Hycat™ AC-4

Epoxy Anhydride Catalyst

Developed and Manufactured by Dimension Technology Chemical Systems, Inc. (DTCS)

Hycat™ AC-4 is a low viscosity liquid catalyst designed to accelerate the reaction of a broad range of epoxy resins with a wide variety of anhydride curing agents. Launched in 2016, Hycat™ AC-4 dramatically reduces the onset temperature of an epoxy/anhydride reaction. However like Hycat™ 3100S, when compared to other catalyst systems the curing kinetics of Hycat™ AC-4 yield a much more gradual exothermic profile. This distinctive curing characteristic allows for quicker gel times at lower temperatures without inducing an overly rapid cure or sudden spike in the exotherm of a polymer reaction. In addition, despite lower onset temperatures, Hycat™ AC-4 still provides excellent room temperature pot life (25oC). These unique features combine to greatly enhance process flexibility and produce polymer cures of exceptional quality.

DSC Kinetic Rx Profile

Typical kinetic profile of an epoxy/anhydride reaction catalyzed by Hycat™ AC-4. Click on the PDF links at the bottom of this page for the complete view of this and other reaction profiles.

Co-Catalyst Anhydride Curing

Hycat™ AC-4 can be used as a co-catalyst, taking full advantage of its low onset capabilities and latent curing kinetics to initiate the polymer reaction while the addition of an imidazole or amine catalyst can boost glass transition and other physical properties during post cure. Hycat™ AC-4 is compatible with a number of popular imidazole and amine catalysts and depending upon the co-catalyst of choice a customized blend may be available.  Click on the PDF links at the bottom of this page for the complete view of this and other reaction profiles.