BENEFITS

• Water soluble
• Very high solids contents
• Excellent stability in waterborne formulations

APPLICATION AREAS

• Emulsions
• High solids and waterborne coatings
• General industrial

SOLUBILITY

COMPATIBILITY

FORMULATION STABILITY

The stability of formulated systems containing CYMEL 350 resin can be enhanced by the addition of primary alcohols, amines or a combination of these. Low molecular weight primary alcohols, such as ethanol and n-butanol, are most effective. Recommended amines are DMEA or 2-AMP at a concentration of 0.5- 1.0% on total resin solids. Package stability can also be enhanced by the use of a blocked acid catalyst such as CYCAT 4045 catalyst. For waterborne systems, pH should be adjusted to 7.5-8.5 to achieve optimum stability.

STORAGE STABILITY

CYMEL 350 resin has a shelf life of 720 days from the date of manufacture when stored at temperatures below 32°C. Although low temperatures are not detrimental to stability, its viscosity will increase, possibly making the resin difficult to pump or pour. The viscosity will reduce again on warming, but care should be taken to avoid excessive local heat, as this can cause an irreversible increase in viscosity.

CYMEL 350 resin contains mainly methoxymethyl functionality making it a very effective crosslinker for backbone polymer resins containing hydroxyl, amide or carboxyl functional groups, such as alkyd, polyester or acrylic resins. CYMEL 350 resin is highly compatible with a wide range of backbone polymers and provides films with very good hardness, flexibility, formability, adhesion and resistance properties. Although the optimum level of CYMEL 350 resin in a given formulation should be determined experimentally, its effective equivalent weight will be typically in the range of 130-190.

Because of its high extent of alkylation, CYMEL 350 resin responds best to sulfonic acid catalysts, like CYCAT® 4040 catalyst or CYCAT 600 catalyst. Generally, 0.5 to 1.0% of CYCAT 4040 catalyst on total resin solids of the formulation is sufficient to provide good cure at normal baking schedules (15-20 minutes at 120-150°C) in solvent-borne systems. Water-borne systems generally require temperatures of 150°C or higher to effect cure. Higher concentrations of catalyst might be necessary if there are basic pigments or additives present in the formulation.