Cross-Linking Agents – Poly-Carbodiimides: The Perfect Balance Between High Performance and Low Toxicity
Chimica Lombarda’s carbodiimides are water-based poly-carbodiimide resins containing the carbodiimide group [-N=C=N-] with hydrophilic segments. These are low-toxicity, highly reactive cross-linking agents that react with carboxylic groups. They can cross-link at ambient temperatures or higher temperatures to accelerate the reaction.
Cross-linking is widely used in the coatings industry to enhance wear resistance, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and toughness. Our carbodiimide cross-linkers (CDIs) provide a sustainable yet high-performance alternative for formulators in the paints and coatings industry, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining exceptional performance quality.
Compared to traditional cross-linkers such as aziridines, isocyanates, and melamines, poly-carbodiimides offer several key benefits:
- They are far less sensitive to water.
- Achieve an extended pot-life.
Our carbodiimides are highly reactive, low-toxicity cross-linking agents that react with polymeric resins and binders containing carboxylic groups. They ensure cross-linking at ambient temperature or higher, depending on the desired reaction speed.
Key Advantages
Our portfolio also includes carbodiimide additives that enhance adhesion to various substrates and improve anti-hydrolysis properties for resins such as polyesters and epoxies, protecting them from hydrolysis degradation and reducing water absorption properties.
- Non-toxic or low toxicity.
- Eco-friendly (VOC-free).
- Extremely long pot-life.
- Easy to use (no need for pre-mixing, etc.).
- High water and chemical resistance.
- Improves adhesion.
- Excellent anti-hydrolysis properties.
- Superior flexibility.
Choosing Chimica Lombarda’s poly-carbodiimides means opting for a product that combines innovation, performance, and environmental respect. These products are perfect for the challenges of modern applications and are adaptable to a wide range of industrial sectors.
Thanks to their innovative formulation, our CDIs combine cross-linking efficiency with reduced environmental impact, contributing to sustainable production processes aligned with our company’s vision.
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