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Dixie Chemical ECA 106

ECA 106 is a low viscosity liquid anhydride epoxy curing agent based on methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride. For convenience, it is pre-catalyzed with an accelerator that contributes to good glass transition temperature (Tg) in cured polymers. It is designed for use in converting epoxy resins to highly crosslinked polymers with excellent physical and electrical properties. ECA 106 is used in demanding applications including laminating and filament winding. It can also be used in electrical applications such as casting, potting and encapsulation.

Functions: Curing Agent

Chemical Family: Mixtures & Blends

Compatible Polymers & Resins: Epoxies (EP)

Labeling Claims: Low VOC

Features: Low Toxicity, Low VOC, Low Viscosity

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Identification & Functionality

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Features & Benefits

Labeling Claims
CASE Ingredients Features

Applications & Uses

Compatible Polymers & Resins
Applications

ECA 106 is a low viscosity liquid anhydride epoxy curing agent based on methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride. For convenience, it is pre-catalyzed with an accelerator that contributes to good glass transition temperature (Tg) in cured polymers. It is designed for use in converting epoxy resins to highly crosslinked polymers with excellent physical and electrical properties. ECA 106 is used in demanding applications including laminating and filament winding. It can also be used in electrical applications such as casting, potting and encapsulation.

ECA 106 imparts ease of handling due to its low viscosity, low volatility and low freezing point. It is a liquid at room temperature. If crystallization does occur during shipping or storage, it can be returned to liquid by heating at 38-55°C (100-130°F) for 2-8 hours. Formulations of ECA 106 and liquid epoxies have a long pot life/working time in excess of 24 hours.

Properties

Physical Form
Appearance
Yellow to amber liquid
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Specific Gravity1.195 - 2.15g/ccD-102 (ASTM D 4052)
Viscosity75-300cPD-150F
Molecular Weight (Average) 167 - 171
Gel Time24 - 33minD-160J

Technical Details & Test Data

Formulation Example

ECA 106 was formulated with a variety of epoxy resins. Viscosity was measured at 25°C, and gel time was measured at 100°C. Samples were cured for 1 hour at 120°C, followed by a post-cure of 1 hour at 220°C, and glass transition temperatures were measured using a differential scanning calorimeter. The following table summarizes these results:

Epoxy type ECA 106, phr Viscosity at 25°C, cP Gel Time min Tg, (°C)
Standard BPA Liquid Epoxy 89 840 28 131
Low Viscosity BPA Liquid 92 640 27 138
Cycloaliphatic Epoxy 122 183 30 199
Epoxy Phenol Novolac 96 800 26 138
Epoxy BPA Novolac 87 2950 25 150
BPF Liquid Epoxy 96 500 27 133

Safety & Health

Health Hazards

These anhydrides are primary skin and eye irritants. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Use only with adequate ventilation. In case of contact, follow the procedures outlined in the SDS. Generally, these procedures include immediately flushing the affected skin or eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.

In the case of eye contact, get medical attention. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. Follow the recommendations in the SDS for personal protective equipment when handling these materials. At a minimum, these procedures typically include protective chemical goggles, impenetrable gloves, and measures to avoid breathing chemical vapors.

Storage & Handling

Storage

ECA 106 will react with water to form diacids. This is normally undesirable, so ECA 106 should be stored in such a way that it is carefully protected from moisture contamination. For more details on the design of bulk storage for ECA 106, consult the Dixie Chemical brochure “Epoxy Curing Agent Storage Requirements.”