What Dissolves Cured Epoxy Resin?

Epoxy has a wide variety of application in vacuum chamber leak repairs or feedthrough and microscopy sample preparation. One advantage of cured epoxies is that it provides a robust and permanent bond in adhesive and embedding applications. The strong bond serves a limitation when a part or sample needs to be de-bonded, or when it is required to eliminate a sample from a cured epoxy attachment.

Solutions For Eliminating Cured Epoxies

Methods for removing an epoxy bond, a sample from an epoxy resin, or spilt epoxy are shown below. Bear it in mind that some of these methods listed are harmful and can ruin the sample or part. It is advisable to make use of safe working practises when removing epoxies. You should regularly examine if a sample is suitable for the method used. The following are solutions for removing cured epoxies:

  • Boiling water
  • Thermal shock
  • Thermal decomposition
  • Sulfuric acid

Boiling Water

When the epoxy is subjected to boiling for a long time, the epoxy will evaporate from most surfaces. This method is ideal for embedding samples that are mixed with thermal shock to slit the epoxies so long as the sample is following the method used.

Thermal Shock

Epoxy and parts when substrate has a substantial difference in the rate of thermal expansion. A massive difference in temperature could stress the epoxy and result in cracks. A rapid change in temperature leads to maximum stress.

Thermal Decomposition

Epoxy can decay and transform to carbon ash at a particular temperature which is above the temperature for degradation. This degradation temperature is possible at 400°C and even more.

Sulfuric Acid

A solution of sulfuric acid which is warm removes epoxies after some period of soaking. Dropping sulfuric acid repeatedly on small amounts of epoxy is a helpful method and does not require soaking.