ARALDITE® 2020-1 Huntsman’s new generation of clear epoxy
Samaro is proud to introduce Huntsman’s ARALDITE® 2020-1.
As the official distributor in France, we bring you the next-generation, CMR-free* without intentionally added epoxy for glass bonding, clear castings, and potting small components.
ARALDITE® 2020-1: CMR-free*, transparent, engineered for glass
Amid rising safety and compliance requirements, Huntsman is evolving its epoxy range with ARALDITE® 2020-1 a reformulation of ARALDITE® 2020 designed to preserve performance while improving the HSE profile. The adhesive remains very low in viscosity and water-clear, with a refractive index close to glass ideal for invisible bonds, microscopy, and crystal-clear castings.
What changes between ARALDITE® 2020 and ARALDITE® 2020-1
Huntsman developed ARALDITE® 2020-1 to replace ARALDITE® 2020 following a change in the classification of a raw material. The new version retains the same applications, product concept, and very similar properties, with an updated resin/hardener designation. The goal: a smooth transition for users, with no process disruption.
Benefits :
- Enhanced HSE profile: CMR-free reformulation of the 2020 grade, designed for demanding industrial environments.
- Transparency & optical neutrality: Refractive index ≈ 1.5, close to glass, for near-invisible bonds.
- Very low viscosity (~300 mPa·s): Excellent wetting, penetration into tight gaps, and easier casting.
- Forgiving processing window: Pot life ~160 min (100 g, 23 °C); cures at room temperature.
- Broad substrate compatibility: Glass, ceramics, metals, rigid plastics, and rubbers; also suitable for potting small parts.
ID Card – ARALDITE® 2020-1
| Type & formulation : | Low-viscosity, two-component (A/B) epoxy adhesive. |
| Color / appearance : | Transparent. |
| Mix ratio : A:B = 100:33 (by weight). | A:B = 100:33 (by weight). |
| Viscosity : | ≈ 300 mPa·s (25 °C). |
| Pot-life : | ≈ 160 min (100 g, 23 °C). |
| Fixture time : | ~16 h (typique, selon TDS). |
| Mechanical strengths (typ.): | Shear ≈ 15 MPa,
Tensile ≈ 55 MPa, εR ≈ 11,9 %, Tg ≈ 53 °C. |
| Service temperature range: | ≈ –60 °C à +100 °C. |
| Key applications: | Glass bonding, crystal-clear castings, microscopy, small-part potting. |
2020-1 in practice: the properties that make the difference
- Invisible glass bonds: Refractive index close to glass, very low visible yellowing at application, discreet joints for technical glazing, display cases, and laboratory optics.
- Thin castings & impregnation: Low viscosity promotes filling of capillary geometries and limits bubbles (good degassing practices recommended).
- Balanced mechanical performance: Shear ~15 MPa and tensile ~55 MPa—a robust compromise for glass and ceramic parts subjected to moderate loads.
- Flexible processing: ~160 min pot life (100 g) to prepare, position, clamp, and clean with confidence; cures at room temperature (no oven required).
Application best practices
Surface preparation:
Degrease thoroughly (pre-impregnated wipes with an HSE advantage / suitable solvents), apply controlled micro-roughness where compatible (fine blasting on ceramics/metals; avoid damaging optical glass), remove dust, then degrease again.
Metering & mixing:
Respect 100:33 by weight. Mix while scraping the walls and bottom until fully homogeneous (uniform color/texture). If using dual-cartridge application, purge a few centimeters without the static mixer to balance the pistons before dispensing.
Dispensing:
Avoid trapping air (continuous bead, steady speed). For castings: pour a thin stream at the lowest point with minimal agitation; degas if possible.
Curing:
Work within the ~160 min pot-life window; keep parts clamped until ~16 h for initial fixture, then allow to condition further according to your end-use requirements. Final performance depends on mass, geometry, and temperature.
Durability & eco-friendly packaging
To support the CMR-free* reformulation, Huntsman is rolling out post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic cartridges across the new ARALDITE® generation. According to official communications, this packaging reduces the carbon footprint by up to ~36% versus virgin-plastic cartridges, while maintaining the same quality requirements for storage, extrusion, and tool compatibility.
In practice:
- PCR option available on the reformulated range.
- No change in use for operators: identical cartridge format, unchanged application process.
- Measurable CSR contribution: reduced use of virgin plastics and lower packaging-related CO₂.
Sectors that benefit
- Technical glazing, museum display, optics & labs: discreet bonds, support/encapsulation castings.
- Light electronics / sensors: small transparent potting for visual inspection.
- Arts & restoration: glass assemblies using gentle processes that can be reversed (prior testing required per industry standards).
❓FAQ – ARALDITE® 2020-1
🔹 Does the mix ratio change compared with 2020?
Yes. 2020-1 is used at 100:33 by weight. Refer to your internal work instructions and Samaro/Huntsman documentation.
🔹 What is the pot life?
Approximately 160 minutes (100 g at 23 °C); it varies with temperature, mixed mass, and joint geometry.
🔹 Which key properties should I remember?
Transparency, low viscosity ≈ 300 mPa·s, shear ≈ 15 MPa, tensile ≈ 55 MPa, elongation at break (εᵣ) ≈ 11.9%, Tg ≈ 53 °C, service range −60 °C to +100 °C (indicative).
🔹 Which substrates is it suitable for?
Primarily glass and ceramics, but also metals, rigid plastics, and rubbers—plus small castings/potting.
🔹 Where can I find documentation and buy in France?
From Samaro, Huntsman’s official distributor: product datasheet, 2020 vs 2020-1 comparison report, SDS, and technical support.
