Amivion PHA-31 is a phenalkamine epoxy curing agent produced through the Mannich reaction of cardanol—a bio-based phenol derived from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)—with formaldehyde and polyamines. The phenalkamine chemical architecture combines a reactive amine functionality for epoxy cross-linking with a long unsaturated alkyl side chain from the cardanol component, which confers surface-wetting capability, flexibility, and tolerance for damp or wet substrate conditions. Amivion PHA-31 cures standard bisphenol A and bisphenol F epoxy resins at ambient and sub-ambient temperatures, and is widely used in marine anticorrosion coatings, industrial protective systems, and infrastructure maintenance applications where cure under cold or humid conditions is required.
Key Features
- Damp and Wet Surface Adhesion: Amivion PHA-31 demonstrates adhesion to damp and wet substrates, a characteristic attributed to the surface-active nature of the cardanol-derived alkyl chain in the phenalkamine structure. This property reduces the need for thorough surface drying before application, supporting practical use in marine, offshore, and infrastructure maintenance environments where moisture control is difficult.
- Ambient and Low-Temperature Cure: Amivion PHA-31 initiates and progresses epoxy cure at ambient temperatures and retains reactivity at temperatures below 10°C, enabling application in cold climates, winter maintenance schedules, and outdoor construction projects. Effective cure under these conditions minimizes project delays and extends the usable coating season compared to amine hardeners with higher minimum cure temperatures.
- Good Chemical and Corrosion Resistance: Epoxy films cured with Amivion PHA-31 exhibit resistance to water, salts, dilute acids, alkalis, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. This chemical resistance profile is suitable for anticorrosion primer and topcoat systems exposed to marine splash zones, industrial atmospheric conditions, and secondary containment environments.
- Flexibility and Impact Resistance: The long alkyl side chain derived from cardanol introduces chain mobility into the cured epoxy network, contributing to improved flexibility and resistance to mechanical impact compared to aromatic or shorter-chain amine-cured systems. This characteristic is advantageous in coatings applied to structures subject to vibration, thermal cycling, or physical impact.
- Bio-Based Raw Material Contribution: The cardanol component of Amivion PHA-31 is derived from cashew nut shell liquid, a renewable agricultural co-product. Incorporation of bio-based feedstock into the curing agent formulation supports formulators working to reduce the fossil-derived content of their coating systems as part of broader sustainability objectives.
Typical Applications
Amivion PHA-31 is used as the hardener component in two-part epoxy coatings and primers for steel and concrete substrates in demanding anticorrosion applications. Its damp-surface adhesion and ambient cure performance make it well suited to marine and offshore structure coatings, ship hull and ballast tank systems, offshore platform maintenance coatings, bridge and structural steel protection, and pipeline external coatings applied under field conditions. The product is suitable for use in both solvent-borne and high-solids epoxy coating formulations.
Additional applications include waterborne epoxy anticorrosion primer systems where phenalkamine chemistry supports stable emulsion formation and good film formation at ambient temperatures, industrial floor coatings for chemical and mechanical resistance, potable water tank linings where low-temperature and damp-surface cure are practical requirements, and surface-tolerant maintenance coatings for infrastructure rehabilitation where abrasive blasting to a high-grade profile is not feasible. Amivion PHA-31 is also evaluated as a component in adhesive systems requiring flexibility and chemical resistance.
Technical Specifications
- Chemical Type: Cardanol-based phenalkamine (Mannich base of cardanol, formaldehyde, and polyamine)
- CAS No.: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Appearance: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Amine Value: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Active Hydrogen Equivalent Weight (AHEW): To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Viscosity at 25°C: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Color: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Solids Content: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
Thermal Stability
- Amivion PHA-31 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 moisture uptake and CO₂ absorption.
- 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 PHA-31: Safety & Handling
Amivion PHA-31 should be handled in accordance with applicable safety procedures for phenalkamine and amine-containing epoxy curing agents. The product may cause skin sensitization, skin and eye irritation, and respiratory irritation upon vapor or aerosol exposure. Personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles or face shield, and protective clothing should be worn during handling and mixing operations. Adequate ventilation or local exhaust extraction should be maintained to control amine vapor concentrations. Users should review the Safety Data Sheet prior to use and implement appropriate engineering controls, personal protective measures, and emergency response procedures as specified therein.
Safety Data Sheet and destination-compliant labeling information are available upon request. For related products, see also Amivion PKA-5020 and Amivion PKA-5030.