CYMEL® 370N Resin

CYMEL® 370N is a methylated melamine-formaldehyde crosslinking agent designed for use in waterborne industrial coating formulations. Here's an overview of its properties and applications:

Product Description:

• CYMEL® 370N is a resin with a medium degree of alkylation, high methylol content, and low imino functionality.
• It is partially water-soluble and exhibits excellent compatibility with water-soluble backbone polymers.
• The carboxyl functionality of anionic backbone polymers can catalyze the curing reaction at relatively low temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of waterborne industrial stoving finishes.

Benefits:

• Fast cure response
• High solids content
• Partial water solubility
• Good compatibility with water-soluble anionic polymers, dispersions, and emulsions

Application Areas:

• Waterborne general industrial coatings for faster curing
• Automotive coatings
• Coil and container coatings

Physical Properties:

• Appearance: Clear liquid
• Non-volatile content: 88 ± 2% by weight
• Viscosity at 25°C: Z2 – Z4 Gardner Holdtz

Solubility:

• Complete solubility in alcohols, esters, and ketones
• Partial solubility in aromatic hydrocarbons
• Insoluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons
• Partial solubility in water

Compatibility:

• Very good compatibility with acrylic, alkyd, epoxy, and polyester resins

Backbone Polymer Selection:

• Effective crosslinking agent for backbone polymers containing hydroxyl, amide, and carboxyl functionality, such as epoxy, alkyd/polyester, or acrylic resins.
• The self-condensation reaction takes preference over the crosslinking reaction.

Catalysis:

• May not require the addition of an acid catalyst, as the acidity of the backbone polymer can catalyze the reaction under normal baking conditions.
• Cure can be additionally catalyzed with weak organic or inorganic acids.

Formulation Stability:

• Formulated systems containing CYMEL® 370N should be stabilized with primary alcohols, amines, or a combination of these.
• For waterborne systems, a pH between 7.0 - 8.5 should be maintained for stability.

Storage Stability:

• Shelf life of 360 days from the date of manufacture when stored below 30°C.
• Viscosity may increase at lower temperatures but will reduce again on warming. Excessive local heat should be avoided to prevent irreversible viscosity increase.

In summary, CYMEL® 370N offers fast cure response, high solids content, and compatibility with various waterborne industrial coating formulations, making it suitable for a range of applications in the coatings industry.