Epoxy glue

Epoxy glue is an extremely strong adhesive, used e.g. for building airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, boats, snowboards and other products that require high strength bonds. Commonly available in hardware stores is the 5 minute epoxy glue, a two component glue that comes in a tube with two different compartments. One is a resin, the other one a curing agent. When the two are mixed, they turn ito a strong plastic material.

Cured epoxy poses few health risks, but liquid and partially cured epoxies, as well as dust from sanding introduce numerous health threats that need to be managed as efficiently as possible.

Good news is that because of a growing demand, bio epoxy resins are becoming more commonly available nowadays.

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The life cycle	Pro	Con
		High energy Two components epoxy has the highest embodied energy of all glues, about five times that of wood glue. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections Low Energy Animal glue Casein glue Dowels, biscuits and lamellos Soy glue Tie-wraps High footprint Both components of 2-parts epoxy glue, epoxy and amine curing agent, are produced in polluting chemical processes Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections Low footprint Animal glue Dowels, biscuits and lamellos Soy glue

	Quick Various epoxy glues have different curing times. The commonly available two component epoxy from hardware stores dries within 5 minutes.	Toxicity Epoxy glues are highly toxic in production. The resins and solvents in the liquid glue produce fumes that can affect the skin and lungs (1). Another risk is posed by fine dust from sanding (partially) cured epoxy. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections Non toxic Animal glue Bolt and nut Casein glue Classic joinery Dowels, biscuits and lamellos Nails – Brass Nails – Stainless steel Natural fibre straps Plastic straps Screws – Brass Screws – Galvanized steel Screws – Stainless steel Soy glue Staples Tie-wraps Wood glue (PVA based) Costly Epoxy is expensive. In woodworking it is only used for small repairs in high performance products such as boats or snowboards. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections Low cost Animal glue Casein glue Dowels, biscuits and lamellos Nails – Brass Nails – Stainless steel Natural fibre straps Plastic straps Screws – Galvanized steel Screws – Stainless steel Staples Wood glue (PVA based)	Tips Liquid and partially cured epoxies introduce numerous health threats that need to be managed as efficiently as possible. Measurements to be taken are proper ventilation (link) to extract fumes, wear gloves and a mask with filters. Another risk is formed by sanding (partially) cured epoxy. Epoxy may be hard enough to sand after a couple of hours, however it may not be completely cured for up to two weeks. The dust increases your risk of exposure by skin contact, inhaling or ingesting. When inhaled repetitively this can cause serious harm to the lungs and on the long run can result in sensitization and asthma. Link: http://sentryair.com/blog/health/hazards-of-epoxy-fumes/
		Bulky Glued wooden constructions are non disassemblable so they take more space, which increases energy use in transportation. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections that are space saving in transport Bolt and nut Dowels, biscuits and lamellos Natural fibre straps Plastic straps Screws – Brass Screws – Galvanized steel Screws – Stainless steel
	Non toxic When cured, epoxy is rather safe for the user, it doesn't emit toxic fumes. It may leaches small quantities of hardeners and other toxic compounds through hydrolysis (exposure to water) and photolysis (exposure to direct sunlight). The amount of resin used as a connector is normally small and is not directly exposed to water and sunlight (especially when it is indoor). Long lifespan Very high performance, weather and water resistant glue. Sticks to almost any material.		Tips Especially If epoxies are used outdoor, in big amounts and large surfaces, they can get in contact easily with water and direct sunlight. In that case the depolymerization of hardeners and other toxic chemical compounds can happen.

		Difficult recycling Do not discard tins or pour epoxy glue into the drain, epoxy components are hazardous waste. Epoxy also emits toxic fumes in incineration. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections Easy recycling Animal glue Bolt and nut Casein glue Dowels, biscuits and lamellos Nails – Stainless steel Screws – Galvanized steel Screws – Stainless steel Soy glue Staples