Epoxy products were first marketed in 1947. In the following years it became clear that they were responsible for allergic contact dermatitis on a wide scale. The aliphatic polyamines used as hardeners were considered responsible, but later the resin was identified as the main cause of the contact allergy. Araldit, still on the market, was the first product. The epoxy system contains resin, hardener and reactive diluent. Sometimes tar, glass fibre, dyes and other plastics are added. Because of its extraordinary properties, epoxy resin is increasingly used as a glue for metal, rubber, plastics, & ceramics, for casting models & repair of concrete, for electrical insulation, anti-corrosion protection of metals, floor covering, painting, in preparative work for electro microscopy, & in dentistry. Epoxy resin is also commercially available as household glue.
