Hycat™ AO-4

Product families

Other characteristics

Brand

Hycat

Functions

Catalyst

Compatible Polymers & Resins

Acrylics, Epoxies (EP), Phenolic Resins

Markets

• Automotive & Transportation
• Building & Construction
• Electrical & Electronics
• Paints & Coatings

Shelf LIfe

Indefinite

Technology

CASE Ingredients

Packaging Type

• Bottles
• Drums
• Pails

Labeling Claims

Non-Hazardous

Recommended Uses

Hycat™ AO-4 is recommended for use in epoxy/anhydride formulations where absence of color and polymer clarity are constraints. Most epoxy resins, including Aliphatic, Cycloaliphatic, Phenol-Type Di-and Tri-Glycidyl Ethers, Novolacs and many other epoxy resins will benefit using Hycat™ AO-4.

HIGHLIGHTS

A common problem with epoxy formulations is the tendency for the cured polymer to discolor when subjected to elevated temperatures or UV exposure. Color corruption will impair the application where light transmission is critical such as in Light-Emitting Diode (LED) or Fiber Optic Devices. Significant research has been spent in developing epoxy formulations where maximum light transmission and color stability are the desired goals. As a part of this research, considerable effort has also been dedicated to improve the efficiency of the catalysts used in these epoxy formulations. Because amines, quaternary ammonium salts, and imidazoles have the tendency to form color, other catalysts systems are preferred. Ideally, a catalyst that can be used in low concentration, does not contribute to color formation, provides a quick gel or cure time at moderate temperatures and shows latency would be desirable for this application. Hycat™ AO-4 achieves these goals of clear, colorless and quick cures when reacting anhydrides with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, diglycidyl ether bisphenol F and cycloaliphatic diepoxides. Other epoxides are expected to behave favorably in similar formulations.; Hycat™ AO-4 is a liquid so it is easy to handle, easy to load, easy to adjust and can be readily cleaned up with typical organic solvents or degreasers. Because it is a liquid, loading can be easily tailored to meet desired cure temperatures, cure cycles, pot life, glass transition temperature and other mechanical properties. By using compounds with monomeric, dimeric or poly functional groups, the degree of cross-linking and therefore the mechanical properties of the resulting product can be advantageously modified.; Hycat™ AO-4 will also work in the presence of a number of popular toughening agents and polymer additives. Typical catalyst loadings range from 1 to 5 phr (parts per hundred resin) however higher or lower concentrations can be used depending on the formulation and desired end result.; Hycat™ AO-4 is REACH and RoHS compliant and manufactured under ISO 9002 quality assurance control standards.

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Certifications and Compliance

• ISO 9002
• REACH (Europe)
• RoHS Compliant

Compatible Polymers and Resins

• Acrylics
• Epoxies (EP)
• Phenolic Resins