Amivion BAC is a cycloaliphatic diamine curing agent based on 1,3-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane (1,3-BAC), a low-viscosity aliphatic amine with a fully saturated ring structure. The absence of aromatic chromophores in the molecular backbone gives Amivion BAC outstanding resistance to UV-induced yellowing, making it particularly suitable for clear coatings, light-colored topcoats, and outdoor-exposed epoxy systems where color stability over time is critical. Amivion BAC cures standard bisphenol A and bisphenol F epoxy resins at ambient and moderately elevated temperatures, delivering a combination of high glass transition temperature, excellent chemical resistance, and good mechanical properties suited to protective coating, adhesive, and electrical encapsulation applications.
Key Features
- Low Yellowing and UV Stability: Amivion BAC contains no aromatic moieties in its backbone, eliminating the UV-driven chromophore formation that causes rapid yellowing in aromatic amine-cured systems. This makes it a preferred hardener for transparent, light-colored, and outdoor-durable epoxy coatings where long-term color retention is required.
- Low Viscosity for Formulation Flexibility: The low intrinsic viscosity of Amivion BAC simplifies formulation of high-solids and solvent-free epoxy systems. Low-viscosity curing agents improve mixing uniformity, reduce the need for reactive diluents, and facilitate application by brush, roller, or spray without significantly compromising film build or physical properties.
- Ambient and Moderate-Temperature Cure: Amivion BAC provides effective ambient-temperature curing of epoxy systems, enabling use in field and maintenance applications where controlled cure conditions are unavailable. Moderate post-cure cycles can further develop glass transition temperature and chemical resistance for demanding service environments.
- High Glass Transition Temperature: Epoxy systems cured with Amivion BAC develop a relatively high glass transition temperature, contributing to dimensional stability, hardness, and retention of mechanical properties under service temperatures encountered in industrial coating and structural adhesive applications.
- Broad Chemical Resistance: Cured epoxy films formed with Amivion BAC demonstrate resistance to a wide range of chemicals including dilute acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. This resistance profile supports use in protective coatings for chemical processing environments, industrial floors, and secondary containment linings where long-term chemical exposure is anticipated.
Typical Applications
Amivion BAC is used as the curing agent in two-component epoxy formulations where low color, UV stability, and chemical resistance are primary performance requirements. Its combination of cycloaliphatic structure and low viscosity makes it well suited to clear topcoats and varnishes for architectural surfaces, industrial floors, and decorative concrete; light-colored marine and protective coatings for structures exposed to outdoor weathering; and solvent-free or high-solids epoxy adhesives for structural bonding and repair applications.
Additional end uses include electrical potting and encapsulation compounds where transparent cured systems with good thermal and electrical insulation properties are required, as well as adhesive primers for glass fiber composites, civil engineering repair mortars, and casting resins for electrical and electronic components. Amivion BAC is also evaluated in waterborne epoxy curing agent formulations where UV stability and low-color contribution are valued alongside environmental compliance.
Technical Specifications
- Chemical Type: 1,3-Bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane (1,3-BAC); cycloaliphatic diamine
- CAS No.: 2579-20-6
- Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₈N₂
- Molecular Weight: 142.24 g/mol
- Appearance: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Amine Value: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Viscosity at 25°C: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Active Hydrogen Equivalent Weight (AHEW): To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Water Content: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Color (APHA): To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
Thermal Stability
- Amivion BAC is thermally stable under normal storage and handling conditions.
- Avoid exposure to strong oxidizing agents, strong mineral acids, and temperatures significantly above recommended storage limits. Decomposition upon heating may release amine vapors; handle in well-ventilated areas.
Storage Recommendations
- Recommended maximum storage temperature: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and moisture.
- Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent CO₂ absorption, moisture uptake, and contact with atmospheric oxygen.
- Avoid contact with strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, and reactive metals.
Packaging & Transport
- Standard Packaging: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- UN Number: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Transport Class: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
Amivion BAC: Safety & Handling
Amivion BAC should be handled in accordance with applicable safety procedures for aliphatic and cycloaliphatic amine curing agents. The product may cause skin sensitization, skin and eye irritation, and respiratory irritation upon vapor exposure. Personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing should be worn during handling and mixing. Adequate ventilation or local exhaust should be maintained to control amine vapor concentrations in workplaces. Users should review the Safety Data Sheet prior to use and implement appropriate engineering controls and emergency response measures as specified therein.
Safety Data Sheet and destination-compliant labeling information are available upon request. For related products, see also Amivion IPDA and Amivion DETA.