CYMEL® U-80

• The stability of formulated systems containing CYMEL® U-80 Resin can be enhanced by the addition of alcohols, amines, or a combination of these. Low molecular weight primary alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, or 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. Package stability can also be enhanced by the use of a blocked acid catalyst such as CYCAT 4045 catalyst. For waterborne systems, a pH of 7.5-8.5 should be maintained to achieve stability.

• CYMEL® U-80 Resin contains mainly butoxymethyl functional sites, making it a very effective crosslinker for backbone polymer resins containing hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amide functional groups, such as those found on alkyd, polyester, and acrylic-based resins. CYMEL® U-80 Resin is hydrophobic in nature and compatible with a wide range of backbone polymers, providing films with very good appearance, adhesion, and film flexibility properties.
• The optimum level of CYMEL® U-80 Resin in a given formulation should be determined experimentally. Depending on the application, 20 to 40%, based on resin solids, can be taken as a starting point.

CYMEL® U-80 Resin will respond best to sulfonic acid catalysts, like CYCAT® 4040 or the blocked version, CYCAT® 4045 catalyst. Generally, 0.5 - 1.0% catalyst solution on total binder solids of the formulation is sufficient to provide good cure for industrial formulations at baking schedules of 20 minutes at 120°C to 160°C. For low temperature cure systems, 20 minutes at 100 to 120°C, 2-3% of CYCAT® 4040 catalyst is advised to be used.

• CYMEL® U-80 Resin has a shelf life of 1440 days from the date of manufacture when stored at temperatures below 32°C. Although low temperatures are not detrimental to stability, the viscosity of the product will increase, making the resin more difficult to pump or pour.
• CYMEL® U-80 Resin viscosity can be returned to normal by gentle warming; however, care should be taken to avoid excessive localized heating as this can cause an irreversible increase in viscosity