Alternatives to epoxy resin

General Composites Discussions Products Talk
#1

Hello,

I have been working with epoxy resin and carbon fiber for almost a year and it seems that I have developed a sensitization to epoxy resin. Before I give up this hobby, I was wondering if there are alternatives to epoxy resin that will not cause the allergy to return. One of the reasons I chose epoxy resin was for its low odor. I have never worked with polyester resins, but from what ive read, they have a strong odor. I have worked with bondo in the past and I understand it contains polyesters, giving it the strong odor during curing.

The only alternative that I know of is vinyl ester resin, do these also emit a strong odor? Does anyone know of any other options for me? I love working with composites and would hate to have to give up this hobby.

Thank you!

#2

Safety items needed: gloves and quality face mask.

PER can be less odor with PER odor suppressors

#3

Ive been using gloves and an organic vapor respirator since ive been using the stuff, I guess im just one of the unlucky few. Where can I find these odor supressors?

#4

VER also has nasty smells. They both use Styrene, which is what I think the smell is.
Have you tried several brands and types of epoxies, or only stuck to one? If so, it might just be THAT epoxy you are using, and another kind would be better?
I would see a doctor/dermatologist about it as well maybe. They might have a skin cream that would block the epoxy from doing anything. Actually, I think there IS a lotion for composite work…I don’t know anything about it though, someone here should.

#5

Ive been using only West System Epoxy, mainly beacause I can buy it at the West Marine right around the corner. Im going to the dermatologist later today to see what can be done. Thank you for the response!

#6

heard about this, but don’t have any personal knowledge

The good news is that advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering are helping materials suppliers create soy- and corn-based derivatives that are increasingly capable replacements for petrochemicals in unsaturated polyester, polyurethane and even epoxy resin formulations. Bio-composites are here to stay, and understanding their potential role in future applications will be critical to any composites fabricator.

link to article: http://www.compositesworld.com/articles/bio-composites-update-bio-based-resins-begin-to-grow.aspx

all the best,

Jim :slight_smile:

#7

I also am allergic to epoxies, some more than others. Tooling epoxies destroy me, while other epoxies dont bother me as much. I first recommend you try some other brand epoxies. I like “Gurit ampreg22”, I can get this on me and it doesnt cause any hives, the worse it will do is make a little redness if I leave it there for a long period of time. Also wear “powder free nitro gloves” as a base, then latex gloves on top of that, change the latex gloves every 10 minutes or so. Latex gloves are not good barriers for epoxies, they break down. If you do this I believe you will be Ok, but everyone is different

#8

Thanks for interesting article Jim.

I really had no clue about the latex gloves, which are what ive been using. I figured that if they were good enough for EMT and doctors, they would be ok with epoxies. That may be the issue with me, as ive more than often used my fingers to move wet fabric into place.

#9

Knock on wood… I’ve been fortunate enough to not break out or have reactions to epoxy. I’m also careful not to get it on my skin and if by some chance I do I immediately wash it off with orange hand cleaner ( Gojo or similar). I had a job where i worked with epoxy for 5 years… it never bothered me but i saw other guys get a skin reaction/rash/hives from it.

Maybe it’s the amines in the epoxy? I’m not certain what causes the skin reaction. I do know Jgreer epoxy has no amines in it but it’s not a good composites epoxy unfortunately because it has little stiffness/hardness to it.

#10

I use West System for my projects, and when I do a few days in a row of work, by the end I wind up feeling like crap, major headache, irritability, upset stomach…that kinda thing. I try to limit my exposure now, and I do it in very well ventilated areas, and that does help…but yeah, I’ve learned as soon as I start feeling effects, it’s time for a few weeks of break!

#11

heck! Maybe it’s only an allergy to latex gloves! try some nitrile (or something) gloves. they are the green/purple ones.
I don’t know what I would do with my life if I became allergic to epoxies and resins!

well…work with thermoplastics I guess :slight_smile:

#12

Try a barrier cream also. It’s a topical skin application used by composite workers.

I think Fiberlay.com sells it or FiberglassSupply.com

#13

I wonder about Soy bases resins. While they DO have styrene in them, I think everything else is a more natural ingredients.
I’ll try to remember and ask our SoyBoy.