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Epoxy Resin and Anodized Aluminium

We've used a cement based grout to set glass into anodized aluminium channel, this has since reacted with the anodized aluminium and has to be replaced. We are planning to use an Epoxy Resin to set the glass this time. Would this react with the anodised surface?

Kent Olliver
Owner - New Zealand
January 14, 2010

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First of three simultaneous responses --

The lime in cement is alkaline which is very hard on aluminum.
Epoxy should work fine. Also consider select polyurethanes and silicone which should work equally as well.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
January 18, 2010

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Second of three simultaneous responses -- January 19, 2010

Kent,

It doesn't surprise me that a cement based grout reacted with the anodising, I suspect it is quite alkaline, something anodising doesn't cope with at all.

An epoxy based material should be safe. It is commonly used in Aerospace so I don't envision a problem.

Brian Terry
Aerospace - Yeovil, Somerset, UK

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Third of three simultaneous responses --

Anodising is the preferred treatment for aluminium prior to bonding with an epoxy resin for aerospace structures. You will be doing the right thing using an epoxy on anodised surfaces.

Ciaron Murphy
Aerospace - South Wales, UK
January 19, 2010