CYMEL® 243-3

CYMEL® 243-3 Resin is a partially n-butylated melamine-formaldehyde crosslinking agent supplied in high flash aromatic solvent. It has excellent compatibility and is recommended for thermosetting acrylic and alkyd topcoat finishes and metal decorating systems. Its high resistivity provides wide latitude in formulating electrostatic spray finishes.

Principal: allnex Crosslinkers

Functions: Crosslinking Agent

Chemical Family: Melamine Formaldehydes (MF)

Compatible Polymers & Resins: Acrylics, Alkyds, Polyesters

End Uses: Baking Enamel, Surface Coating, Top Coat

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Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Blend
No
CASE Ingredients Functions
Chemical Family
Function
Crosslinking Agent
Product Code
MITM00231
Single Ingredient
Yes
Technologies
Product Families

Features & Benefits

CASE Ingredients Features
Product Benefits
  • Wide resin compatibility
  • Excellent resistance properties 
  • Very good in-can stability 
  • Excellent flow and leveling properties

Applications & Uses

Application Area
Coating End Applications
Compatible Polymers & Resins
Markets
Applications
Product Applications
  • Industrial baking enamels 
  • Automotive finishes 
  • Electrostatic spray finishes
Formulation Stability
  • The stability of formulated systems containing CYMEL® 243-3 Resin can be enhanced by the addition of alcohols, amines or a combination of these.  
  • Low molecular weight primary alcohols such as ethanol or n-butanol are generally most effective.

Properties

Technical Details & Test Data

Catalysis Information
  • CYMEL® 243-3 Resin usually does not require the addition of an acid catalyst to the formulation in order to obtain effective cure at common baking temperatures.
  •  In most instances, the acidity of other formulation components is sufficient to catalyze reaction.
  •  If catalyst addition is required, use of a weak inorganic acid catalyst such as CYMEL® 296-6 catalyst at a level of 1.0-2.0% based on weight of total binder solids is recommended for baking schedules of 125 150°C for 15-20 minutes.
Backbone Polymer Selection
  • CYMEL® 243-3 Resin contains a combination of butoxymethyl and methylol functionalities, making it a very effective crosslinking agent for backbone polymers such as alkyd and polyester resins containing hydroxyl, carboxyl or amide functionality.
  •  In addition to entering into crosslinking reactions, CYMEL® 243-3 Resin also has a strong tendency toward self-condensation.
  •  Therefore, its practical equivalent weight, on a solids basis, is in the range of 220-280.
  •  Typical use levels of CYMEL® 243-3 Resin are between 15% and 35% based on total resin solids.
  •  When used as a leveling agent, CYMEL® 243-3 Resin is typically added at between 2% and 5% based on total resin solids.
  •  Note that the appropriate use level in a particular formulation should always be determined experimentally.

Packaging & Availability

Packaging Type

Storage & Handling

Storage Conditions
  • CYMEL® 243-3 Resin has a shelf life of 1440 days from date of manufacture when stored at temperatures between 5°C and 32°C.
  •  Although lower temperatures are not detrimental to stability, the viscosity of the product will increase, possibly making the resin difficult to pump or pour.  
  • Product viscosity can be returned to normal by gentle re-warming, however, care should be taken to avoid excessive localized heating which can result in an irreversible increase in viscosity.

Other

Appearance
Clear liquid
Appearance (SDS)
Liquid
Boiling Point (SDS)
161.0 °C
Color (SDS)
Clear
Color Scale
max. 1.0 Gardner
Density (SDS)
1.02 g/cm³
Flash Point (SDS)
52.0 °C
Free Formaldehyde Content
max. 0.5 %
IATA/ICAO Proper Shipping Name
Resin solution
IATA/ICAO UN Number
UN1866
IMO/IMDG Proper Shipping Name
Resin solution
IMO/IMDG UN Number
UN1866
Item Number
Non-Volatile Content
60.0-64.0 %(W/W)
Odor (SDS)
Solvent
Other Hazards
Not applicable
Principal
Shelf Life
1440.0 d
Storage Temperature (SDS)
4.4-32.2 °C
TDG Canada Proper Shipping Name
Resin solution
TDG Canada UN Number
UN1866
USA/DOT Proper Shipping Name
Resin solution
USA/DOT UN Number
UN1866
Volatile Content (SDS)
40.0 %(W/W)
Optical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Color Scalemax. 1.0 GardnerGardnerGardner Color Scale
Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Free Formaldehyde Contentmax. 0.5 %%Sulfite Method
Shelf Life & Stability
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Shelf Life1440.0 dd
Material Composition
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Non-Volatile Content60.0-64.0 %(W/W)%(W/W)at 105°C, 2 hrs
SDS Physical and Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Boiling Point (SDS)161.0 °C°C
Density (SDS)1.02 g/cm³g/cm³
Flash Point (SDS)52.0 °C°CClosed Cup
Storage Temperature (SDS)4.4-32.2 °C°C
Volatile Content (SDS)40.0 %(W/W)%(W/W)