Epovion NOV-L 63 is a phenolic novolac epoxy resin built on a glycidyl ether-functionalized phenol-formaldehyde backbone, averaging 3.6 epoxy groups per molecule compared with the two epoxy groups found in standard bisphenol-A epoxy resin. This higher functionality gives Epovion NOV-L 63 tighter crosslink density and correspondingly better high-temperature performance, chemical resistance, and adhesion than bisphenol-A type epoxy resin.
Epovion NOV-L 63 Overview
Epovion NOV-L 63 belongs to the family of phenolic novolac epoxy resins, distinguished from standard bisphenol-A resin by combining the inherent heat resistance of the phenol-formaldehyde novolac backbone with the reactivity of multiple glycidyl ether groups per molecule. Where a standard bisphenol-A epoxy resin carries two epoxy groups per molecule, Epovion NOV-L 63 averages 3.6, giving formulators substantially more crosslinking sites per unit of resin and a denser network once the resin is cured.
This tighter crosslink density is what drives the resin’s key performance advantages: cured systems built on Epovion NOV-L 63 tolerate higher service temperatures, resist a broader range of chemicals, and adhere more strongly to substrates than comparable bisphenol-A systems.
Key Features
- Phenolic novolac chemistry: Epovion NOV-L 63 averages 3.6 epoxy groups per molecule, versus two for bisphenol-A epoxy resin.
- Higher crosslink density: The additional epoxy functionality supports a tighter, more heat-resistant cured network.
- Elevated-temperature performance: The resin is designed for applications requiring service well above the range suited to standard bisphenol-A systems.
- Improved chemical resistance and adhesion: Cured systems show better chemical resistance and adhesion than bisphenol-A type epoxy resin.
- High flash point: A flash point of 250°C minimum supports safer handling and processing.
Typical Applications
Epovion NOV-L 63 is primarily used in laminates, where its high crosslink density and heat resistance support demanding electrical and structural performance requirements. It is also widely applied in filament winding and composite structures, where multifunctional epoxy chemistry improves fiber-matrix adhesion and elevated-temperature mechanical retention.
Beyond laminates and composites, the resin is suitable for civil engineering and structural applications where chemical resistance and adhesion are critical to long-term performance. For general-purpose formulations where a standard bisphenol-A liquid resin is preferred for cost or processing reasons, formulators may wish to evaluate Epovion BPA-L 17 alongside this grade.
Technical Specifications
- Chemical composition: Phenolic novolac epoxy resin
- Physical state: Semi-solid
- Epoxide equivalent weight: 170-190 g/eq
- Average epoxy functionality: 3.6 groups per molecule
- Color (Gardner): 3.0 max
- Flash point: 250°C minimum
- Solution viscosity (25°C, 70% in butyl carbitol): H-K (Gardner-Holdt scale)
- Density (25°C): 1.16 g/cm³
- Function: High-crosslink epoxy resin for heat and chemical resistance
Multifunctional Novolac Chemistry & High-Temperature Performance
The performance advantages of Epovion NOV-L 63 trace directly back to its molecular architecture: because the phenol-formaldehyde novolac backbone carries multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups, glycidylation with epichlorohydrin installs an average of 3.6 epoxy groups per molecule rather than the two found in bisphenol-A resin. Once cured, this multifunctionality translates into a much denser three-dimensional crosslink network, which is the direct mechanism behind the resin’s elevated heat distortion temperature, improved solvent and chemical resistance, and stronger adhesion to metal and mineral substrates.
Because Epovion NOV-L 63 is supplied as a semi-solid, it is typically handled as a solution in an appropriate solvent such as butyl carbitol, with the resin’s solution viscosity characterized on the Gardner-Holdt scale to support consistent formulation and processing across batches. Formulators should note that curing agent selection is important with novolac epoxy resins: while standard amine and anhydride hardeners work well, higher curing temperatures are typically required to fully exploit the resin’s high crosslink density and heat resistance potential.
Storage Recommendations
- Store in the original, tightly sealed container, protected from moisture.
- Recommended storage: room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Shelf life: Up to 12 months in the original, unopened packaging when stored under recommended conditions.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures, which can cause premature advancement of the resin.
Documentation & Compliance
Each shipment of the product is supported by standard quality and compliance documentation to help customers manage incoming inspection, formulation approval, and downstream regulatory reporting.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): Provided per batch
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Mandatory prior to handling
- Labels: Prepared in accordance with applicable regulations
- Industrial and professional use only
Formulation Guidance
Epovion NOV-L 63 is typically cured with amine, anhydride, or phenolic hardeners selected to match the target service temperature and chemical exposure of the application, with stoichiometry based on the resin’s epoxide equivalent weight of 170-190 g/eq. Because the resin’s higher epoxy functionality increases crosslink density, cure schedules often require elevated post-cure temperatures to fully develop the resin’s heat resistance and mechanical properties.
For laminate and filament winding formulations, the resin is generally dissolved in a compatible solvent to reach application viscosity, with solids content adjusted to the target impregnation process. For applications requiring the highest possible crosslink density and heat resistance from a solid epoxy base, formulators may wish to evaluate Epovion SOL-S 90 as a complementary higher-EEW solid grade.
Packaging & Logistics
- Packaging: Approved industrial packaging (220 kg steel drums standard)
- MOQ: Subject to packaging configuration
- Lead time: Indicative lead time, to be confirmed upon order acceptance
- Incoterms: Quoted case by case
Epovion NOV-L 63: Safety & Handling
Epovion NOV-L 63 should be handled in accordance with standard industrial hygiene practices for phenolic novolac epoxy resins. Users are advised to review the Safety Data Sheet prior to handling and to implement appropriate personal protective equipment and engineering controls as specified therein, since uncured epoxy resins can cause skin and eye irritation and sensitization with repeated contact. As with all novolac epoxy resins, small-scale compatibility and cure trials are recommended before full-batch formulation to confirm viscosity, cure profile, and mechanical properties in the target system.
Safety Data Sheet and destination-compliant labeling information for the product are available upon request. For related epoxy resin options, see also Epovion BPA-L 17 and Epovion SOL-S 90.