CYMEL® 350

• The stability of formulated systems containing CYMEL® 350 Resin can be enhanced by the addition of primary alcohols, amines, or a combination of these. Low molecular weight primary alcohols, such as ethanol and n-butanol, are most effective.
• Recommended amines are DMEA or 2-AMP at a concentration of 0.5-1.0% on total resin solids. Package stability can also be enhanced by the use of a blocked acid catalyst such as CYCAT 4045 catalyst. For waterborne systems, pH should be adjusted between 7.5-8.5 to achieve optimum stability.

Because of its high extent of alkylation, CYMEL® 350 Resin is quite stable and consequently will respond 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.

• CYMEL® 350 Resin contains mainly methoxymethyl functionalities, making it a very effective crosslinker for backbone polymer resins containing hydroxyl, amide, or carboxyl functional groups, such as alkyd, polyester, or acrylic resins.
• CYMEL® 350 Resin is highly compatible with a wide range of backbone polymers and provides films with very good hardness, flexibility, formability, adhesion, and resistance properties. Although the optimum level of CYMEL® 350 Resin in a given formulation should be determined experimentally, its effective equivalent weight will be typically in the range of 130-190.

• CYMEL® 350 Resin has a shelf life of 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored at temperatures between 5°C and 30°C. Although lower 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.