Something I've always wondered about....

We all use Epoxy glue in one part of our building. Have we ever stopped to think how it works?

You get two bottles, an epoxy and a hardener. Measuered out in equal quantities, and mixed, what makes it gel then harden? What sets the 'cure time' Is it the hardener reacting with the epoxy?

Can you substitue 5 minute epoxy with 15 minute hardener? (I know you're not supposed to, but what if...)

something to make you think...

You'd have to study the chemical formulas of the 2 epoxies you are mixing parts of.

Probably... the result would be incorrect curing when mixing one speed hardener with another speed resin. It would likely also mean you'd need to alter the ratio.

since playing with the mixes in that way would be trying to second guess some chemical engineers... not a good plan.

(and I'm the one who likes to mix yellow glue with polyurethane glue... But I started doing that due to a spill and a neat result.)