CYMEL® MI-12-I

• The stability of solvent-borne systems containing CYMEL® MI-12-I 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 TEA, DMEA, or 2-AMP at a concentration of 0.5-1.0% on total binder solids.

CYMEL® MI-12-I Resin may not require the addition of an acid catalyst to the formulation to obtain effective cure. In many instances, the acidity of the backbone polymer in the formulation is sufficient to catalyze the reaction under normal baking conditions (15-20 minutes at 120-150°C). If catalyst addition is required, then 0.5-1.0% of CYCAT® 296-9 catalyst based on total resin solids is recommended.

• CYMEL® MI-12-I Resin contains a combination of butoxymethyl, methylol, and imino functionalities, making it a very effective crosslinker for backbone polymer resins containing hydroxyl, amide, and to some extent carboxyl functional groups, such as alkyd, polyester, or acrylic resins.
• CYMEL® MI-12-I Resin is very reactive and has a high tendency to self-condense at rather low baking temperatures with a wide range of backbone polymers, providing films with very good hardness, gloss, and outdoor durability. Although the optimum level of CYMEL® MI-12-I Resin should be determined experimentally, ratios of 25 to 35% based on resin solids are typically most effective.

• CYMEL® MI-12-I Resin has a shelf life of 3 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.