Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Compounds Based on Bisphenol a Aged in Aqueous Environments

Abstract

(1) Background: The aim of the work is to determine the influence of selected aqueous environments of various types of liquids on the strength of adhesive compositions prepared from epoxy resin based on bisphenol A combined with two different curing agents: tritethylenetetramine and polyaminoamide C. (2) Methods: The cured epoxy adhesive compounds samples were seasoned in four aqueous environments of the liquid: rainwater, demineralized water, tap water, and a sweetened drink. Three variants of the aging time in the above-mentioned operating environments were adopted: one month, two months, and three months. After the specified maturing time, samples of epoxy adhesive compositions were subjected to the strength tests on the Zwick/Roell 150 testing machine, which is in accordance with ISO 604 standard, determining the compressive strength. (3) Results: On the basis of the obtained strength test results and their analysis, it was noticed, inter alia, that the strength of the epoxy compounds decreases with the aging time in all used aqueous environments. Moreover, in the case of both types of the epoxy compounds, the highest strength was achieved after aging in demineralized water.