When you’re constructing furniture, it’s essential to choose the suitable adhesive to use. While many options are available, including standard wood glue and waterproof glue, some adhesives are better suited to certain tasks than others.
For example, methacrylate adhesive and epoxy have different uses that make them ideal or not so ideal in certain situations. Before deciding which one to use, be sure to consider the following factors of methacrylate adhesive vs. epoxy to help you select the right one for your next project.
Read More: Best Epoxy For Plastic Gas Tank Repair
Read More: Gorilla Glue Vs. Epoxy
What is Epoxy?
Epoxy adhesive is a mixture of epoxy resin and a hardener, which produces a thickening chemical once mixed. Epoxy is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and is highly impact resistant in industries such as construction, aerospace manufacturing, marine repair, and agriculture.
In addition to that, it is also resistant to acids, bases, moisture and many corrosive chemicals. However, suppose you’re going to be working with epoxy. In that case, you should always wear protective gloves because even though it resists many corrosive chemicals, they can still irritate your skin or burn you.
Read More: Construction Adhesive vs. Epoxy
What is Methacrylate Adhesive?
A methacrylate adhesive is a type of glue that’s often referred to as Super Glue. Its chemical structure allows it to bond with both glass and plastic, making it ideal for various uses. Like epoxy, methacrylate adhesive cures upon exposure to air, which means that projects don’t have to be held in place during application.
They can also be placed onto surfaces at any angle. Most importantly, methacrylate glues bond instantly–there’s no drying time required. That gives you flexibility to apply it on a surface; you can set up your workpiece while waiting for epoxy to dry.
Methacrylate Adhesive vs. Epoxy
1. Epoxy is a stronger adhesive than methacrylate.
2. Methacrylate adhesives have better heat resistance than epoxy.
3. Methacrylate adhesives are more resistant to chemicals than epoxy.
4. Epoxy adhesives are more resistant to water than methacrylate adhesives.
5. Methacrylate adhesives have better UV resistance than epoxy.
6. Epoxy adhesives are more flexible than methacrylate adhesives.
7. Methacrylate adhesives have better impact resistance than epoxy.
8. Methacrylate adhesives are more resistant to vibration than epoxy.
9. Epoxy adhesives cure faster than methacrylate adhesives.
10. Epoxy adhesives are more accessible to remove than methacrylate adhesives.
Read More: Epoxy vs. Super Glue
When to Use Methacrylate Adhesives?
Methacrylate adhesives are one-part, room-temperature curing adhesives. They have high shear and peel strength and are resistant to impact, vibration, and many chemicals. Methacrylates can bond a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, glass, and rubber.
When to Use Epoxy Adhesives?
Epoxy adhesives are two-part adhesives that require mixing before use. They are much stronger than methacrylate adhesives and can be used to bond many different materials, including metals, plastics, glass, and composites. Epoxy adhesives have excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and impact.
Read More: Epoxy Resin vs. Epoxy Adhesive
Is Methacrylate An Epoxy?
No, methacrylate is not epoxy.
Methacrylate is a derivative of acrylic acid and is used to manufacture plastics, resins, and other materials. It is also used as a monomer in producing certain types of adhesives, sealants, and coatings.
Epoxy is a class of thermosetting polymers that contains a polyether backbone. Epoxy resins are used to manufacture adhesives, coatings, and composite materials.
What is Methacrylate Adhesive Used for?
Methacrylate adhesive is a highly versatile synthetic adhesive that can be used for various applications, including bonding metal, glass, and plastics. This adhesive is commonly used in the automotive and aerospace industries due to its high strength and temperature resistance.
Last Opinion
In conclusion, methacrylate is similar to epoxy with almost identical properties but is less expensive. It can also be used for most of your adhesives. If you’re using it for structural purposes, epoxy will last longer and may be worth paying a little extra. In non-structural uses, methacrylate will work just as well at a lower cost, so it’s hard to see why you shouldn’t choose it over epoxy.
