ASTM Testing

We compare WEST SYSTEM Epoxy physical properties using ASTM scientific tests. In laboratory comparisons of epoxy physical properties, test specimens are cured at room temperature for two weeks, unless otherwise noted. The table below lists typical physical property values. These should not be construed as specifications. Neat epoxy specimens (i.e., containing no fillers or fiber reinforcements) were used for testing.

Compare Epoxy Physical Properties


EPOXY
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

105 Epoxy Resin/205 Fast Hardener


105 Epoxy Resin/206 Slow Epoxy Hardener


105 Epoxy Resin/207 Special Clear Hardener


105 Epoxy Resin/209 Extra Slow Hardener


Six10 Thickened Epoxy Adhesive


650-32 G/flex Toughened Epoxy

Mix Ratio by weight*See Data SheetSee Data SheetSee Data SheetSee Data SheetSee Data SheetSee Data Sheet
Mix Viscosity @ 72°F (cPs)975725760650 gel15,000
Pot Life of 100 g @ 72°F (min.)1221.52245 4245
Specific Gravity of Cured Resin1.181.181.151.161.181.11
Hardness @ 2 weeks (Shore D)838384.482 80.675
Compression Yield @ 2 weeks (PSI)11,41811,50011,04311,960 9,6935,268
Tensile Strength (PSI)7,8467,3206,7487,280 6,4383,440
Tensile Elongation (%)3.44.53.83.6 7.932.7
Tensile Modulus (PSI)4.08E+054.60E+054.40E+053.98E+05 3.71E+051.44E+05
Flexural Strength (PSI)14,11211,81011,32412,459 11,3205,192
Flexural Modulus (PSI)4.61E+054.50E+054.12E+053.97E+05 3.51E+051.56E+05
Heat Deflection Temperature (°F)118123117117 127127
Onset of Tg by DSC (°F)129126116122127138
Ultimate Tg by DSC (°F)142139116130133154

 

General Characteristics of WEST SYSTEM Epoxies

WEST SYSTEM Epoxy resin and hardeners are the base components of two-part, marine-grade epoxy originally developed specifically for use in boat building. Our epoxy and additives are formulated to provide maximum physical properties and, at the same time, to be as easy to use as possible. WEST SYSTEM products are designed to be mixed on-site in the specific formulations needed for various jobs. Builders and repairers can select from a range of hardeners and additives to tailor the epoxy mixture’s handling characteristics and the physical properties of the cured epoxy to suit the working conditions and requirements of their specific coating or bonding job.

WEST SYSTEM epoxies cure to a hard, solid plastic with superior mechanical properties. When small amounts of filler are added to mixed resin and hardener, WEST SYSTEM 105 Resin-based epoxy becomes a very strong, gap-filling adhesive. Joints bonded with these epoxy mixtures are often stronger than the fibers that surround them. Other combinations of WEST SYSTEM epoxy and fillers produce mixtures that can be used in fairing and filleting. WEST SYSTEM Epoxy is an excellent medium for transferring loads from wood fiber to metals. It will serve as an efficient interface for distributing high-point loading over greater surface area than would otherwise be possible. WEST SYSTEM Epoxy products will bond to fiberglass, aramid (Kevlar™), graphite, and other synthetic fibers in structural and reinforcing applications.

The success of any epoxy composite depends in part on the epoxy’s ability to shield the substrate from moisture. While no epoxy forms an absolute moisture vapor barrier, as little as two coatings of WEST SYSTEM Epoxy will impede the passage of moisture vapor to such an extent that the moisture content of the epoxy encapsulated substrate remains stable. Epoxy controls the fluctuations of moisture content, improving mechanical properties and dimensional stability. When used to encapsulate wood, epoxy restricts both moisture and oxygen, making it impossible for dry rot fungi to survive.

A WEST SYSTEM Epoxy moisture barrier also creates a stable base for paint and varnish. Wood surfaces protected with coatings of WEST SYSTEM Epoxy cannot become saturated with water. Paint adheres better, with less cracking and lifting, than it does on substrates without the benefit of an epoxy coating.

Epoxy will bond at room temperatures with little clamping pressure, so few specialized tools and molds are needed. As a result, project overhead can be drastically reduced, and parts manufacturing is more flexible with epoxy.

Our body of knowledge about epoxy composites grows with each day of testing. Current product data is published in our How-To Manuals, Epoxyworks Magazine, and here on our website. Our technical staff is always available to answer any questions you may have.