A polyamide hardener is a type of curing agent primarily used with epoxy resins to create tough, chemically resistant coatings, adhesives, sealants, and composites. These hardeners are based on polyamide resins, which are polymers formed from dimerized fatty acids and polyamines.
Key Properties of Polyamide Hardeners
Property Description
Type Amine-based curing agent (specifically polyamide)
Curing Room temperature (ambient) curing, slower than some other systems
Flexibility Good flexibility and toughness
Chemical Resistance Excellent resistance to water, alkali, and some solvents
Adhesion Strong adhesion to a variety of substrates (metal, concrete, wood)
Pot Life Long (due to slow curing), which is useful for extended working time
Color Usually amber or brownish liquid
Viscosity Medium to high, depending on formulation
Typical Applications
Epoxy floor coatings
Marine and protective coatings
Adhesives and sealants
Composites (fiberglass laminates)
Potting and encapsulation of electronics
Concrete bonding agents
Technical Specifications (Typical Ranges)
Property Value
Viscosity @ 25°C 1,000 – 10,000 cP
Amine Value 200 – 450 mg KOH/g
Mixing Ratio (with epoxy resin) Typically 1:1 to 1:2 by weight or volume, depending on formulation
Working Time / Pot Life 30 minutes – several hours
Cure Time Touch dry in 4–8 hours, full cure in 7 days (depending on temperature/humidity)
Shelf Life 1–2 years in sealed container
Advantages
Excellent adhesion and flexibility
Good chemical and water resistance
Longer pot life and working time
Suitable for large surface areas and ambient cure applications
Disadvantages
Slower curing compared to cycloaliphatic or aliphatic amines
Lower chemical resistance than some advanced curing agents (e.g., polyamine or anhydride types)
Darker color may limit use in clear or light-colored systems