Phenalkamine: A curing agent of Epoxy Resin
Epoxy Resin, which is commonly termed as adhesive, is becoming an
imperative part of today’s construction and manufacturing sector.
The primary reason behind their increased use is its attribute that
allows them to transform from liquid to strong under a varied
temperature. However, unbeknownst to many of us, behind this
transformation, there is a formation of by-products and addition of
chemically active amalgams termed as curing agents. These curing
agents are generally derivatives of amines with Phenalkamine.
The
roots of Phenalkamine were traced in mid 1970’s when the Cardolite
Corporation (a former division of 3M Company) introduced it.
An
overview of Phenalkamine and its uses:
It comes from Cardanol.
The cashew nut shell liquid (CSNL) is the main source from where this multipurpose derivative of amines is synthesized.
In the beginning, it was brought into the limelight with a purpose to have an extended pot life with awesome flexibility and laudable water resistance.
This miraculous curing agent is a blend of aliphatic amines’ properties and Polyamides characteristics.
This system has outstanding curing property and that too on low temperature.
This curing agent has a good resistance with all sort of chemical and on top to that, the curing agent has low toxicity and high flexibility.
The most astonishing fact about it is that it is now replacing the polyamides and polyamines, the two most common and frequently used curing agents.
This curing agent comes with a water resistance property. The fact behind this water resistance is Phenalkamines’ linear side chain that provides high hydrophobicity to resins. This high hydrophobicity eventually lessens the effect of phenolic hydroxyl on water sensitivity. This is what makes it a best coating and adhesive alternate for sealant industry and for wet or poorly prepared surfaces.
This adhesion quality, which has proved its worth even on water, is the primary reason behind its use in marine applications, civil engineering and industrial maintenance projects.
Precautions:
Storage :
Must be stored in cool and dry condition: temperature must not exceed 25°C
Must be stores in a sealed container and not in open lid box, because this product can react with Co2 and moisture
Must be used within one year from the date packed
Handling
An eye contact, it can cause severe damage and inflammation
Harmful for skin, if ingested or absorbed
While handling it and while not in use, make sure that container is tightly closed
Do not miss to use safety glasses, gloves and protective clothes
In case of any misfortune, victim is advised to have first
aid treatment, from a first aid attendee within the working location
until the big help arrives. If you want to know more about
Phenalkamine
and its recommended mix ratios, please refer most helpful web portal
http://www.royceintl.com/.
Phenalkamine – Redefining The Process Of Epoxy Curing
It
is
a
well
known
fact
that
epoxy
resins
enjoy
their
huge
popularity
because
of
their
property
of
easily
transforming
from
liquid
or
even
thermoplastic
state
into
a
strong
and
rigid
thermo
solid
under
diverse
temperatures.
However,
not
many
people
know
that
for
this
transformation
to
take
place,
epoxy
resins
need
the
additional
support
of
a
special
group
of
chemicals
that
are
known
as
curing
agents.
These
curing
agents
are
generally
either
amines
or
the
derivatives
of
amines
with Phenalkamine being
the
most
commonly
used
curing
agent.
Cashew
nutshell
liquid
is
the
most
common
source
for
the
synthesis
of
Phenalkamines.
This
extremely
fast
curing
agent
is
not
only
able
to
provide
great
results,
but
also
has
a
good
workable
pot
life.
Moreover,
Phenalkamine
shows
good
resistance
towards
chemicals,
has
low
toxicity
and
is
highly
flexible.
All
these
qualities
make
this
curing
agent
a
preferred
choice
for
use
in
various
marine
applications,
industrial
maintenance
and
civil
engineering
projects.
Using
this
active
chemical
ensures
that
the
cured
epoxy,
shows
good
resistance
to
water,
is
flexible
enough
and
has
great
adhesive
properties.
Phenaklamine
is
fast
replacing
polyamides
and
polyamines
which
are
more
frequently
used
curing
agents
as
it
is
perfectly
suitable
for
use
with
epoxy
solids
cured
under
ambient
temperatures.
In
fact,
the
name
of
this
newest
range
of
curing
agents
has
been
devised
to
indicate
the
alkyl-aromatic
structure
of
the
chemical
and
help
people
in
to
easily
distinguish
it
from
other
more
familiar
polymer
based
curing
agents.
Given
the
unique
water
resistance
properties
and
temperature
insensitive
cure
provided
by
this
chemical
it
is
becoming
an
ultimate
choice
for
applications
related
to
high
solids
or
water-borne
coatings.
The
unique
structure
of
Phenalkamines
provides
them
with
a
rare
combination
of
some
of
the
most
desirable
properties,
which
they
pass
on
to
the
epoxy
resins
they
are
used
with
for
curing.
Though
this
family
of
curing
agents
is
relatively
new
it
has
already
made
a
deep
impact
by
providing
an
innovative
means
of
enhancing
the
curing
process
with
the
help
of
its
chemically
modified
structure.
Also
given
the
ever
increasing
market
for
epoxies,
there
is
a
great
scope
for
the
utilization
of
this
novel
technology
to
create
better
products.
Royce
is
a
fully
diversified
international
company
which
was
founded
in
1929
to
manufacture
chemicals
for
textile
industry.
Today
more
than
80
years
later,
they
have
a
resounding
presence
across
the
world
and
offer
solution
to
diverse
needs
of
chemicals
to
their
customers,
including Phenalkamine. For
detailed
information,
please
logon
to
http://www.royceintl.com
