Specialty chemicals company Evonik (Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA) recently added two new polyamide-based epoxy curing agents for the Americas region—Ancamide 2853 and Ancamide 2865—to its comprehensive curing agent portfolio.
Designed to set new standards in flexibility, strength, and environmental safety, these new products are part of the company’s stated commitment to provide the coatings industry with innovative, high-performance solutions.
According to the company, Ancamide 2853 and Ancamide 2865 deliver high flexibility with standard diluted epoxy resin, which eliminates the need for polyurethane modifiers. These curing agents also offer high tensile and tear strength along with fast curing speeds, thus making them ideal for applications requiring a quick return to service.
Additionally, they are nonylphenol-free and utilize bio-based raw materials with 20% to 40% bio-based content. This composition makes them safer and more eco-friendly compared to typical flexible nonylphenol-containing epoxy curing agents lacking bio-based raw materials, the company explains.
"Our customers are navigating stricter labelling requirements, and we are dedicated to providing solutions that not only meet these standards, but also deliver the exceptional performance they rely on," says Dr. Kevin Wohlhauser, Americas regional head of the civil engineering market segment for Evonik Crosslinkers. "By utilizing bio-based raw materials, these nonylphenol-free products offer a safer and more eco-friendly option, exemplifying our commitment to innovation and sustainability."
Both of these curing agents are described as ideal for civil engineering and flooring applications where coatings are subjected to frequent movement and stress. Their fast-curing speed minimizes downtime, making them suitable for scenarios where efficiency is critical. Specific applications include deck overlays, flexible membranes, crack bridging, joint sealants, and flexible grouts.
“In addition to being ideal for applications requiring rapid turnaround times, our customers also find Ancamide 2853 and Ancamide 2865 very easy to use,” says Dr. Shiying Zheng, regional applied technology director for the civil engineering segment. His team developed these products.
“Formulators have maximum flexibility to customize their products by adjusting the mix ratio of part A and part B,” Dr. Zheng adds.
Source: Evonik, crosslinkers.evonik.com.