TAGS: Marine and Protective Coatings Epoxy Coatings Environmentally Friendly Coatings
Chemical Process Services has developed a new series of ‘green’ epoxy curing agents. The Furalkamine range of polymers combats the withdrawal of conventional Mannich base grades prohibited in Europe under REACH regulations or due to the inclusion of undesirable residual monomers.
Curing Agents Derived from Pentosane-rich Biomass
The Furalkamines are a new form of Mannich base curing agents, derived from pentosane-rich biomass. A subsequent reaction with a variety of amines influences the processing characteristics and offers a new solution to low-temperature cure and cure under adverse conditions, whilst maintaining regulatory compliance.
These attributes make them ideal as the principal curing agent or modifiers for other curing agents in the formulation of solvent-free or high solids, low-VOC maintenance specialized marine coatings, flooring and adhesives.
The new series of Furalkamines has been designed to be compliant allowing continuity of supply in Europe. The difference in chemistry can be seen clearly from the formulae above:
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Figure 1 is of a conventional mannich base, which is low molecular weight, is not REACH compliant, has free amine and free phenol (highly toxic and a carcinogen)
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Figure 2 is of Furalkamine mannich base, which is REACH compliant and has free amine but no free monomer – phenol or otherwise.
These epoxy hardeners are especially useful for formulating systems for protective coatings and civil engineering applications. A patent is pending for this new chemistry and CPS are developing the products further. Bitrez will be manufacturing the Furalkamine grades under license from CPS.
Focus on Regulatory Compliance and Sustainability
Paul Jones, managing director for Bitrez and CPS, and the inventor of the Furalkamines, said, “
Our new Furalkamine grades are a great example of how we lead the way in continually pushing the boundaries of chemistry to provide our customers with innovative bespoke solutions. These solutions fill the gaps generated by removal of products, like conventional Mannich base curing agents, from the marketplace due to regulatory changes.”
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Our focus on regulatory compliance, sustainability and reduced hazard rating whilst providing the highest technical performance is one of the reasons why we are growing so rapidly.”
Resin manufacturers were recently forced to withdraw or rationalize some conventional Mannich base curing agents of their product range because of REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) compliance.
Source: Bitrez