Epoxy-based materials serve an extensive range of applications, including coatings, paints, adhesives, castings, hobby crafts, and doming resins. The fundamental characteristics of epoxies include exceptional adhesion, high chemical and heat resistance, superior mechanical properties, and outstanding electrical insulation. For specialized electronic applications, variations are available that offer high electrical resistance combined with either high thermal insulation or thermal conductivity. Some common epoxy applications can be seen in the following images.
The selection of a curing agent is critical in determining the mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties of an epoxy system.
Polyamine Epoxy Hardeners
Polyamines are the most widely used class of hardeners, categorized into three main groups based on their molecular structure.
1. Aliphatic Polyamines
These hardeners feature open-chain carbon structures and are known for their high reactivity.
- Key Characteristics: Fast curing at room temperature and low viscosity for easy mixing.
- Advantages: Cost-effective and provides excellent adhesion for general-purpose applications.
- Best For: Adhesives, small-scale castings, and rapid repair kits.
- Note: They are sensitive to high humidity and may exhibit “blushing” (a waxy surface film) if cured in damp conditions.
2. Cycloaliphatic Polyamines
Offering a perfect balance between aliphatic and aromatic structures, these hardeners are the “gold standard” for high-end coatings.
- Key Characteristics: Excellent color stability and resistance to yellowing.
- Advantages: Superior chemical resistance and high moisture tolerance. They provide a high-gloss, aesthetically pleasing finish with minimal blushing.
- Best For: Decorative floor coatings, clear encapsulations, and high-performance protective paints.
3. Aromatic Polyamines
Designed for the most demanding environments, aromatic amines feature stable benzene ring structures.
- Key Characteristics: High viscosity (often solid at room temperature) and typically require elevated temperatures (heat curing) to reach full strength.
- Advantages: Exceptional thermal stability and the highest level of chemical and solvent resistance.
- Best For: Aerospace composites, heavy-duty industrial structural components, and high-temperature applications.
While pure polyamines excel in specialized environments, many industrial applications require enhanced flexibility and ease of application on challenging substrates. To address these needs, we also offer a specialized range of modified amine systems.
Amidoamine and Polyamide Based Hardeners
Our series of Amidoamine and Polyamide-based hardeners is specifically engineered for high-performance, surface-tolerant primers on both metal and concrete substrates. These hardeners are the preferred choice for industrial coatings where substrate preparation may be challenging.
- Key Characteristics: When combined with standard liquid epoxy resins, they offer a versatile low-to-medium viscosity range, ensuring excellent wetting and penetration.
- Advantages: They provide superior flexibility, long pot life, and excellent “surface-tolerant” properties, meaning they perform reliably even on less-than-ideal surfaces. They offer great water and corrosion resistance.
- Best For: Heavy-duty industrial primers, marine coatings, concrete floor sealers, and structural adhesives.
At our core, we are dedicated to supporting your technical requirements with high-quality formulations that ensure the durability and integrity of your projects. We are here to provide the expertise and solutions you need for every application.