Technology Built for
Extreme Coating Conditions
We specialise in epoxy hardeners based on cardanol, reactive polyamide,
cycloaliphatic polyamine,
phenalkamide, and bio-based polyol chemistries.
Phenalkamine Chemistry: The CNSL Advantage
Phenalkamines are produced via a **Mannich condensation reaction** between cardanol (derived from Cashew Nut Shell Liquid - CNSL), a local aldehyde, and a polyamine. The resulting molecule is uniquely versatile: containing amine functionality for robust epoxy curing, combined with the performance inheritance of the long cardanol side chain.
This chemistry delivers outstanding **moisture tolerance** (curing completely underwater or on green concrete) and **low-temperature cure** (down to 0°C), while the hydrophobic aromatic ring provides exceptional barrier corrosion resistance.
**Phenalkamine adducts** are engineered by pre-reacting the phenalkamine molecule with epoxy resin. This process reduces free amines, lowering viscosity, minimizing compatibility blush, and expanding spray workability in medium and high-solids systems.
Mannich Reaction Matrix
- Aromatic Ring: High chemical resistance and outstanding structural thermal stability.
- Aliphatic Side-Chain: High flexibility, hydrophobic water-repelling barrier, and wet-adhesion on poorly prepared steel.
- Amine Functionality: High crosslink density, rapid ambient/sub-ambient cure.
G-Series: Precision Colour Control
Standard phenalkamines typically show a dark color (Gardner 17). Acorrphen G-Series phenalkamines are produced using custom **fractional distillation cardanol**, where cardol and methyl cardol color-active impurities are reduced to insignificant levels (confirmed by routine HPLC screening).
This results in a stable Gardner color of **10 or below**, opening up phenalkamine formulation possibilities for high-durability pigmented and light-colored protective epoxy top coats.
D-Series: Enhanced Chemical Resistance
D-Series phenalkamines are synthesized by pre-reacting the highly active **triene fraction of cardanol** to optimize the final crosslink density before launching the Mannich condensation reaction.
This modification significantly improves absolute chemical barrier properties, pulling-force steel adhesion, and sag resistance. D-Series grades are darker in color and best suited for high-build industrial primers, chemical storage tank bottoms, and sewage pipe linings.
Reactive Polyamide Chemistry
Reactive polyamides are produced by the condensation of dimerized fatty acids with high-performance polyamines. The bio-available dimer fatty acid feedstock (derived from soya oil dimer and castor oil dimer) provides outstanding flexibility, tensile and compressive strength, and strong impact adhesion across concrete and metal substrates. A highly prolonged pot life makes polyamides the ideal workhorse where working time is critical.
Phenalkamides Hybrid Tech
Phenalkamides represent the hybrid integration of phenalkamine speed and reactive polyamide flexibility. By chemically joining both backbones into one integrated curing agent, we achieve the extended working pot life and color stability of polyamides, while retaining the fast curing, sub-ambient reaction speeds, and corrosion barrier protection of phenalkamines.
Specialty Amine & Polyol Engineering
Polyamine Adduct Chemistry (Acormin Series)
Acormin series hardeners are based on high-performance cycloaliphatic and aliphatic diamine adducts. These chemistries are selected for water-clear initial color, outstanding blush resistance, color retention, gloss, and high compressive strength. Suited for self-leveling industrial floor top coats, clear systems, and chemical-resistant potable water lines.
Bio-Based Polyol Chemistry
Derived from CNSL cardanol long chain and castor oil. CNSL-based polyols provide intense hydrophobicity, water repellency, and high mechanical flexural strength. Castor oil-based polyols perfectly balance structural hardness and high elastic elongation, with premium resistance to acids, alkalis, and moisture.
Coating Performance Testing Parameters
We characterize our epoxy curing agents using standardized ASTM physical and mechanical testing protocols.
| Test Parameter | Relevance to Epoxy Coating & Civil Applications |
|---|---|
| Compressive Strength (ASTM C109) | Critical for epoxy structural grout, floor screeds, concrete patch repairs, and civil infrastructure bonding. |
| Pull-Off Adhesion | Measures the physical bond strength of cured films to steel substrates and concrete bases. |
| Shore-D Hardness | Tracks the mechanical surface hardness development over curing time, indicating walk-on speeds. |
| Taber Abrasion Resistance | Quantifies the surface wear and scratch resistance under high-traffic rolling wheels (flooring). |
| Tensile Strength | Measures the ultimate tensile elongation load before the protective film encounters physical failure. |
| Flexural Strength | Indicates the coating's resistance to structural bending, cracking, and peeling under high loading. |
| Chemical Resistance | Evaluates long-term immersion durability in water, raw solvents, strong acids, concentrated alkalis, and aviation fuel. |
| Adhesion Cross-cut / Peel | Direct measurement of dry and wet adhesion strength for marine corrosion primers and Direct-To-Metal (DTM) coatings. |
This performance data is integral to our custom development process. When you bring us a formulation challenge, we develop against a performance target and verify it.