himitsu
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2013
- Messages
- 245
- Reaction score
- 1
I looked for a old thread on this subject, and couldn't find one, so it looks like this might be new ground. For many of us, epoxy is here to stay, for several important reasons. Epoxy is strong, can bond dissimilar materials, can create composites, you can use it to make both the molds and the parts, it's dimensionally stable (hardly shrinks), it gives you a predictable work time, you can modify its characteristics with additives, et cetera.
I think we're aware that all epoxies are not created equal, and that the chemistry of epoxies can vary greatly. Some of us have already examined the differences in strength and cost, but these variations in chemistry also produce a spectrum of risks to our health.
I currently own a batch of US Composites 635 resin and 556 hardener (which I intend to use up before switching to anything else). I emailed US Composites for the MSDS of both the resin and hardener, and they sent them to me. I also downloaded the MSDS for West Systems 105, 205, 206, and Aeropoxy 6209 (part A and B). It was enlightening.
There are those who believe that Aeropoxy is the safer product. Well, the documentation supports this belief, for the 6209 adhesive expoxy (but not the other Aeropoxy products, adhesive or laminating). In fact, reading the MSDS for most epoxies leads me to believe that anyone continuously exposing themselves to these products should consider, using them outside, in a well ventilated area, and/or with a respirator (with the appropriate cartridges, of course). It should go without saying that we should not get any of this stuff on our skin (and if we do, we should get it off quickly).
I invite everyone to obtain the MSDS for both the resin and the hardener of their "unlisted" epoxy system, and post them to this thread. Simply look for it (the MSDS) on the manufacturer's web site. If you can't find it, contact them by email. Perhaps we can start an MSDS "database" of sorts. I hope this exercise might encourage a greater number of us to use these epoxy products safely.
Attached are the MSDS(es) for your examination.
Aeropoxy:
View attachment 7APES6209A.pdf
View attachment 7APES6209B.pdf
West Systems:
View attachment MSDS105.pdf
View attachment MSDS205.pdf
View attachment MSDS206.pdf
US Composites:
View attachment 635 Thin Epoxy Resin.pdf
View attachment 2 to 1 Hardener.pdf
I think we're aware that all epoxies are not created equal, and that the chemistry of epoxies can vary greatly. Some of us have already examined the differences in strength and cost, but these variations in chemistry also produce a spectrum of risks to our health.
I currently own a batch of US Composites 635 resin and 556 hardener (which I intend to use up before switching to anything else). I emailed US Composites for the MSDS of both the resin and hardener, and they sent them to me. I also downloaded the MSDS for West Systems 105, 205, 206, and Aeropoxy 6209 (part A and B). It was enlightening.
There are those who believe that Aeropoxy is the safer product. Well, the documentation supports this belief, for the 6209 adhesive expoxy (but not the other Aeropoxy products, adhesive or laminating). In fact, reading the MSDS for most epoxies leads me to believe that anyone continuously exposing themselves to these products should consider, using them outside, in a well ventilated area, and/or with a respirator (with the appropriate cartridges, of course). It should go without saying that we should not get any of this stuff on our skin (and if we do, we should get it off quickly).
I invite everyone to obtain the MSDS for both the resin and the hardener of their "unlisted" epoxy system, and post them to this thread. Simply look for it (the MSDS) on the manufacturer's web site. If you can't find it, contact them by email. Perhaps we can start an MSDS "database" of sorts. I hope this exercise might encourage a greater number of us to use these epoxy products safely.
Attached are the MSDS(es) for your examination.
Aeropoxy:
View attachment 7APES6209A.pdf
View attachment 7APES6209B.pdf
West Systems:
View attachment MSDS105.pdf
View attachment MSDS205.pdf
View attachment MSDS206.pdf
US Composites:
View attachment 635 Thin Epoxy Resin.pdf
View attachment 2 to 1 Hardener.pdf
Last edited: