DYTEK A is a multifunctional aliphatic special amine from the company Invista™. This amine is unique in functionality and offers many benefits to formulators.
2-Methylpentamethylenediamine (MPMD)
The popularity and use, however, of this very effective amine curing agent & hardener; has been limited due to complaints from formulators (and end-users) that there is a “fishy” or “bad” odour. Our chemists in our Azelis Europe Laboratory targeted a study to see if it is possible to reduce or mask the odour of DYTEK A without losing other (curing) properties.
Method
The lab tested four different DPG-based fragrances as listed in the chart below.
- Odor Development: Formulas were judged by multiple chemists in our lab. This odour test is very subjective but was done in good faith with the best objectivity in mind.
- Compatibility: All formulas showed no deposits, no floating, and were storage stable for a minimum of 3 weeks.
Results
Overall, our labs found that the odor of DYTEK A in epoxy systems can be significantly improved with the use of DPG-containing fragrances without significantly impacting performance properties. Some fragrances improved the odor better than others (chart below). The performance is summarized as follows:
Comments
- Visual Appearance: Some surface problems observed with 2 of 14 formulas when applied to black plastic (PA) substrates. Further testing required.
- Hardness: No significant changes in Shore D or Pendulum or hardness.
- Cross-cut Adhesion: No significant decreases in adhesion observed. The reduced adhesion in formulation 7 and 8 could be a result of the surface defects.
- Chemical Resistance: Results are comparable to the reference (formula 2), thus the fragrances had no significant impact on the system.
- Curing Speed: After mixing the final epoxy/amine formulation, we took a measurement of temperature development over time as a representation of cure speed. From the graph below (figure 1), it was concluded that the fragrances did not have any measurable impact on cure speed.
Figure 1: Impact of DPG-based fragrance on Dytek A cure speed in an epoxy formulation.
Concluding Remarks
Back to our problem statement: is it possible to reduce or mask the odour of DYTEK A without losing other properties? The answer is: Yes, it is possible. We were able to reduce the odor and did not observe any significant impact on
✓ curing speed
✓ visual appearance
✓ Shore D hardness over time
✓ pendulum hardness
✓ cross-cut adhesion
✓ chemical resistance
It is important to note: all of these tests were based on the below assumptions.
- Only one epoxy resin was tested.
- Only one very simple hardener formulation was used (DYTEK A + BZA)
- Tested in controlled lab: 20°C, 50% humidity, no wind, no UV, etc.
- Only a few testers/odor judges used.
These results are only an indication. Formulators are encouraged to test their system in the parameters that are relevant to the end-use application they are creating the product for.
If you are interested in learning more about DYTEK A Amine, talk to your Azelis Sales Representative today. Let’s get you connected and on the path to your next great product launch!
Innovation through Formulation
The information contained in this document is made without guarantee and warranty, express or implied, regarding the suitability for use, merchantability, or performance of the formulation and its ingredients in any application. It is the sole responsibility of the user of this information to determine validity, applicability, and performance of the information, formulations, and claims prior to commercialization, use, and application thereof.
