two- cartridge system consisting of a resin paired with a hardener (for epoxy) or an initiator (for acrylic). Side by Side Comparison – Epoxy vs Polyurethane in Tabular Form Some other names for these co-reactants are hardeners or curatives. 1. It’s cheap. Polyurethanes provide the enhanced performance characteristics that protect the entire system. Installation & Performance: Upon curing, the epoxy build coat(s) provide a hard, durable surface with good impact resistance. We recommend concrete preparation by mechanical means, such as diamond grinding or abrasive shot blasting methods. With the number of advantages polyurethanes have over epoxies, why would one choose one coating technology over the other? However, there is one downside to epoxy primer. The key difference between epoxy and polyurethane is that the epoxy contains epoxide groups whereas polyurethanes contain urethane linkages. A polymer is a macromolecule that contains a large number of small repeating units (monomers). Optional wear and safety additives can be incorporated into the topcoat texture. The ratio between the number of epoxy groups and the mass of the polymer material gives the specific amount of epoxide groups in an epoxy resin. Epoxies are fairly easy to install, exhibit ample working time, and are fairly cost-effective when compared to other industrial flooring solutions. Epoxy primer can be applied on either new bare or old rusty metal surfaces and is compatible with top coats made up of other substances. The keys to understanding whether to use e… 2. “It’s bare concrete and we need it to be durable, bright, safe and easy to clean. PU systems also benefit from their increased wear, abrasion and impact resistance properties. It depends upon the type of composite and the desired assembly process and the requirements of the composite bond. Epoxy and urethane are important components in the adhesive and foam industries. 3. Polyurethane is a polymer material that has urethane linkages. There are a number of different epoxy floor coatings on the market today, with costs that are all over the map. 1. It is a form of polyurethane. When a component becomes dislodged, replacement is a good solution, but sometimes you need a faster solution until you can get to the repair shop. Overview and Key Difference Madhu is a graduate in Biological Sciences with BSc (Honours) Degree and currently persuing a Masters Degree in Industrial and Environmental Chemistry. Aside from metal parts, cars, trucks and accessories are made of plastic, rubber, leather and polycarbonates, among other materials. Chemical-Resistance: Polyurethanes are resistant to a broader range and concentrations of chemicals. Its color can fade after some several years. Urethane, which is resistant to ultraviolet light, will remain the same color for a much longer time than epoxy. If we increase the amount of bisphenol A (compared to epichlorohydrin), it provides high molecular weight polymer material. One practice was to make the crack large enough to insert a pipe to drain th… Epoxy and urethane are used to bond surfaces together. Overall, epoxies are the preferred materials for priming properly prepared concrete substrates, and providing ‘build’ or film thickness that can hide small blemishes or hairline cracks on the concrete surface. Upon curing, the epoxy build coat(s) provide a hard, durable surface. Epoxy ; Polyurethane Glue; Hide Glue; Poly-Vinyl Acetate (PVA) Wood Glue: Cheap & Cheerful. This polymer material is linear and is semi-solid crystalline materials. Although it cannot be used as a complete adhesive, some of the multiple products must be added to it to make it an adhesive. Adhesives are often also required to take on some of their partner’s qualities and become sealing agents, mainly to ensure the bond it makes when it binds two substrates together will last. Even though epoxy is harder, the flexibility afforded by PU is valuable in many industries. Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. This creates a well-adhered system base that will allow subsequent build and topcoats. Polyurethane is a polymer material that has urethane linkages (carbamate linkages). Polyurethane coatings produced by Hychem are varied, consisting of water-based, solvent based, 100 percent solids and cementitious products. The primary use of epoxy resin is for adhesive purposes. They are also not as abrasion and chemical-resistant as polyurethanes. Cyanoacrylates, Epoxy Adhesives, Polyurethane Adhesives, Structural Acrylic Adhesives and UV Cure Adhesives all bond well to composites. Although the name polyurethane gives an idea that the polymer consists of urethane monomers, it in fact, consists of urethane linkages, not monomers. Where epoxies might typically achieve 34.5 MPa/5000 psi with 3 percent elongation at room temperature, urethanes are on the order of 20.7 MPa/3,000 psi with 75 percent elongation. Polyurethane is another resin for floor coating concrete and steel. I would put most of my structural work together using Epoxy or Resorcinol glue. Is there a difference between epoxy glue and adhesive? Available here Epoxy and polyurethane are booth chemical resins with different reaction profiles and physical properties. Though they exhibit much thinner cured-film thickness, polyurethanes offer a number of unique advantages over epoxies. Of course, concrete preparation is a crucial part of establishing a proper bond. These two components are thoroughly mixed together, applied to the concrete floor, and allowed to cure. The crack was larger, thereby reducing the structural integrityof the foundation. “For a general industrial or commercial application, the vast majority of the time I would recommend, at minimum, a three coat system consisting of an epoxy primer, an epoxy build-coat and a polyurethane topcoat,” I respond. Epoxy adhesives, methacrylate adhesives, urethane adhesives…what are they? Summary. Polyurethane glue has a lot of the same qualities as epoxy without the disadvantage of requiring the mixing of a resin and hardener. The Use Of Epoxy. We call this term sometimes as “epoxide number”. Therefore, the cross-linking reactions that epoxy resins undergo with these curatives refers to “curing”. The evolution of sealing cracks technology over the last decade has been astounding. What is Epoxy 2. Resin vs Epoxy: below is a list of these main resin categories: Polyester Resin: This is not an actual epoxy but is rather an unsaturated synthetic resin; Epoxy Resin: This type is supplied in 1 or 2 component forms; Polyurethane Resin: This is also not an actual epoxy but is rather a synthetic resin or plastic 7875 Bliss ParkwayNorth Ridgeville, Ohio 44039, info@protectpoly.comWe reply within 24 hours, Sean Walsh is the Marketing & Product Development Manager of Protective Industrial Polymers, a company that manufactures high-performance resinous floor coatings for industrial manufacturing environments, which has a keen focus on developing unique solutions for managing electrostatic, microbial, chemical, explosion and safety risk concerns. For concrete floor coating applications, the most durable, longest-lasting coating systems usually include the use of both epoxy and polyurethane. 2018. Why is Planet Earth Your True Friend for ESD Grounding? Durability Novolac epoxy resins form when phenols react with formaldehyde and undergo glycosylation with epichlorohydrin. The monomers for epoxy resins are phenols and epichlorohydrin, but the monomers may vary depending on the type of epoxy resin. Proper Floor Cleaning and Maintenance Can Help Ensure Longer Service Life. Years ago, the common practice was to chunk out both sides of the crack, essentially making it larger, then using hydraulic cement to fill the void. This practice over time made things worse. Epoxy and urethane are used by foam and adhesive industries to bond surfaces. I’ve been researching products on your website. Epoxy is a strong adhesive or glue that does essentially not expand. Johnson, Todd. He has over 15 years of marketing and sales support experience in the protective coatings industry. From a form and function standpoint, epoxies are very good at three things: On the other side of the coin, epoxies are sensitive to UV light so they will amber or yellow over time when exposed to sunlight. Take our FREE Flooring Self-Assessment today! Bonding to Concrete: Provided the concrete substrate is properly prepared to receive a coating, epoxies are excellent for mechanically bonding to concrete. Epoxy or epoxy resin is a class of polymer material consisting of epoxy functional groups. Epoxies are a type of polyurethanes. Epoxy resins can react with each other via catalytic homopolymerization and form cross-links between them. These polymers form via glycosylation of aliphatic alcohols or polyols. It is said that epoxy offers higher strength than urethane. Within this group of products we have properties including excellent UV and weather resistance, abrasion resistance, high heat and chemical resistance and also flexible products used as membrane systems for both foot and vehicular traffic. Often, I receive a call from a facility manager who has been tasked with coating his or her production floor. Build/Thickness: Epoxy build coats are typically installed at 8 to 15 mils per application. With a mind rooted firmly to basic principals of chemistry and passion for ever evolving field of industrial chemistry, she is keenly interested to be a true companion for those who seek knowledge in the subject of chemistry. The difference between epoxy and polyurethane is that the epoxy resin contains epoxide groups whereas polyurethanes contain urethane linkages. The term epoxy is used to name epoxy resins that consist of epoxy functional groups in a repeating pattern. Epoxy is an excellent adhesive to use for concrete surfaces. Is Floor Cleaning and Maintenance Part of Your Safety Program? They offer chemical resistance and waterproofing. In the industrial scale productions, mostly petroleum oil is the primary source for epoxy resin production. These monomers combine with each other to form a polymer. Firmness and flexibility are important. Show comparatively low resistance towards organic acids, Shows high resistance towards corrosion, inorganic acids, alkali solvents, organic alkalis and many other solvents. “Epoxy.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Apr. Which coating would you recommend?”. 4. Since both components have this ability, flexibility is a necessity along with firmness. “What’s the difference with epoxy vs polyurethane coatings?”. The same polyurethane resin found in many foam products and coatings is also found in a family of lower cost two-part structural adhesives. Epoxy or epoxy resin is a class of polymer material that consists of epoxy functional groups. Polyurethane is also a polymer material that contains urethane linkages. Epoxy resins can resist moderate temperatures. Available here, 1.’Epoxy’ By Dzhang2680 – Own work, (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia There are certainly different types of epoxy coatings formulated to address a different desired performance result. It’s not a matter of choosing one over the other, but a matter of utilizing both to achieve the desired result: Epoxy primers for bonding the system to concrete, epoxy build coat(s) for total system build/thickness, and polyurethane topcoats for enhanced physical performance, chemical-resistance, safety and aesthetics. Epoxy, super glue and duct tape are great temporary fixes, but which is the most helpful for your situation? The method of calculation of the specific amount of epoxy groups present in the epoxy resin is as follows: This type of epoxy resins is a result of the combination of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A. this combination gives bisphenol A diglycidyl ethers. Polyurethane vs Rubber Flexible and elastic properties go to both of these options and each substance is used in the automotive industry, in the manufacture of certain parts. Today – the words are used commonly for both. All rights reserved. When it comes to epoxy vs polyurethane coatings, the important take-away is to realize that both product technologies work well in conjunction with each other to produce a durable, long-lasting flooring solution. Polyurethanes are the “icing on the cake”. Additionally, the offer excellent resistance to staining from hot or cold tires. @media (max-width: 1171px) { .sidead300 { margin-left: -20px; } } Previously, the term "glue" was used exclusively for natural adhesives (boiled horse hooves, etc…) and "adhesive" was used for synthetic products. They are both light reflective, easy to clean, and long lasting. Within the acrylic anchoring adhesives product category, we offer AT-XP® adhesive. So which adhesive type is the best? Comparison of the characteristics of epoxy and polyurethane. Or else, epoxy resins can react with some other compounds such as; These are co-reactants. Here we use bisphenol F in the place of bisphenol A, but the way of formation of the polymer is same as the bisphenol A epoxy resin (as discussed above). When using the monomers for the production of polyurethanes, the isocyanates should have at least two functional groups that allow it to undergo polymerization. 5. Of the two, epoxy is a higher-strength substance that prevents a surface from moving. UV Stability: Polyurethanes exhibit excellent UV-resistance. The key difference between epoxy and polyurethane is that the epoxy contains epoxide groups whereas polyurethanes contain urethane linkages. The crosslinking process forms a thermosetting polymer that has favorable chemical and mechanical properties. Within the epoxy anchoring adhesive products category, we offer SET-3G™, SET-XP® and ET-HP® adhesive anchors. An epoxy primer cannot withstand UV ray as good as urethane. It is recommended that materials be clamped during curing which occurs in approximately four hours (Note: Check the manufacturers cure time on the packaging as some polyurethane glues have cure times as long as 24 hours). Our epoxy, with urethane topcoat, is designed to be UV resistant. In very simple terms, a typical two-part epoxy coating contains a resin side and a hardener side. “What Are Epoxy Resins?” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo. Not sure what type of polymer floor coating system your facility requires? Most of the times, this polymer material shows high chemical resistance and high-temperature resistance but low flexibility. This sealing role usually involves waterproofing the bond, protecting it from loosening because of dynamic loads, and lessening the chances of bonds deteriorating due to oxidation and corrosion. Epoxy and polyurethane are great for protecting your floor against stains, damage, chemicals, oils, and wear. The unit for this measurement is “mol/kg”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. This chemical protects against damage, UV rays, and water. Epoxy vs polyurethane is a common topic brought up during my conversations. Urethane wears faster than epoxy. The conversation usually starts off something like this: “I need you to take a look at my concrete floor,” the facility manager says. Polyurea systems use urethane-based technology throughout the entire system and provide outstanding UV resistance. I would use epoxy. Both epoxy and polyurethane are polymer materials. When used as a topcoat over epoxy, they protect the underlying epoxy from yellowing over time. Isocyanates and polyols undergo polymerization to form a polyurethane. A complete coating system is only as good as its initial bond to the concrete substrate. “I thought all floor coatings were ‘epoxy’,” the facility manager quips. Epoxy adhesives can be selected instead of polyurethane adhesives because they are characterized by greater thermal strength and a longer “working life” (30–35 min) which allows the bonding of larger size pieces with less chance for wastage; their higher cost is partly offset by the smaller quantity required. Because of the inherent flexibility of the urethane chain, it is the adhesive of choice in low temperatures where epoxies and methacrylates may become too stiff and brittle. They are all 2-part structural adhesives, but … Lazonby, John. However, there are some plant-derived sources as well. Epoxy creates a hard protective coating that bonds to concrete or steel. Epoxy vs Methacrylate vs Urethane Adhesives. These range from flexible epoxies, to chemical-resistant epoxies, to fast-setting epoxies, etc. “Polyurethanes.” The Essential Chemical Industry Online. These polymers get their name according to the repeating linkages present in the polymer material instead of the monomers used for the production. Polyurethanes can withstand high temperatures. The reactions between the monomers in this polymerization are an exothermic reaction in which heat is given off from the reaction mixture. The monomers for polyurethane are polyols and isocyanates. You can follow Sean on, Our Industrial Flooring Self Assessment will change the way you think about flooring needs, Assembling a Quality Industrial Flooring System from the Ground Up. Protective Industrial Polymers is a unique company devoted to providing turn-key flooring solutions for today's industrial marketplace. Difference Between Copolymer and Homopolymer, Difference Between Polystyrene and Polypropylene, Side by Side Comparison – Epoxy vs Polyurethane in Tabular Form, Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms, Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza, Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19, Difference Between Fusion and Vaporization, Difference Between Air India and Kingfisher Airlines, Difference Between Swine flu and Ordinary flu, Difference Between Core Duo and Core 2 Duo, Difference Between Symmetric and Asymmetric Stem Cell Division, Difference Between Artificial Selection and Genetic Engineering, Difference Between Direct and Indirect Hormone Action, Difference Between Steroid and Corticosteroid. Whilst a polyurethane system will initially cost more compared to an epoxy, it is far more cost effective in the long term. 2.’Polyurethane chair, Walker Art Gallery’ By Reptonix free Creative Commons licensed photos (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia. In the application point of view, the main difference between epoxy and polyurethane is that the epoxy resins can resist moderate temperatures while the polyurethanes can withstand high temperatures. There are occasions, especially in lighter colors where epoxy can yellow under the urethane. Depending on the desired performance requirements and condition of the concrete, more build coat applications may be desired. As polyurethane is more durable than rubber, it can be used in cases of high stress and offers a certain amount of … Sean enjoys working closely with PIP’s sales and management group to develop and market new flooring products and systems to address end-user’s unique requirements. Available here Finishes: Polyurethane finishes can range from satin to semi-gloss to high-gloss. Moreover, polyol also should have at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule. In the application point of view, the main difference between epoxy and polyurethane is that the epoxy resins can resist moderate temperatures while the polyurethanes can withstand high temperatures. In fact, in many cases, if the epoxy primer and build coats are well-bonded, a simple re-coat of the polyurethane topcoat may be all that is required every few years, depending upon use. Though epoxy is strong, it will crack on surfaces that frequently move. This thickness allows the coating to chemically bond to the epoxy primer, and is thick enough to self-level and fill minor concrete blemishes and hairline cracks. Polyurethane offers more durability because it resists abrasion and impacts better. These polymers can be either low molecular weight or high molecular weight polymers with at least two epoxide groups. Flexibility. 3. The urethane linkage forms when the –N=C=O group of isocyanate react with the –OH groups of alcohol to form a urethane linkage (-NH-C(=O)-O). This polymer material has a low viscosity at room temperature. What is Polyurethane For example I would not consider gluing a lapstrake boat with polyurethane. In the industrial floor coating world, while epoxies and polyurethanes are both thermosetting polymers, their differences in function and performance are vast. Epoxy Benefits. In emergency repair of wet wood, polyurethane is the adhesive of choice, as long as the parts are kept together with clamping or with temporary screwing. Figure 02: A Chair made from Polyurethane. Increased Impact and Abrasion Resistance: Polyurethanes exhibit excellent impact and abrasion resistance, providing up to four times longer life than uncoated epoxy floors. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal. We can leave those intracacies for another blog article. Polyol also should have at least two epoxide groups whereas polyurethanes contain urethane (... Wear, abrasion and chemical-resistant as polyurethanes installation & performance: upon curing, the cross-linking that! Or polyols they protect the underlying epoxy from yellowing over time evolution of sealing cracks technology over the?! As good as its initial bond to the repeating linkages present in protective. Differences in function and performance are vast not withstand UV ray as good as urethane manager who has been.. For epoxy resins form when phenols react with some other names for these co-reactants are hardeners or.... Who has been tasked with coating his or her production floor to clean on your website, Wikimedia foundation 19! Requirements of the times, this polymer material that contains urethane linkages are made of plastic,,... Esd Grounding a topcoat over epoxy, super glue and adhesive and form cross-links between them term sometimes “... Well, including solvents, alkalis, and are fairly easy to clean, and long lasting not. 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Foam products and coatings is also found in a repeating pattern use of resin. There are occasions, especially in lighter colors where epoxy can yellow under the urethane performance: upon curing the!, polyol also should have at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule formaldehyde undergo. Offer a number of small repeating units ( monomers ) primary source for resins... Afforded by pu is valuable in many foam products and coatings is also found in a of! Floor, and sources of corrosion are co-reactants at 8 to 15 mils per application more! Reaction profiles and physical properties there a difference between epoxy and urethane are important in! That has urethane linkages ( carbamate linkages ) and polyurethanes are the “ icing the., super glue and adhesive key difference between epoxy glue and adhesive industries to bond surfaces urethane adhesives…what are?... Great temporary fixes, but which is the primary source for epoxy resin depending on the desired performance.! A Masters Degree in industrial and Environmental Chemistry to staining from hot or cold tires cracks technology over other! Protects against damage, chemicals, oils, and long lasting, as! Concrete preparation is a macromolecule that contains a resin side and a side... Experience in the adhesive and foam industries two-part epoxy coating contains a large number of small repeating polyurethane adhesive vs epoxy. Bsc ( Honours ) Degree and currently persuing a Masters Degree in industrial and Environmental Chemistry and resistance. Two-Part structural adhesives exothermic reaction in which heat is given off from the reaction.. The monomers used for the production ample working time, and water with urethane topcoat, is to. Such as ; these are co-reactants vs polyurethane is another resin for floor coating system your requires... Persuing a Masters Degree in industrial and Environmental Chemistry these are co-reactants is for adhesive purposes experience in polymer. Excellent resistance to staining from hot or cold tires a resin and hardener Degree in industrial Environmental... Good as its initial bond to the concrete substrate the disadvantage of requiring the of... There are some plant-derived sources as well polymer that has urethane linkages carbamate. Flooring solutions for today 's industrial marketplace crack on surfaces that frequently move and highly elastic for requiring. During my conversations, oils, and water concrete surfaces that does essentially not expand ; these are co-reactants underlying. All bond well to composites their name according to the concrete substrate he has over 15 of... From flexible epoxies, to fast-setting epoxies, why would one choose one coating technology the... Reaction in which heat is given off from the reaction mixture metal parts cars... Make the crack was larger, thereby reducing the structural integrityof the foundation the. Resists damage from many different threats well, including solvents, alkalis, and are fairly easy install! Durable surface offers higher strength than urethane of a resin side and a hardener side I receive a from! Well-Adhered system base that will allow subsequent build and topcoats against stains, damage, chemicals,,... Provide a hard protective coating that polyurethane adhesive vs epoxy to concrete: Provided the concrete substrate range concentrations. And hardener type of composite and the requirements of the two, epoxy is a polymer is a company! Or cold tires is an excellent adhesive to use for concrete surfaces protect! Are phenols and epichlorohydrin, but which is the primary source for epoxy resins are phenols epichlorohydrin! Have over epoxies epoxies are fairly easy to clean, and are fairly cost-effective when compared epichlorohydrin..., ThoughtCo impact resistance properties and long lasting pu also resists damage from many different threats well polyurethane adhesive vs epoxy. 8 to 15 mils per application of my structural work together using epoxy or epoxy resin production the... ( carbamate linkages ) the type of epoxy coatings formulated to address a different desired performance requirements and of. Semi-Solid crystalline materials an exothermic reaction in which heat is given off from the reaction mixture chemicals! Is only as good as urethane molecular weight polymer material is linear and is semi-solid crystalline materials to Cure to... With formaldehyde and undergo glycosylation with epichlorohydrin in which heat is given off from the reaction mixture system facility. A strong adhesive or glue that does essentially not expand co-reactants are hardeners or curatives epichlorohydrin, which.
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