Dixie Chemical NMA-407

NADIC Methyl Anhydride 407 (NMA 407) curing agent formulated with an efficient latent proprietary catalyst that imparts high reactivity at process temperatures, while maintaining excellent pot life. NMA 407 is commonly used to cure epoxy resins in many challenging applications, including fiber reinforced composites used in high performance aerospace and military applications, as well as mechanically demanding applications. NMA 407 is ideal in processes such as pultrusion, filament winding and infusion of parts requiring excellent high temperature performance. The excellent electrical properties and high temperature performance make NMAcured epoxies outstanding materials for encapsulating electronic components and circuits.

Functions: Curing Agent

Chemical Family: Anhydrides

Compatible Polymers & Resins: Epoxies (EP)

Features: High Impact Resistance, Improved Hardness, Long Potlife, Low Viscosity, Temperature Resistance

Knowde Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Chemical Family
CASE Ingredients Functions
Technologies

Features & Benefits

Applications & Uses

Compatible Polymers & Resins
Applications

NADIC Methyl Anhydride 407 (NMA 407) curing agent formulated with an efficient latent proprietary catalyst that imparts high reactivity at process temperatures, while maintaining excellent pot life. NMA 407 is commonly used to cure epoxy resins in many challenging applications, including fiber reinforced composites used in high performance aerospace and military applications, as well as mechanically demanding applications. NMA 407 is ideal in processes such as pultrusion, filament winding and infusion of parts requiring excellent high temperature performance. The excellent electrical properties and high temperature performance make NMAcured epoxies outstanding materials for encapsulating electronic components and circuits.

NMA 407 provides the following benefits:

  • Easy Handling: Low viscosity liquid gives low viscosity mixes with various epoxy resins
  • Convenience: Eliminates the need to add small amounts of catalyst
  • Consistency: Prevents potential batch-to-batch differences caused by errors in measuring and properly dispersing small amounts of catalyst
  • Low reactivity at room temperature: Provides long working times and pot lives for mixes with epoxy resins
  • High reactivity at cure temperature: Gives excellent cure response at cure temperatures.
  • High Performance: High heat distortion temperature (HDT) and glass transition temperature (Tg). Good thermal stability. Excellent electrical characteristics, including arc resistance. High hardness and impact strength

Properties

Physical Form
Appearance
Clear dark green liquid
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Specific Gravity1.21 - 1.23g/ccD-102 (ASTM D 4052)
Viscosity200-900cPD-150F
Molecular Weight (Average) 185

Technical Details & Test Data

Epoxy Formulations

NMA 407 was formulated with a variety of epoxy resins. Viscosity was measured at 25°C, and gel time was measured at 170°C. Samples were cured for 1 hour at 150°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 NMA 407, phr Viscosity at 25°C, cP Gel Time min Tg, (°C)
Standard BPA Liquid Epoxy 89 2090 34 168
Low Viscosity BPA Liquid 92 1660 33 169
Cycloaliphatic Epoxy 122 360 31 258
Epoxy Phenol Novolac 96 1900 33 169
Epoxy BPA Novolac 87 8000 37 187
BPF Liquid Epoxy 96 1000 35 155

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

It is recommended that NMA 407 is stored between the temperatures of 18° C (85° F) and 40° C (104° F) to avoid freezing, although the material is not affected by freezing. If material does freeze, thaw at a temperature below 40° C and mix well before using. Store in a dry place and keep container tightly closed to prevent absorption of atmospheric moisture or contamination. The presence of moisture could cause free acid to form in the anhydride. NMA 407 will react with water to form diacids. This is normally undesirable, so NMA 407 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 NMA 407, consult the Dixie Chemical Company brochure “Epoxy Curing Agent Storage Requirements.”