Ask A Scientist© Chemistry Archive

name         Kevin M.
status       other
age          30s

Question -   What type of solvants can be used to dissolve epoxy
after it has completely cured?
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The short answer is almost none. Fully cured epoxy is one of the most
solvent polymer systems known. It can be softened by very strong, but
difficult to handle, solvents like dimethylformamide, but because of its
high [essentially infinite] molecular weight and inherent chemical
resistance it is practically not removable by chemical means.

Vince Calder
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Ha, Ha, Ha.  Cured epoxy can't be dissolved, because it's one giant
interconnected molecule.  The best you can hope for is to physically or
chemically break it into smaller pieces.  Not many chemicals will do that,
either.  Concentrated sulfuric acid will do the job, but it takes a ling
time.  Other things that might do the job are even more dangerous to work
with.

Richard Barrans, Ph. D.
Assistant Director, PG Research Foundation
Darien, Illinois
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