Epoxy Resin

1. I think that the epoxy will withstand the 5 blows of blunt force, 400 degrees fahrenheit heat, and 48 hours in bleach.

2. research question: Can cured epoxy resin be able to withstand blunt force. It can also be able to withstand chemicals and heat.

3. testable question: To what extent can epoxy resin be able to withstand chemicals, heat, and physical forces?

Epoxy resin is a durable material that is made with a chemical reaction between resin and hardener. It is a strong adhesive that is able to bond well with materials, such as wood, metal, glass, concrete, etc. Epoxy resin can also be used to insulate electrical components, structural bonding, a seal, and coating. It is also able to fill in gaps and any imperfections.

Independent variable = The forces used against the resin. Dependent variable = The durability of the epoxy resin. Controlled variable = The epoxy batch/curing time.

Mix together mixture A (epoxy) and (hardener) B (500ml each) in a vacuum seal chamber for 2 hours then slowly release pressure and set resin to harden.

Acidity test: Bleach - Pour the bleach into a container with the solidified epoxy resin.

Temperature test: Heat - Heat the oven to 200 degrees fahrenheit, then record the observations and repeat to 500 degrees fahrenheit.

Hardness test: Hammer - will perform several harsh blows and test how much shock the resin can withstand

Temperature test:

• The heat was at 200 degrees fahrenheit, the resin was warm to the touch, but still firm.

• At 300 degrees fahrenheit, the resin began to gradually melt, and the toothpick made a small gash in the resin.

• at 400 degrees fahrenheit, the toothpick was 1mm through the resin.

• at 500 degrees fahrenheit, the toothpick was 3mm through the resin.

Acidity test:

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Bleach - After 24 hours, the resin has some mild discolouration and was slightly flimsy.

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After 48 hours, the resin had some white spots and medium discoloration.

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After 72 hours, the resin was moveable when twisted and had several white spots and extreme discoloration.

• Hammer - After one blow, the resin was still stable.

• After 2 blows, the resin started to chip around the edges.

• After 3 blows, the resin continued to chip.

• Lastly after 4 blows, slight cracking through the resin started to occur.

Epoxy resin is a thermoset polymer, which means once it cures, the molecules form cross-linked ties. These ties cause the cured resin to be strong and durable Firm and difficult to pull. Resistant to blunt force, but can slowly wear and tear. Strong under intense pressure. Although: High heat can weaken polymers, causing slight melting. Chemicals like bleach or sodium hypochlorite can gradually affect the surface over a long period of time. Epoxy can be tough, but slightly frail under unforeseen blunt force .

In conclusion, the epoxy resin can withstand the forces to a certain degree. this experiment could be useful and show how resin can be used in the future instead of woods or flimsy plastics.

Epoxy resin can be used to build a safe and strong home, as well as be used for a replacement for lots of things we use that cause waste, and can be bad for the environment.

• Unsure about the temperature, the resin did not last as well as intended.

• The resin curing time took about 20 more minutes than usual.

• The resin had a couple of bubbles and fractured slightly easier.

socousa.com https://calstongroup.com/ Personal knowledge our parents https://resiners.com/blogs/resiners-guide/how-strong-is-epoxy-resin#:\~:text=A%20strong%20epoxy%20resin%20starts,weak%20spot%20for%20many%20epoxies.

• Mrs. Pepper our science teacher for helping us guide through our project.

• Our parents who have mentored us with our information.

• Our school, Ascension of our Lord for providing the space and opportunity to work at the science fair.