Resources
This website is an initiative of the Epoxy Resin Committee (ERC). The aim of the site is to provide useful and concise information about epoxies, epoxy resins and their many applications.
ERC regularly checks the links and information provided hereby. If you find one that no longer works, please inform us so we can correct it as soon as possible.
Art with epoxies
The art world is constantly evolving, with artists seeking new ways to express themselves and push the boundaries of creativity. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards using epoxy res...
More than just energy recovery
As a standard rule, the lifetime of a wind farm is around 20 to 25 years, even though some wind turbines can produce clean energy for up to 35 years, e. g. by upgrading some of the components. This me...
Epoxy Europe Newsletter April 2023
Epoxies in clean energy and beyond, art with epoxies, and more!
Fun facts about epoxies
As one of the most adaptable high-performance polymers in the world, epoxies are vital parts of countless objects we use on a daily basis. But did you know about their role in helping cyclists make ac...
While COP27 falls short of expectations, epoxies continue to deliver for a greener future
The recently concluded COP27 summit produced some results, in the sense that financial aids have been promised to countries being hit hardest by the ongoing climate change. However, it fell sho...
Epoxy Europe Newsletter October 2022
Epoxy based material solutions enabling next generation e-mobility, epoxies in household applications, and more!
Home is where epoxies are
Summer has officially arrived, and the soaring temperatures make us seek opportunities to cool down at the beach and in or ON the water. If you like sailing trips, epoxies have a lot to offer to you!...
Epoxy based material solutions enabling next generation e-mobility
The arrival of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has brought with it an array of lifecycle analyses estimating CO₂ emissions of battery and charging as compared to conventional cars. A comprehensive...
Epoxy Europe Newsletter July 2022
Smooth sailing with Epoxies, their role as key enablers of the energy transition in Europe, how epoxy resins support the EU Green Deal goals, and more!
Smooth Sailing with Epoxies
Summer has officially arrived, and the soaring temperatures make us seek opportunities to cool down at the beach and in or ON the water. If you like sailing trips, epoxies have a lot to offer to you!...
Epoxies as enablers of the Green Energy Transition in Europe
Epoxies are a key enabler of Europe’s transition towards green energy. They are integral to the energy sector and are used as composites and coatings in the production, transformation, and distribut...
Epoxy Europe Newsletter - May 2022
Epoxies in fighting corrosion, the role of epoxies in sports and leisure, women working in the sector, and more!
Voluntary Guidelines on Residual Epichlorohydrin in Liquid Epoxy Resins, Reactive Diluents and Mixtures
Document summarising the voluntary guidelines for the residual epichlorohydrin (ECH) content in liquid bisphenol A and bisphenol F epoxy resins, reactive diluents and their mixtures in response to requests from epoxy resin users and in accordance with the Responsible Care® program.
Epoxy Europe Newsletter - December 2021
Climate neutrality, the role of epoxies in the holiday season, the BPA second call for evidence, and more!
Epoxy Europe Newsletter - October 2021
Epoxy-enhanced e-engines, the role of epoxies in sustainable cities, COP26 and more!
Women Working in Epoxy
In celebration of the International Women’s Day, we are putting the spotlight on the incredible women working in the epoxy sector and their valuable contributions to the field. Senior VP of Westlake...
The Role of Epoxies in Sports & Leisure
When marvelling at the athletic display of players at a sporting event, Epoxies might be the last thing to have crossed your mind. But did you know that they play a key role in improving the performan...
Epoxy Coatings – Stalwart Protectors and Life Savers!
Most of us, probably unwittingly, have experienced the beneficial effects of epoxy-based protective coatings to curb the detrimental effects of corrosion on our daily lives and possessions. The NACE...
Ring in the holiday season with epoxies
The holiday season has begun. This Christmas get creative with decorations and gifts with epoxy resins. The versatility of epoxies makes them a great choice for creating different types of artwor...
Making climate neutrality a reality with Epoxies
2021 was a defining year for the future of humanity. Touted the super year, 2021 brought together global leaders in Glasgow for the biannual climate conference to assess the progress...
Spin Me Around! How epoxy-enhanced e-engines enable high performing e-cars!
Background The increasing need to lower humanity’s CO2-footprint requires, next to other initiatives, the development of alternative mobility concepts such as electric vehicles. In order to transiti...
Epoxy Europe Newsletter - July 2021
New project to enable full recyclability of wind turbine blades, epoxies & the Olympic games and more!
Epoxy resins help athletes break records
The Summer Olympics in Tokyo are (finally!) just around the corner. As from 23 July, athletes from all over the world will try their best to win an Olympic medal and perhaps break world records!...
New project to enable full recyclability of wind turbine blades
A coalition of industry and academic leaders is developing a novel technology to enable circularity for thermoset composites, the material is used to make wind turbine blades. The new technology deliv...
2021 is the European year of rail
THE FUTURE IS RAIL In the EU, rail is responsible for less than 0.5% of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it one of the most sustainable forms of passenger and freight transport....
Epoxy Europe Newsletter - May 2021
Epoxy Europe joins Cefic, meeting the challenge of corrosion, BPA measurement methods and more!
Meeting the challenge of corrosion
Meeting the challenge of corrosion Anti-corrosive paints have been used for centuries to protect metal assets from environmental conditions such as rain, moisture, and salt spray. However, rising pol...
Press release: Epoxy Europe joins the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) to work towards delivering on the EU Green Deal
PRESS RELEASE Epoxy Europe joins the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) to work towards delivering on the EU Green Deal Brussels, 10 May 2021 – Epoxy Europe, formerly the Epoxy Resins...
ERC Newsletter - December 2020
New video, offshore wind turbines, pressure vessels and many more!
The European Commission is banking on offshore wind power to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 - an achievable goal thanks to epoxy resins!
The European Commission is banking on offshore wind power to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 - an achievable goal thanks to epoxy resins! The European Commission has set out the ambition to make Europ...
ERC Newsletter - October 2020
Recycling Statement, Epoxies & the Green Hydrogen Economy, Bike Lanes and more!
Waterborne epoxies as secret performance enhancers in fiber and textile applications
Epoxy is a general term used to describe polymers that contain an epoxide functional group. These molecules have been around for a long time and are well-known for many applications, including com...
The essential role of epoxies in building a Green Hydrogen Economy
Airbus recently revealed new zero-emission concept aircrafts. All presented concepts rely on hydrogen as a primary power source – an option which Airbus believes “holds exceptional promise as...
Recycling of Epoxy: Challenges and options
Epoxy products are the solution of choice for applications that require durability which enhances the sustainability of products making recycling questions appear only at the end of a usually long service life. Aware of the challenges posed by the recycling of epoxy resins, ERC members are continuously striving to explore novel recycling options to contribute to the EU’s circular economy objectives.
ERC Newsletter - June 2020
Ultra-low & no-VOC Waterbone epoxies, surfboards, the ERC's updated socioeconomic report and more!
Crafting the future of wood architecture
Source: Chris Barbalis on UnsplashIn the 2020s, architectural trends are all about sustainability. Industries in general are coming up with inventive techniques and materials to meet the g...
Improving the water shift in coatings: Ultra-low or no-VOC waterborne epoxies
A new generation of ultra-low and no-VOC waterborne epoxy technology is now available on the marketplace. They have been developed for those applications, where environmentally-friendly alternatives are required or useful.
ERC Newsletter - February 2020
Epoxy resins' role in mapping the fruit fly brain, sustainable construction, security robots and more!
Composite polymers – the key to a sustainable construction sector
In 2019, the EU and the world witnessed the green movement gather momentum, resulting in the environmental agenda becoming a global priority. It is the composite industry, including epoxy producers, that are investing in creating environmentally-friendly economic solutions to construction problems like excessive energy use and high maintenance costs.
Epoxy composite robots to patrol car parks in 2020
Image by: Forschungszentrum InformatikIn 2019, there are robots to make your calls and your bed, do the vacuuming, mow your lawn and most importantly grill your bratwurst. While we wait for servi...
ERC Newsletter October 2019
A Little Goes A Long Way: Epoxy Resins’ Enabling Role in E-mobility
At the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015, 195 countries adopted the first universal and legally binding global climate agreement.
Epoxy resins: Spinning our world
As we become more environmentally conscious, so does our technology and energy generation. Epoxy resins have been a great ally in lowering emissions and boosting the wind energy sector. The epoxy industry is strongly committed to continue working to help bring new products and innovative solutions to keep the world turning – and our windmills spinning.
ERC Newsletter July 2019
Unusual epoxy applications to unleash your creativity
You probably remember this from your school chemistry lessons: “chemical substances exist as solids, liquids, gases or plasma.” Teachers also made us memorise the periodic table of elements, t...
Epoxy is helping the world go green
Epoxies’ high insulation properties ensure the stable and safe transmission and distribution of electricity. But, perhaps lesser known is the important role that epoxy resins now play in supporting the transition to an even smarter grid and a greener generation of electricity.
Epoxy has the power: electrical components & insulators
Epoxy resins have been used in power engineering for more than six decades and they still provide the best performance for electrical components. Their high-performance insulation properties are ideal for components found in switchgear, disconnectors, bus-ducts, rolling stocks, generators and drives, especially in more demanding high-voltage and outdoor application requiring mechanical toughness and weather resistance.
Epoxies + coffee waste = new flame-retardant material
Singapore ranks as number 36 in the top 50 countries with the highest coffee consumption in the world, with 2.1kg per capita. It is also renowned for its scientific research and development, so it...
ERC Newsletter April 2019
Epoxy coatings in food cans: Preserving life for long
Canned food has become a staple in our kitchens, hospitals, schools and supermarkets. However, as it often happens with everyday items, the many benefits they bring us daily can go overlooked. From easy transportation and storage to a significant reduction of food waste, cans are one of the greatest ways to make sure that food can be consumed at its best for a long, long time.
Epoxies team up with graphene and carbon to create new compound
We have seen epoxies lowering the CO2 emissions from aircrafts and protecting water pipes from rust. We have seen them evolve and also save lives. We know they make our cities more beautiful and m...
ERC Newsletter November 2018
Water pipes & epoxy: preserving our source of life
From the Bronze Age onwards, the development of urban civilizations has relied to a great extent on hydraulic systems. A high level of sophistication in water management technologies was already reached by Indus and Mesopotamians, followed by Greeks and Romans. Today we admire the ancient Roman aqueducts still standing in Europe and Northern Africa – but importantly, we can also draw inspiration from their engineering prowess.
New epoxy hits underwater renovations
The novel material can be hardened under water Epoxies can make our cars last longer, our smartphones perform better and our water pipes stay healthy. The benefits of epoxy resins are countless...
Epoxy can save lives – even before we are born
Surgical interventions, such as removing a tumour or correcting a spine, are always tricky procedures. In some cases, they happen before we are born. What seemed impossible a few years back is now...
Solid as a rock: epoxy-based chemical anchors in construction
Since the early days of mankind, we have managed to put our tools and ideas at the service of our living and working environment demands. Building the world we know today has taken years of dedication and constant evolution. In our efforts we have tried out lots of different materials and all possible ways to make sure they stay together, until we discovered epoxy chemical anchors.
ERC Newsletter July 2018
Smooth sailing with epoxies
Sailing has been one of the most widely used forms of transportation throughout human history. Today, are still a major driving force behind our global economy, and epoxies help protect them across the seven seas.
Epoxies walking on sunshine
Anyone asked to think of a sunny place probably would not put Scotland at the top of their list. That might be why Scots try to make the most of the little sunshine they have, especially when it c...
Ready, steady, go! Epoxy resins keep you in shape
Exercising is good for your body and mind but it can also be very tiring and challenging, especially if you are not using the right equipment. Epoxy resins have proven to be a supportive ally for staying fit and healthy, whether you’re playing tennis, whizzing down the ski slopes or dribbling the ball with your hockey stick.
Epoxies in jewellery: a hidden gem
We often talk about epoxies in industrial, life-changing and innovative applications, but these resins can have other, more delicate uses. Their well-known versatility allows them to be used in di...
ERC Newsletter April 2018
Epoxy powder coatings: why so popular?
Tired of mediocre coatings, constructors started to seek ways of having a new type of resin that could be used in solvent borne and powder coatings. The efforts paid off and solid epoxy resins, both with middle and high molecular weight, were born.
Epoxies in prosthetics: helping athletes reach the finish line
We can all picture a super-hero with a cape flying over town to save someone’s life. These are movie and comic heroes, but what do they look like in real life? Some of them are indeed saving liv...
ERC Newsletter December 2017 (English)
Epoxy adhesives, the bonding material
Epoxies can go a long way! Especially epoxy-based adhesives: a small amount can glue materials as different as wood, metal, plastic, rubber, glass, ceramic or stone. And if it wasn’t for adhesives, how could we start building large infrastructures?
Epoxies to the rescue: giving animals a second chance
We’ve all been there. We are walking around the woods contemplating the trees, when all of a sudden… crack! Sometimes it’s just a stick but it can be an unfortunate animal we have accidently...
Insect eyes inspire a new solar panel generation
Arthropod eye Insect eyes have something hypnotical. Their strange, intricate shapes and unusual large size, so different to other species, have kept entomologists busy explaining what makes the...
High-flying Epoxies
It was 1947 when Howard Hughes, the US visionary aviator and aircraft designer, used epoxies for the first time in the construction of his airlift flying boat “Spruce Goose”. Since then, epoxies and aircraft design have been inseparable.
ERC Newsletter October 2017 (English)
Epoxy brings a second life to critical infrastructures
Buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels… They surround us, exposed to all sorts of weather conditions and quite often lasting decades, even centuries. Those in charge of their maintenance face some m...
Don’t slip, there’s grip!
A good floor coating should prevent you from slipping and sliding, but in some floors you want more than that. Epoxy flooring systems can be tailored to each application in terms of resistance, colour or ease to apply.
Epoxy, the new invisibility cloak
We all like to visit beautiful buildings and appreciate their ornamental façades without visual interruptions. But we also acknowledge the benefits of solar panels which, although unsightly, can...
Epoxy resins hitting the road
There are many things to consider when buying a new car, and its resiliance and lifespan are indeed important ones. Epoxies have proved to be an excellent coating for your car, protecting it against bad weather conditions and the passing of time.
Epoxy resurrects colossi in Egypt
Time has no mercy, and what used to be a gigantic glorious sculpture can be reduced to ruins today. This, however, does not mean there is no hope for the avid historian who wishes to enjoy archeol...
Arts & crafts: the final Touch
Epoxies are found in a variety of applications, but there is a group on which they are especially discreet: the world of arts and crafts. Without drawing too much attention, these resins are increasingly popular among artists and craftsmen. Find out why!
ERC Newsletter July 2017 (English)
ERC Newsletter April 2017 (English)
Who invented epoxies and why?
Originally used for dental fixtures, epoxies were created in the 1930s by two scientists, Dr. Pierre Castan in Switzerland and Dr. Sylvan Greenlee in the United States. The first epoxies were amber-co...
What do they look like?
Epoxy resins can come either as low-molecular honey-like liquids or as high-molecular solid, crystalline substances. Following an increase in temperature or when heat is applied, solid epoxy resin...
What are the properties of epoxies?
Cured epoxy resins have a number of different properties. They are a very stable and durable material, suitable to build machines and structures with a long lifespan. Epoxies have also good mechanical...
What are epoxy resins?
Epoxy resins are a class of pre-polymers and polymers containing more than one epoxide group. Through a chemical reaction called curing, epoxy resins are processed with other chemicals to produce e...
How are they produced?
Epoxies are produced by cross-linking an epoxy resin together with another chemical called ‘hardener’, or reacting the epoxy resin by itself through catalytic homo-polymerisation. The most commo...
How are epoxies used?
Epoxies are used in a number of applications. Their largest applications are found in the construction sector, where thanks to their hardness, strength and durability they are used to coat and protect...
Are epoxies safe?
Cured epoxy resins do not pose any risk to human health when handled in a professional manner and following the necessary safety measures. When sold in small quantities as two-component systems, comp...