Versamid® 116 – Novel TETA-free Polyamide Curative for Conventional Two-Part Epoxy Systems
Polyamide resins based on dimerized fatty acids and polyamines have been used all over the world for over 50 years as the standard workhorse curative for two-part epoxy coatings & adhesives . Systems based on these curatives provide good flexibility, corrosion resistance and excellent adhesion and as such have found wide usage in maintenance, protective and marine coating systems. Cognis has developed Versamid® 116 which is based on a novel amine feedstock to reduce the potential of interrupted supply to our customer in the event we once again see significant shortages in key amine building blocks.
Because of the supply issues in the past of the higher ethylene amine derivatives and the concern for potential future issues Cognis embarked on a technical program to identify viable alternative streams that could be used in the production of polyamide curing agents. As a result of this year long technical program Versamid® 116, the first in a series of TETA free polyamide curatives is being introduced into the market. This product will yield performance properties consistent with existing backbones minimizing reformulation requirements. Along with Versamid® 116 Cognis will be introducing two different solvent blends: Versamid® 116X70 (Xylene solution) and Versamid® 116I73 (Isopropanol solution).
According to Bob LieBerman, Product Group Manager, Dimers & Resins, “We are positioning Cognis so that we can not only offer our existing product portfolio but as well give our customers the ability to utilize this new innovative, cost effective curative technology assuring continued supply of quality, higher performance curatives if shortages resurface in the future”.
About Cognis
Cognis is a worldwide supplier of specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients, with a particular focus on the areas of wellness and sustainability. The company employs about 5,500 people, and it operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis has dedicated its activities to a high level of sustainability and provides value adding solutions and products based on renewable raw materials. The company serves the food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries. Another main focus is on products for a number of other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, as well as agriculture and mining.
Cognis is owned by private equity funds advised by Permira, GS Capital Partners, and SV Life Sciences. In 2009, Cognis recorded sales of about 2.6 billion euros and an Adjusted EBITDA (operating result) of 364 million euros.