CYMEL® 303 LF

CYMEL® 303 LF resin is a highly methylated, monomeric melamine crosslinker supplied in liquid form at ≥ 98% solids content. Its high extent of alkylation and low tendency to self-condense make CYMEL® 303 LF resin a highly effective crosslinking agent for a broad range of applications such as can, container, automotive and general industrial coatings. While CYMEL® 303 LF resin is insoluble in water, it shows excellent compatibility with water-soluble backbone polymers and provides very good stability in amine-stabilized waterborne formulations.

Principal: allnex Crosslinkers

Functions: Crosslinking Agent

Chemical Family: Melamines

Compatible Polymers & Resins: Acrylics, Alkyds, Epoxies (EP), Polyesters

End Uses: Can Coating, Coil Coating, Container Coatings, Solventless & High Solids Coating, Surface Coating, Waterborne Coating

Labeling Claims: Solvent-free

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Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Blend
No
CASE Ingredients Functions
Chemical Family
Function
Crosslinking Agent
Product Code
MITM00238
Single Ingredient
Yes
Technologies
Product Families

Features & Benefits

CASE Ingredients Features
Labeling Claims
Product Benefits
  • Solvent free 
  • Excellent balance of hardness and flexibility 
  • Fast catalyzed cure response 
  • Excellent stability 
  • Low free formaldehyde

Applications & Uses

Coating End Applications
Compatible Polymers & Resins
Markets
Applications
Product Applications
  •  Coil coatings 
  • Can and container coatings 
  • Automotive finishes 
  • High solids and waterborne coatings 
  • General industrial finishes 
  • Inks

Properties

Physical Form
Soluble In
Catalysis Information
  • Because of its high extent of alkylation, CYMEL® 303 LF resin responds best to sulfonic acid catalysts, like CYCAT® 4040 catalyst or CYCAT® 600 catalyst.
  • Generally, 0.5 to 1.0% of CYCAT® 4040 catalyst on total resin solids of the formulation is sufficient to provide good cure at normal baking schedules (15 - 20 minutes at 120 - 150°C) in solvent-borne systems.
  • Water-borne systems generally require temperatures of 150°C or higher to effect cure. Higher concentrations of catalyst might be necessary if there are basic pigments or additives present in the formulation.

Technical Details & Test Data

Technical Data
  • CYMEL® 303 LF resin contains mainly methoxymethyl functional sites making it a highly effective crosslinker for backbone polymer resins containing hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amide functional groups, such as those found on alkyd, polyester, or acrylic resins.
  • Its high monomer content, and low tendency to self-condense result in films with high flexibility and formability when paired with inherently flexible polymers, such as polyester resins.
  • The effective equivalent weight of CYMEL® 303 LF is typically 130 - 190 g/eq, however, its optimum loading should be determined experimentally for each formulation with consideration of the performance properties to be optimized.

Packaging & Availability

Storage & Handling

Storage Conditions
  • CYMEL® 303 LF resin has a shelf life of 1800 days from the date of manufacture when stored at temperatures below 32°C.
  • Although low temperatures are not detrimental to stability, its viscosity will increase, possibly making the resin difficult to pump or pour.
  • The viscosity will reduce again on warming, but care should be taken to avoid excessive local heat, as this can cause an irreversible increase in viscosity.
  • WARNING: CYMEL® 303 LF resin may turn hazy when cold due to crystallization of hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM).
  • Warming will return the product to normal with no adverse impact on performance.

Other

Appearance (SDS)
Liquid
Color (SDS)
Colorless
Group Principal Number
S000001
Item Number
Odor (SDS)
Formaldehyde
Principal
Optical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Color Scalemax. 70.0 APHAAPHA
Color Scalemax. 1.0 GardnerGardnerDIN EN ISO 4630-1
Color Scalemax. 70.0 GardnerGardnerDIN EN ISO 6271
Color Scalemax. 1.0 GardnerGardnerGardner Color Scale
Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Free Formaldehyde Contentmax. 0.1 %%Titration Method
Solvent Resistancemin. 100.0-Titration Method
Shelf Life & Stability
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Shelf Life1800.0 dd
Physical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Density19.8-10.1 lb/gallb/galASTM D1475 at 25°C
Storage Temperature-100.0-89.0 °F°F
Viscosity3000.0-6000.0 mPa.smPa.sDIN EN ISO 3219 at 23°C
Viscosity2600.0-5000.0 mPa.smPa.sDIN EN ISO 3219 At 25°C
Material Composition
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Non-Volatile Contentmin. 98.0 %(W/W)%(W/W)DIN 55671 Foil, 45 mins/45°C
SDS Physical and Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Autoignition Temperature (SDS)325.0 °C°C
Density (SDS)1.1-1.3 g/cm³g/cm³
Flash Point (SDS)min. 93.0 °C°C
Vapor Pressure (SDS)18.5 mm Hgmm Hg