Composite solutions for pultrusion, CIPP, RTM, SMC and more
Crosslinkers and curing agents available for all technologies: filament winding, pultrusion, cure in place pipes, prepreg, sheet molding compound, infusion and resin transfer molding
NEW Ebook: Customized Curing Agents - The Key to High-Performance Epoxy Composites
In the dynamic world of epoxy composites, the quest for innovative and efficient solutions is relentless. This ebook, “customized curing agents: the key to high-performance epoxy composites,” presents a comprehensive portfolio of evonik’s cutting-edge products, crafted to guide industry professionals in making informed decisions.
Discover the latest innovations and advancements in epoxy composites with Evonik's comprehensive new eBook, "Customized Curing Agents: The Key to High-Performance Epoxy Composites."
New Webinar Series : WATCH THE RECORDINGS
In this three-part webinar series we take a deep look into various composite manufacturing processes, including LCM techniques like VARI, RTM and WCM, emphasizing the role of curing agents in optimizing performance. We also explore continuous processes such as filament winding and pultrusion, discussing their advantages, making product recommendations from our portfolio to support your composites applications in infrastructure, marine and transportation. Additionally, we examine SMC and prepreg technology, highlighting their benefits, some of the challenges and how Evonik's products enhance composite performance across automotive, aerospace and sporting goods industries.
Key to High Performance Composites – 1: Liquid Composite Moulding
The first in our new webinar series looks at high-performance composite manufacturing processes. Focusing on liquid composite molding (LCM) processes, including VARI, RTM, and WCM Sebastian explores how epoxy systems, especially curing agents, are vital for optimal performance in aerospace, automotive, and wind energy composites.
Key to High Performance Composites – 2: Continuous Processes
This second webinar in our series on high-performance composites focussed on continuous composite manufacturing and covers Filament Winding and Pultrusion, plus a combination of both for infrastructure, marine, and transport applications. We discussed the pros and cons of these processes and recommended Evonik products that can help you improve composite performance.
Key to High Performance Composites – 3: Semi-Finished Goods
This webinar in our high-performance composites manufacturing series focused on Sheet Molding Compounding (SMC) and Prepreg Technologies. We discussed their benefits and challenges, and presented Evonik's product solutions for superior composite performance tailored to automotive, aerospace, and sports industries.
Main Technologies
In the field of high-performance epoxy composites, the manufacturing technology determines the performance requirements of the curing agent. Selecting the right curing agent not only defines the processing and application characteristics of the composites, but also can significantly influence their final properties and performance. Evonik, as a leader in specialty chemicals, has been at the forefront of developing and refining various technologies to optimize the use of epoxy curing agents.
Filament Winding
The filament winding process, a cornerstone in the fabrication of high-performance epoxy composites, hinges on the meticulous selection and application of epoxy resins and curing agents. This technique, renowned for producing robust cylindrical or spherical structures, leverages the inherent strengths of continuous fibers, embedded in a meticulously formulated epoxy matrix. The synergy between the resin and curing agent is pivotal in defining the composite’s final characteristics.
Basic Product
Ancamine® 2264 is a polycycloaliphatic polyamine designed for use in the elevated temperature cure of epoxy resins. The low viscosity and relatively long pot-lives at moderate temperatures coupled with the excellent mechanical properties and high heat resistance following cure make Ancamine® 2264 an ideal alternative to aromatic diamines.
Lower vicosity & high TG
Ancamine® 2167 is a cycloaliphatic amine curing agent designed for use with liquid epoxy resins in industrial composites. It enables lower viscosity at high Tg when compared to 2264. These properties make it the perfect curing agent e.g. for manufacturing pipe fittings.
Longer latency & lower viscosity
Ancamine® 2919 is an amine curing agent to cure liquid epoxy resins at elevated temperatures. Ancamine® 2919 curative exhibits longer pot life and lower viscosity at moderate Tg level in comparison to Ancamine® 2264. These properties make it the perfect curing agent for the production of high pressure vessels.
Longer latency & high TG
Amicure® 101 is an amine based curing agent to cure liquid epoxy resins. It offering low viscosity, long pot life at high Tg in comparison to Ancamine® 2264. These properties make it the perfect curing agent e.g. for the production of pipes.
Aliphatic diamines from the VESTAMIN® range are industry-standard crosslinkers for high-performance epoxy systems. Epoxy coatings are used as primers and intermediate layers because they offer outstanding mechanical, chemical and water resistance. They are extremely durable and have excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates.
CURE IN PLACE PIPE (CIPP)
The CIPP method entails the placement and hardening of a resin-soaked felt tube inside an existing damaged pipe, is frequently employed in the rehabilitation of pipeline systems. This process essentially forms a new, jointless pipe within the older one. A crucial aspect of this method’s effectiveness is the epoxy system utilized, usually consisting of an epoxy resin mixed with an appropriate curing agent.
Basic Product
Ancamide® 2798 curing agent is a modified aliphatic amidoamine curing agent designed for use with liquid epoxy resin. Ancamide® 2798 offers low viscosity and enhanced reactivity at elevated temperatures. These features make it suitable for use in CIPP.
Latency up to 15h at 25°C
Ancamide® 2781 curing agent is a low viscosity hardener designed to cure liquid epoxy resins at elevated temperatures. The unique chemistry offers a longer working time than traditional amidoamines. This can enhance the processing of complex weaved fabric by optimum fiber wetting and provide an overall excellent balance of pot life and reactivity. It is recommended for use in CIPP.
Increased latency up to 7 days
Ancamine® 2917 curing agent is a modified amine hardener for epoxy systems that is designed to have a good balance of long latency and relatively low temperature cure. The low viscosity enhances the fabric wetting, minimizes material waste and improves overall throughput. It is recommended for use in CIPP.
PULTRUSION
In the pultrusion process, a continuous technique for producing composite materials with uniform cross-sections, the choice and characteristics of the epoxy resin system play a pivotal role. This system comprises both the resin and the curing agent, which together determine the mechanical properties and processing efficiency of the final composite. Fibers are drawn through a resin bath and a heated die, where the resin undergoes curing to become a stiff, robust composite.
Ancamine® R 215 is a new amine hardener for pultrusion and for the production of epoxy composite bars. It combines the advantages of polyamines in epoxy systems: low mix viscosity and high reactivity. Epoxy systems cured with Ancamine® R 215 exhibit excellent chemical resistance and high heat distortion temperatures as well as low magnetic and thermal conductivity .
PREPREG
Pre-impregnated fibers or fabrics are embedded with an epoxy system that includes both resin and a curing agent. This combination ensures an exact ratio of resin to fiber from the outset, facilitating uniform composite characteristics after molding. The selection of both resin and curing agent is vital in Prepreg materials, as it largely affects the cure time, temperature, and ultimately, the mechanical and thermal qualities of the composite product.
Basic non-DICY based product: Ancamine® 2014AS
Basic DICY based Product: Amicure® CG-1200G curing agent is a micronized grade of dicyandiamide containing 0.5% of an inert flow control additive to inhibit clumping and improve handling. It is designed for use as a latent curing agent for epoxy resins.
Higher reactivity
Dicyanex® 1400B and Amicure® CG-1400F curing agents are micronized grades of dicyandiamide containing an inert flow control additive to inhibit clumping and improve handling. They are designed for use as a latent curing agents for epoxy resins. They have a very fine particle size for maximum reactivity and a shelf life stability of up to 6 months at 25°C in properly formulated epoxy systems
Active > 70°C
Ancamine® 2337S is a modified aliphatic amine designed for use as a latent curing agent for epoxy resins. It shows very rapid reactivity above 70°C, excellent shelf stability at elevated temperatures. It can also be used as accelerator for dicyandiamide (DICY).
Active > 75°C
Ancamine® 2014AS is a modified aliphatic polyamine adduct designed for use as curing agent for epoxy resins. It can also be used as accelerator for dicyandiamide (DICY). Ancamine® 2014AS provides outstanding latency and rapid cure above its activation temperature of 75°C and excellent adhesion to metals and plastics.
Ancamine® 2014 FG is a finer particle size version of Ancamine® 2014AS. Compared to Ancamine® 2014AS, Ancamine® 2014FG exhibits greater reactivity at moderate cure temperatures (80-100°C) coupled with improved adhesive strength both in the presence and absence of dicyandiamide.
Active > 90°C
Ancamine® 2442 is a modified polyamine designed for use as a latent curing agent for epoxy formulations. It provides an excellent balance of low-temperature activation, good shelf stability and high glass transition temperature, and can be used in many applications requiring latency and high performance. It can also be used as accelerators for dicyandiamide (DICY).
Active > 100°C
Ancamine® 2441 is a modified polyamine designed for use as a latent curing agent for epoxy formulations. It provides an excellent balance of low-temperature activation, good shelf stability and high glass transition temperature, and can be used in many applications requiring latency and high performance. It can also be used as accelerators for dicyandiamide (DICY).
Basic Product
Amicure® UR2T is a substituted urea-based accelerator for dicyandiamide-cured epoxy resins. It combines excellent latency at ambient temperature with rapid cure in systems heated above its activation temperature.
Higher reactivity & TG
Curezol 2MZ Azine is a micronised imidazole derivative designed for use as a latent curing agent/ accelerator for epoxy resins. It leads to long latency and gives excellent electrical, mechanical and thermal resistance properties.
Higher reactivity & TG & lower temperatures
Imicure® EMI-24 is a high reactivity imidazole derivative designed for use as a latent curing agent/ accelerator for epoxy resins. It shows high reactivity as an accelerator for dicyandiamide and leads to high mechanical and electrical properties.
Lower temperatures
Ancamine® 2337S is a modified aliphatic amine designed for use as accelerator for dicyandiamide (DICY). It shows very rapid reactivity and excellent shelf stability. It can also be used as a latent curing agent for epoxy resins.
Ancamine® 2014AS is a modified aliphatic polyamine adduct designed for use as accelerator for dicyandiamide (DICY) in epoxy systems. It can also be used as sole curing agent for epoxy resins. Ancamine 2014AS provides outstanding latency and rapid cure.
Ancamine® 2014FG is a finer particle size version of Ancamine 2014AS. Compared to Ancamine 2014AS, Ancamine 2014FG exhibits greater reactivity coupled with improved strength.
Ancamine® 2441 is a modified polyamine designed for use as accelerators for dicyandiamide (DICY). It provides excellent balance of low-temperature activation and good shelf stability. It can also be used as a latent curing agent for epoxy formulations.
Ancamine® 2442 is a modified polyamine designed for use as accelerators for dicyandiamide (DICY). It provides excellent balance of low-temperature activation and good shelf stability. It can also be used as a latent curing agent for epoxy formulations.
SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND (SMC)
SMC represents a special segment in the realm of epoxy composites, where the interplay of material properties, particularly resins and curing agents, dictates the overall performance and application potential of the final product. SMC, known for its high strength and versatility, is a composite material that combines resin, typically unsaturated polyester (UP) or vinyl ester (VE), with fibers, fillers, and various additives. This composition results in a material that is not only robust but also adaptable to a wide range of applications.
VESTALITE® S 101 curing agent is a high performance solution for sheet molding compound (SMC) material with low VOC when combined with a liquid epoxy resin. It has a low initial viscosity during compounding, allowing excellent fiber wetting, high fiber volume fraction and efficient processing. The high reactivity of the hardener allows fast curing in about 4 - 5 min at 150 °C.
VESTALITE® S 102 is a curing agent for epoxy resin matrix designed for SMC applications. It has a low initial viscosity during compounding, allowing excellent fiber wetting, high fiber volume fraction and efficient processing. The high reactivity of the hardener allows fast curing in about 3 min at 150 °C.
INFUSION / RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING (RTM)
RTM in epoxy composites is a sophisticated process where the material properties of resins and curing agents play an essential role. This section provides a technical overview of these material aspects, emphasizing the role of Evonik’s products in enhancing RTM applications.
Aliphatic diamines from the VESTAMIN® range are industry-standard crosslinkers for high-performance epoxy systems. Epoxy coatings are used as primers and intermediate layers because they offer outstanding mechanical, chemical and water resistance. They are extremely durable and have excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates.
Ancamine® portofilio covers a wide range of modified aliphatic and cycloaliphatic curing agents with varying pot-life, viscosity, cure speed, and chemical resistance
