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Epoxy Curing Agents

Cardolite offers epoxy curing agents of various chemistries to meet the requirements of a broad range of applications. Our offering includes phenalkamines and phenalkamides both derived from CNSL as well as polyamides and modified cycloaliphatic amines. Coatings formulators will find good options for industrial, marine and protective, transportation and flooring applications. Adhesives formulators will also encounter solutions for structural, building and construction, automotive and electronic systems. In addition, some of our low viscosity, solvent-free epoxy curing agents are excellent choices for composite applications looking to incorporate bio-content. Moreover, many of our curing agents are suitable for specialty applications such as electronics, and potable water and food contact.

Please use the selection chart on this page to find the best curing agents for your application.

NEW LITE 3070 PHENALKAMIDE – FAST CURE WITH LONG POT LIFE

New phenalkamide, LITE 3070, provides fast dry times at room temperature while also delivering a long pot life and working time. This epoxy curing agent can be formulated in zero and low VOC epoxy systems due to its low viscosity. LITE 3070 is suitable for coatings, adhesives and any epoxy application that require good weatherability and protection coupled with good reactivity and friendly application and handling properties. When formulated in high solids and solvent free coatings, LITE 3070 demonstrated excellent anticorrosion performance as seen in salt spray tests. Moreover, this material provides very good intercoat adhesion even at low temperature and high humidity, and good adhesion to metal substrates and flexibility. As with other phenalkamides, LITE 3070 delivers low yellowing upon UV exposure.

Our phenalkamides offer benefits of phenalkamines and polyamides in one technology. While they inherited the fast cure speed even at lower temperatures and excellent corrosion protection of phenalkamines, they also deliver the good flexibility, UV resistance and long overcoatability seen with polyamides. To learn more visit our Phenalkamide Technology page.

LITE 3070 provides fast cure and long pot life to epoxy systems

LITE 3070 provides excellent corrosion protection to low VOC epoxy coatings

INTERCOAT ADHESION AT HARSH CONDITIONS

Many protective coatings systems are comprised of a primer and a topcoat. Commonly, the coating application takes place at a job site without control of environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Even though most coatings show good cure properties and intercoat adhesion at standard application conditions, they may fail if cured at lower temperatures specially in combination with higher humidity. Phenalkamide LITE 3117 provides excellent cure speed even at 5°C allowing formulators to continue the work in colder winter days. In addition, LITE 3117 retains excellent intercoat adhesion to topcoats when cured at 5°C/ 90-85% R.H. for only 2 days.

Our phenalkamide product line offers a good balance between fast cure and long pot life while delivering good UV resistance and long-term corrosion protection. To learn more visit our Phenalkamide Technology page.

Cardolite phenalkamides provide a good balance of fast cure even at lower temperatures and long pot life.

EXCELLENT WET-ON-WET RECOATABILITY

Typically, epoxy primers fully dry prior to being top coated with another coating layer. However, it is not unusual for applicators to add a second layer of coating before the primer has completely cured. For instance, polyurethanes are commonly applied over epoxy systems after short intervals in automotive refinish and transportation markets. This quick recoatability increases productivity and minimizes asset downtime. In this type of application referred to as wet-on-wet recoat, the shorter the recoat interval the better. Some projects require epoxy curing agents that can provide recoat times as short as 15-30 minutes to the epoxy coatings. If the epoxy + polyurethane system is not properly designed, film appearance can be compromised. As a result, an effect known as “die back” causes lower gloss of the polyurethane top coat.

Our evaluations have shown primers based on many of our phenalkamines and phenalkamides deliver very fast recoat times without hurting the film appearance. Also, they still provide excellent corrosion protection to the substrate as shown in the graphs below.

Epoxy curing agents that provide quick recoat times between epoxy and polyurethane
LITE 3100 and NX-8501 provide excellent corrosion protection in wet-on-wet systems

EXCELLENT CATHODIC DISBONDMENT PROTECTION

Cardolite CNSL-based epoxy curing agents provide excellent cathodic disbondment protection. Cathodic disbondment is an important test to evaluate the behavior of coatings that can be subjected to sacrificial cathodic protection as done in pipelines and other applications.

As examples, phenalkamide and phenalkamine grades LITE 3060 and NX-5594, respectively, underwent cathodic disbondment testing at 25°C for 30 days. No blisters or peeling were observed in the coating films and the maximum and minimum delamination from the holiday were low as indicated on the panels. The coatings kept good adhesion to the substrate without delamination, and the exposed metal area was free of rust. In addition, those grades are free of solvent and low in viscosity, therefore enabling very low VOC coatings. Both LITE 3060 and NX-5594 provide long-term corrosion protection as demonstrated in salt spray tests as well.

Other CNSL-based epoxy curing agents that provide excellent corrosion and cathodic disbondment protection are also available. Please check with your sales representative for further product recommendations.

Epoxy curing agents from Cardolite offer superior cathodic disbondment protection

Solvent-free Curing Agents for Marine and Protective Coatings

Cardolite offers many low viscosity curing agents for solvent free epoxy primers and coatings. As examples, NX-5594 and LITE 2002 are excellent options to deliver fast cure even in heavily diluted systems, with the former being ideal for low temperature applications. They both provide long term corrosion protection on surfaces exposed to harsh conditions and show very good re-coatability and mechanical properties.

Fast cure speed at low temperature in solvent-free phenalkamines
Good recoat and flexibility properties in solvent-free phenalkamines
Phenalkamines are epoxy curing agents that cure at low temperatures and provide excellent corrosion protection in Marine and Protective Coatings

PHENALKAMINE EPOXY CURING AGENTS

Our phenalkamines are made through a Mannich reaction using cardanol as starting material. They provide very fast cure even below zero temperatures and excellent adhesion and corrosion protection even on immersed surfaces. Similarly, in adhesive applications, phenalkamines deliver very fast bond strength development to various substrates under strenuous conditions of cold temperatures and wet environments (even under water). Additionally, phenalkamines can be applied in a wide range of conditions and show good adhesion even to non-prepared surfaces, lowering application risk failures.

Moreover, through our Ultra LITE proprietary technology, very light color phenalkamines have been developed. The long chain of cardanol in the backbone of phenalkamine epoxy curing agents provides low viscosity and enables solvent free and very high solids coatings. In addition, use levels are non-critical and formulation friendly with 2:1 and 1:1 pack ratios possible.

Phenalkamines are an excellent option for coatings, adhesives, and composite applications.

Phenalkamides protect assets in industrial environments and can be applied in all seasons

PHENALKAMIDE EPOXY CURING AGENTS

Cardolite phenalkamides offer epoxy systems excellent corrosion protection and fast cure while maintaining long pot life, good flexibility and UV resistance, and extended overcoat window. In adhesives, phenalkamides can be used to develop high strength epoxy systems that require high mechanical properties and good thermal resistance. Both coatings and adhesives can benefit from phenalkamides ability to bond well to various substrates such as concrete, blasted and smooth metals, composites and some plastics.

The balance properties of phenalkamides allows for universal use in coating and adhesive applications during all four seasons of the year. DTM coatings are also possible with phenalkamides for higher efficiency. Some grades are drop-in alternatives to commercial polyamides to allow for easy substitution in formulations. High solids and solvent free grades are also available to enable low VOC and low viscosity epoxy systems that cannot be achieved with polyamide chemistry.

Waterborne curing agent technology from Cardolite enables low VOC epoxy coatings with excellent performance

WATERBORNE TECHNOLOGY

The NX-8000 Series waterborne line of curing agents enables zero and low V.O.C. epoxy coatings with solvent-like performance. Cardolite offers a variety of grades that meet the needs of flooring, industrial, container, transportation and protective coatings applications. Building and construction adhesives can also benefit from this technology.

In our offering, formulators will find grades that can protect and bond to various surfaces including challenging substrates such as galvanized steel and aluminum. In addition to excellent corrosion protection, our grades provide wide curing conditions and excellent compatibility with various epoxy dispersion resins. As examples, compatibility with epoxy resin and fast cure even at 10°C and 80% RH can be achieved with NX-8101. Very long pot life and fast recoatability are made possible with NX-8401. Good UV resistance and quick wet-on-wet systems are delivered by NX-8501.

Cardolite also offers water soluble curing agents diluted in 1-methoxy-2-propanol and other solvents upon request, for use in waterborne zinc rich primers or other water-based applications.

Epoxy Curing Agent Selection Table

Curing AgentColor (Gardner)Solids (%)Viscosity (cPs) @25CAHEW25/5°C Dry Hard (hr)ChemistryDescriptionRecommended Applications*Documents
LITE 300087024002565/17phenalkamide1st gen phenalkamideM&P, Ind&Trans, TPTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 3005117017002568/18phenalkamideCost effective and direct replacement of high MW and viscosity polyamides M&P, Ind&Trans, TPTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 30258Solvent-free340001037/n.a.phenalkamideDirect replacement of standard medium MW and viscosity polyamides with faster dry time and hardness development and better UV resistanceM&P, Ind&Trans, TP, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 30408Solvent-free50001187.3/29phenalkamideLow viscosity, excellent flexibility and overcoatability, and good dry color stability and corrosion protectionM&P, Ind&Trans, TP, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 30608Solvent-free8501045/17.5phenalkamideSF, very low viscosity, good color stability, excellent cathodic disbondment protection and adhesionM&P, Ind&Trans, CP, TP, B&C Adh, I&T Adh, 2K CompTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 30708Solvent-free8501075.5/22phenalkamideSolvent-free, very low viscosity, fast cure with long pot life, excellent corrosion protection.M&P, Ind&Trans, CP, TP, B&C Adh, I&T Adh, 2K CompTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 310088045001504/13phenalkamide1st gen with increased cure speed, higher solids, and lower use levelM&P, Ind&Trans, TPTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 311788045001503.5/16phenalkamideModified LITE 3100 with excellent intercoat adhesion at low temperatures and high humidityM&P, Ind&Trans, TPTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-505211Solvent-free>1000001794.5/18phenalkamideNX-5052 is the undiluted version of LITE 3005M&P, Ind&Trans, TP, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
GX-513588025001653/8phenalkamineFaster version of NX-5110, high solidsM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
GX-60277Solvent-free950763/8.8phenalkamineLight color version of NX-5594M&P, Ind&Trans, B&C Adh
TDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 200110Solvent-free280001323/12.5phenalkamineLight colorM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS(EU)
LITE 2001LV10Solvent-free25001257/17phenalkamineLow viscosity, light colorM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 2001X90109038001449/17phenalkamineLight color, solvent cut for good handlingM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 200210Solvent-free4501046/20phenalkamineLow viscosity, light color, excellent anticorrosionM&P, Ind&Trans, I&T Adh, B&C Adh, 2K compTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 2002LP10Solvent-free7001047/21phenalkamineLITE 2002 with Improved pot lifeM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C Adh, 2K CompTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 2010LV10Solvent-free41001253/13.5phenalkamineLow viscosity, light color, excellent film at extreme conditionsM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 24015Solvent-free9061n/aphenalkamineLow viscosity, light color, better mechanical properties,
chemical resistance
I&T Adh, 2K compTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 240211Solvent-free10556n/aphenalkamineComparable to LITE 2401 with higher TgI&T Adh, 2K compTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 256296515001742.5/7.5phenalkamineLight color, fast cure, good blush resistance and adhesionM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
LITE 52629≤ 5% solvent25001142.75/11phenalkamineLow VOC, very fast cure, excellent corrosion protection and adhesion to various substratesM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-54015Solvent-free2000813.5/13phenalkamineLow viscosity, surface tolerant, solvent freeM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-54116Solvent-free280001305/15.5phenalkamineLow temperature cure, surface tolerant, excellent anticorrosionM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-541LV15Solvent-free23001257/24+phenalkamineLow viscosity for high solidsM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-541X90169040001445/13phenalkamineSolvent cut for good handlingM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-556X80148045001353.5/12phenalkamineFast cure and hardness development, high solidsInd&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-55714Solvent-free1100957/16.5phenalkamineFast cure, excellent adhesion, solvent freeInd&Trans, CP, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-55817Solvent-free9009510/27phenalkamineLow viscosity, excellent adhesion to unprepared substrates, solvent freeM&P, Ind&Trans, CP, I&T Adh, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-562146513001743/9phenalkamineFast cure, good blush resistance and adhesionM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NC-565146513001743/9phenalkamineFast cure, good blush resistance and adhesionM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (CA)
NC-64116Solvent-free250001304/13.5phenalkamineLower free amine version of NC-541, with better film appearance and slightly faster cureM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-200310Solvent-free620954.5/18.5phenalkamineFast cure, excellent adhesion, light color, solvent freeM&P, Ind&Trans, CP, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-2003D13Solvent-free700954.5/15phenalkamineFast cure, excellent adhesion, solvent freeM&P, Ind&Trans, CP, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA)
MSDS (EU)
NX-20074Benzyl alcohol2651132/16phenalkamineFast cure and hardness, good flow and yellowing resistanceInd&Trans, TPTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-20097Benzyl alcohol370954/12phenalkamineGood film appearance, yellowing resistance, fast cure, cost effectiveInd&Trans, TPTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-20161575120001512/6.5phenalkamineFast cure, higher viscosityM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-2018167584001513/9phenalkamineFast cure, cost effectiveM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-204718+Solvent-free250001906.2/25phenalkamineVery cost effective phenalkamine M&P, Ind&Trans, CPTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-494314Solvent-free1800824/14phenalkamineExcellent chemical resistance, solvent freeM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-505018807701902/7.5phenalkamineVery fast cure, high solids, low viscosityM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-511088025001653.19.6phenalkamineLight color version of NX-5556MM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA)
NX-519811951401792.4/13phenalkamineFast cure, very low viscosity, cost effectiveInd&Trans, CP, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-544488043001901.5/6phenalkamineFast hardness development, good flexibility, high solidsM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-5445 187818002562/6.5phenalkamineVery fast cure, high solids, low viscosityM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) SDS (EU)
NX-545411Solvent-free10801332/7.5phenalkamineVery fast cure, excellent film appearance, solvent freeM&P, Ind&Trans, CP, I&T Adh, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-5459157016501644/12phenalkamineFast cure, high solidsM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-5556M158025001652/11phenalkamineExcellent corrosion protection, similar properties to NC-562, high solidsM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-556715Solvent-free770663/10phenalkamineExcellent chemical resistance, fast cureM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-559414Solvent-free950762.5/8phenalkamineVery fast cure, excellent cathodic disbondment and chemical resistance propertiesM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-560710Solvent-free2490952/9phenalkamineFast bond strength development, high mechanical strength and good durability.B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-560810Solvent-free3350952.5/12phenalkamineFastest bond strength development, high Tg and mechanical strength.B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-56198Solvent-free425104n/aphenalkamineRoom temperature cure, high bio-content,
chemical resistance
2K CompTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-562013Solvent-free83082n/aphenalkamineRoom temperature cure, high bio-content,
chemical resistance
2K CompTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-565310Solvent-free11001322/6.7phenalkamineVery fast hardness development at low temp. No free phenol. Excellent film appearance.M&P, Ind&Trans, CPTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-601911Solvent-free11001332.5/10phenalkamineBetter labeling version of NX-5454M&P, Ind&Trans, CP, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-665410Solvent-free12001322.3/8.8phenalkamineVery fast hardness development at low temp. No free phenol. Excellent film appearance. M&P, Ind&Trans, CPTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
Ultra LITE 20091Benzyl alcohol330956/22phenalkamineExcellent film appearance, yellowing resistance, cost effectiveInd&Trans, TP, 2K CompTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
Ultra LITE 2009SF1Solvent-free5900627/22phenalkamineUndiluted Ultra LITE 2009Ind&Trans, TP, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
Ultra LITE 2009H1Benzyl alcohol150955/19phenalkamineFaster hardness development, good yellowing resistance and film appearanceInd&Trans, TPTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
Ultra LITE 2009HSF2Solvent-free55062n.a.phenalkamineUndiluted Ultra LITE 2009HInd&Trans, TP, I&T Adh, 2K CompTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NT-15158Solvent-free>100000198n.a.polyamideStandard high molecular weight and viscosity polyamideM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA)
NT-1515X70870500 at 40°C28310/n.a.polyamideNT-1515 in xyleneM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NT-1515I738731800271.5n.a.polyamideNT-1515 in isopropanolM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA)
NT-15419Solvent-free>100000198n.a.polyamideCost effective replacement for standard high molecular weight and viscosity polyamidesM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NT-1541I738731800271.510/n.a.polyamideNT-1541 in isopropanolM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA)
NT-1541X70870160028310/n.a.polyamideNT-1541 in xyleneM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NT-15427Solvent-free400001038/n.a.polyamideStandard medium molecular weight and viscosity polyamideM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NT-15448Solvent-free10000979/n.a.polyamideStandard medium-low molecular weight and viscosity polyamideM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NT-15458Solvent-free300010311/n.a.polyamideLow molecular weight and viscosity polyamideM&P, Ind&Trans, B&C Adh, I&T AdhTDS MSDS (USA)
NT-15508Benzy alcohol35001336/n.a.polyamideSpecially modified polyamideM&P, Ind&TransTDS MSDS (USA)
NT-59011Benzy alcohol4541137.5/n.a.modified cycloaliphatic amineGood color stability, low viscosity, low color.Ind&Trans, TP, 2K CompTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-8101850% in water350002703/9waterborneFast hardness development, excellent corrosion protection and stain resistance. Versions in glycols available.M&P, Ind&Trans, CP, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-8401white emulsion55% in water7000290n.a.waterborneEasy handling, fast recoatability, excellent corrosion protection.M&P, Ind&Trans, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-8402white emulsion45% in water18000316n.a.waterborneEasy handling, fast cure speed, excellent corrosion protection.M&P, Ind&Trans, CP, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA)
MSDS (EU)
NX-8501880% in water5600165n.a.waterborneExcellent corrosion protection and good yellowing resistance.M&P, Ind&Trans, CP, B&C AdhTDS MSDS (USA) MSDS (EU)
NX-8502645% in water15000424n.a.waterborneExcellent corrosion protection with fast cure and long pot lifeM&P, Ind&Trans, CP, B&C AdhTDS

*Abbreviations in the Applications column:

Marine and Protective Coatings – M&P
Industrial and Transportation Coatings – Ind&Trans
Solvent-free Floor Primers – CP
Top Coats – TP
Building and Construction Adhesives -B&C Adh
Industrial and Transportation Adhesives – I&T Adh
Two-component Composites – 2k Comp

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