Phenalkamine hardener selection
Phenalkamine selection based on epoxy EEW, hardener AHEW, viscosity, colour, substrate and defined cure conditions.
Phenalkamine selection begins with the epoxy resin and the performance required from the finished formulation. Epoxy equivalent weight, hardener AHEW, application method, substrate and cure conditions all influence the choice of grade.
The phenalkamine curing-agent table brings together the key grade values used in an initial review. Current technical data should be reviewed before a production trial.
Epoxy resin and formulation
Record the epoxy resin, its epoxy equivalent weight and any reactive diluent. Include the pigment and filler package, solvent content, film thickness and substrate because each can affect mixing, application and cure.
EEW and AHEW
Amine hydrogen equivalent weight is used with epoxy equivalent weight to establish the stoichiometric starting ratio. Use the AHEW for the specific hardener under review. Do not carry a mix ratio across from another curing agent without recalculating it.
Viscosity and temperature
Supplied viscosity helps assess mixing, pigment loading and application at the intended film thickness. A lower value may make handling easier, but it does not predict working time, sag control or cured-film performance by itself.
Colour
Gardner colour can be used as an initial screen for clear or lightly pigmented systems. Check the mixed material and cured film because the epoxy resin, pigments, additives and cure conditions also influence the final colour.
Cure conditions
Define application temperature, humidity, substrate preparation and film thickness before testing. Measure working time, cure and recoat acceptance under those conditions. Record the formulation and test method with any adhesion or resistance result.
Trial requirements
The epoxy resin, application, substrate, target mix viscosity, working time, cure schedule and colour limit form a useful technical brief. Our team can use it to identify relevant epoxy curing-agent grades for evaluation on a consistent basis.