Epoxy question

[Hubert S.]

From the West Systems website:

G/flex like all WEST SYSTEM resin/hardener combinations can handle temperatures up to 200°F repeatedly. At this temperature, it will be more flexible and less resistant to heavy durational loads than at room temperature, but it returns to full strength as it approaches room temperature

I have tested the West 105 resin as well as the System 3 epoxy to determine at what temperature composite panels delaminate, and neither epoxy survived prolonged exposure to temperatures anywhere near the maximum temperatures stated by the manufacturers. IIRC, the System 3 epoxy tolerated slightly higher temperatures, but both epoxies delaminated well below 150°F. Of course, this is only one data point for a specific aluminum composite, and results may be better for different material combinations, but I would not rely on these types of epoxies at temperatures much above 100°F without testing.

 

[Taz]

JB Weld and JB Kwik Weld withstand much higher temperatures, but are a ton thicker and will show a black/dark grey glue line. I have had stabilized wood handles curl up and flatten back out going from a cold shed in the winter to inside a warm house in a day or two. I have also had handles curl, split and warp over a month after I installed the supposedly stabilized wood on the tangs, too.