BASF and Sika Launch Epoxy Hardener

BASF and Sika have jointly developed a new amine building block for curing epoxy resins, which is now commercially available under BASF’s Baxxodur EC 151 brand.

This new development is interesting for flooring applications, for example, in production plants, storage and assembly halls, as well as parking decks.

Baxxodur EC 151 gives epoxy resin flooring solutions a low viscosity and optimum flow properties. As a result, the coatings are easy to apply and spread evenly. Compared to conventional hardeners, significantly less thinner is required, and up to 90 percent less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released.

Baxxodur EC 151 thus enables the production of ultra-low VOC formulations. It also allows for greater use of mineral fillers, which not only lowers costs but also contributes to sustainability.

Epoxy resin coatings formulated with Baxxodur EC 151 cure quickly and thoroughly over a wide temperature range. This extends their applicability during colder months of the year, especially at temperatures between 5°C and 10°C, where conventional hardeners tend to “freeze.” Compared with conventional hardeners, the curing time is reduced by up to two-thirds, meaning that the coating can be walked on shortly after application.

The cured epoxy resin products are characterized by an aesthetic, glossy surface. Clouding, which is caused by haze formation (so-called “blushing”) and which occurs with conventional hardeners, particularly in edge areas, is avoided. The products have excellent color stability and are resistant to mechanical and chemical influences. This makes them particularly durable and significantly reduces maintenance costs.

As part of the research cooperation, Sika has developed the new amine building block as a high-performance hardener for more efficient and sustainable epoxy products and successfully applied it in Sikafloor floor coatings.

“The development of Baxxodur EC 151 is further evidence of how we are supporting our customers in their green transformation,” said Vasilios Galanos, SVP, Intermediates Europe, BASF.

“Baxxodur EC 151 makes an important contribution to a resource-saving future in the construction industry,” said Urs Burckhardt, head of research at Sika.