HYcat™ OA

Vinyl Ester & Epoxy/Acid Catalyst

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

Hycat™ OA is a proprietary liquid catalyst that acceleratesthe reaction of various epoxy resins with carboxylic acids and other small ringcompounds while providing formulators with:

• Low Reaction Onset Temperatures for early gel and low to moderate temperature curing
• Low Peak Temperatures for more even distribution of reaction exotherm
• Superior performance for the manufacture of Vinyl Esters (aka Epoxy Acrylates)
• Liquid material that is easy to handle, easy to load and provides trouble-free blending
• Non-hazardous and very low odor catalyst that is not regulated for transportation

The low temperature characteristics of Hycat™ OA make it an excellent catalyst for the preparation of vinyl esters (aka epoxy acrylates) where temperature control is critical. Studies on the BADGE/Acrylic Acid and BADGE/Methacrylic Acid reactions with Hycat™ 2000S @ 0.5% (0.75 phr) and a Hydroquinone inhibitor conducted at 70oC produced acid conversions of >98% in just under 180 minutes versus 55% conversion for Triphenylphosphine. Lower reaction temperatures allow for greater double bond retention and reduced risk of an uncontrolled exotherm.

The unique low temperature and overall curing characteristics of Hycat™ OA provide a more even distribution of the heat evolved from a polymer reaction leading to the production of consistently uniform cures that are free from cracks and voids. This is particularly useful in the curing of composites where materials that have been wet out with low viscosity resins require a quick gel but are sensitive to excessive exotherms which can lead to hidden defects in the final cure.

Acrylate Conversion Profile

Typical conversion profile of Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether & Acrylic Acid reaction at 70oC catalyzed with Hycat™ OA.

Click on the PDF links at the bottom of this page for the complete view of this and other reaction profiles.

Methacrylate Conversion Profile

Typical conversion profile of Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether & Methacrylic Acid reaction at 70oC catalyzed with Hycat™ OA

Click on the PDF links at the bottom of this page for the complete view of this and other reaction profiles.