Epoxy resins: transparent, multi-purpose, and non-toxic

22 May 2025

The history of epoxy resins is, in a sense, the history of precision. They originated as materials with extraordinary technical properties, capable of meeting complex demands in sectors where imperfections are not tolerated. Epoxy resins are a two-component system. On one side is the resin, on the other the hardener: only once these two elements are mixed together – at very precise ratios – do they form a rigid, durable, and impervious polymer. It is an irreversible chemical reaction, and perhaps it is in this definitive nature that their strength lies: once cured, the resin no longer moves. It holds.

Two components and a cold reaction

Versatile, resistant and suitable for multiple applications, epoxy resins represent one of the most important innovations in the field of synthetic materials. Developed in the 1930s but widely adopted after World War II, these thermosetting resins have become key players in modern industry thanks to their high performance and remarkable adaptability. From a technical point of view, they are polymers obtained through a cold reaction: component A (the base resin) and component B (the hardener or catalyst) are mixed at room temperature. The result is a cross-linking process that transforms the liquid mixture into a solid with exceptional mechanical properties. This process is not merely a physical change, but a true transformation of state: from unstable liquid to solid, compact, and durable material. It is precisely this transformation that gives epoxy resin its most appreciated features: high adhesive power, impermeability, dimensional stability, resistance to weathering and chemicals, and long-term durability. These are all essential elements in production sectors where reliability is not an option, but an absolute requirement.

According to industry data, global consumption of epoxy resins in 2020 reached 3.6 million tons, with a market value of approximately 8 billion dollars. An average annual growth rate of 5.8% confirms the continued interest in this material, which has only recently shown a slight slowdown due to global economic conditions.

Epoxy resins: how they are used

In the industrial, automotive, and manufacturing sectors, epoxy resins are used in numerous stages of production. They are employed to coat and protect surfaces subject to wear, to create structural bonds, to produce molds, and to protect electronic circuits or delicate components. In the logic of automation – which is also our logic – these resins become essential for sealing, insulating, and extending the service life of complex systems, improving performance and reducing machine downtime. Consider, for example, the sensors integrated into our systems or the components of dosing lines: every detail matters, and epoxy resins contribute silently but decisively.
Their use also extends to the food & beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors, fields in which surface protection and resistance to aggressive substances are essential. They are used to create smooth, sanitizable, and resistant surfaces, or to produce custom mechanical components with millimeter precision. Epoxies are also used in the chemical industry due to their ability to withstand solvents, acids, and bases, ensuring stability and safety even in extreme environments. Finally, there are also more “lateral” applications, no less interesting: in the aerospace sector, in the production of prosthetics, and in high-precision technological niches, epoxy resins prove indispensable.
The real novelty, however, is their recent emergence in the world of design and craftsmanship. Epoxies appeal thanks to their crystal-clear transparency, the possibility of coloring, and the three-dimensional effect that allows the inclusion of materials, objects, and pigments. They are used in the creation of seamless flooring, decorative items, furniture, and contemporary artworks. Often, they even become a tool to enhance reclaimed materials, giving shape to new objects in a perfect fusion of technology and creativity.
Alongside their advantages, safety aspects must not be overlooked: in liquid form, the components can be irritating or sensitizing. It is therefore essential to follow good usage practices, with personal protective equipment and adequately ventilated environments. At the same time, the issue of sustainability is becoming central: many companies in the sector are developing more environmentally friendly formulations, free of volatile solvents and with a reduced environmental footprint. And it is here that the future of the material begins: in a balance to be found between high performance and low impact.