what is epoxy

Epoxy is a family of basic components or cured end products of epoxy resins. Epoxy resins are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers that contain epoxide groups. Epoxies are thermoset polymers that are used for their excellent adhesive properties, high tensile and compressive strength, and chemical and thermal stability. They are stimulated to cross-link, resulting in polymerization into rigid three-dimensional chemical lattices of various types and regularities. The applications for epoxy-based materials are extensive and they are considered very versatile. The applications include coatings, adhesives, and composite materials such as those using carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforcements. Epoxy adhesives are a major part of the class of adhesives called "structural adhesives" or "engineering adhesives". They are used in the construction of aircraft, automobiles, bicycles, boats, and other products that require high strength and durability. Epoxies are widely used in various applications in the industrial, automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors. They are very effective at bonding unlike materials (metals, woods, stone, plastics, etc.) and acting as gap-filling agents to enable bonding between poorly conforming surfaces. Epoxy resins provide strong adhesion, chemical resistance, and other specialized properties, making them useful in a variety of consumer and industrial products.