Arkema Introduces CLEARSTRENGTH XT100 Toughener for Thermosetting Applications

Arkema introduced CLEARSTRENGTH XT100 toughener for thermosetting applications such as structural adhesives and high-performance composites. 
 
This new product is based on patented Arkema technology designed to significantly improve dispersion and viscosity control when compared to conventional core-shell tougheners.
 
“Our new patented technology enables performance and processing advantages that haven’t been available in these application areas before,” said Philippe Haji, global plastics additives R&D director with Arkema. “Working with formulators of methacrylate and epoxy-based structural adhesives and epoxy-based composites, we are seeing significantly increased toughness with limited impact on viscosity or glass transition temperatures.”
 
The introduction of any rubber-based toughening agent into a liquid resin system is well-known to significantly increase product viscosity, which can cause processing and performance issues in thermosetting adhesives and composites applications. By using CLEARSTRENGTHXT100 toughener, formulators can potentially reduce that effect drastically. The result is an easier dispersion in most liquid resin systems and a superior toughening effect in the finished product.
 
“CLEARSTRENGTH XT100 toughener is the first product based on this new technology,” said Aldo Sousa, senior account manager for Arkema Coating Resins. “Given the initial positive feedback from our customers, we are working on new products based on this technology and plan to eventually launch an entire family of products offering similar processing and performance advantages across other industries and applications where higher toughness levels may currently be hard to achieve.”