Epoxy
An epoxy is a polymer which cures when mixed with a catalyzing agent or "hardener". Epoxies are part of a class of adhesives called "engineering adhesives" or "structural adhesives", which also includes polyurethane and acrylic. Epoxies were first developed and used in industry in the United States during the early 1930's.
Raw epoxy materials are blended by manufacturers into epoxy systems that can be used for various purposes. The epoxy formulas may be changed in hundreds of ways, dependant on their intended use. Epoxy manufacturers may add mineral fillers, thickeners, accelerators, adhesion promoters, and even fiber reinforcements such as glass, carbon, Kevlar, and boron.
Because their composition can be modified in so many ways, epoxies are useful in many types of construction. They are used in aircraft, automobiles, boats, bicycles, skis, golf clubs, and other applications where high strength bonds are necessary. Epoxies are also used in the electronics industry, and are a component of motors, generators, transformers, switchgear, and insulators.