HyMax KL-180 Epoxy Chain Extender-IV enhancer for PET/PLA/PBAT

What is a Chain Extender?

A chain extender, also known as a chain growth agent, is a substance that reacts with the functional groups of linear polymer chains to extend the molecular chains and increase their molecular weight. It is commonly used to enhance the mechanical and processing properties of products like polyurethanes and polyesters.

Common Types of Chain Extenders

Typical chain extenders include diepoxides, dianhydrides, diisocyanates, phosphites, and bisoxazolines. Compared to diisocyanates and bisoxazolines, epoxy chain extenders are widely available, cost-effective, safe, and non-toxic, making them highly promising for various applications.

Advantages of HyMax KL-180 Epoxy Chain Extender

• High Efficiency: Significantly increases the molecular weight and physical properties of materials.
• Broad Compatibility: Suitable for various polymer systems like polyurethanes and epoxy resins.
• Easy to Use: Exhibits excellent flowability and dispersibility during processing.

Reaction Mechanism

HyMax KL-180 epoxy chain extender works by reacting its epoxy groups with the hydroxyl or carboxyl end groups of polymer chains. During high-temperature melt extrusion, these reactions form chemical bonds, achieving chain extension. This mechanism ensures effective molecular weight increase and enhanced physical properties.

Application Areas

HyMax KL-180 epoxy chain extender is widely used in:

1. Automotive Industry: Enhances the impact resistance and durability of composite materials.
2. Electronics: Improves electrical performance and stability of encapsulation materials.
3. Construction Materials: Increases weather resistance and anti-aging properties.
4. Coatings and Adhesives: Improves adhesion, flexibility, and bonding strength.
5. Biodegradable Materials
6. Recycled Materials

Chain Extender in recycled PET

Epoxy chain extenders play a crucial role in recycled PET by restoring molecular weight and enhancing mechanical properties such as tensile strength and impact resistance. They improve processability during manufacturing and enhance compatibility in polymer blends, making recycled PET suitable for high-performance applications like packaging, textiles, and automotive components. This results in recycled PET performing similarly to virgin PET, thus promoting sustainability and expanding its application range.

Chain Extender in PLA/PBAT

Epoxy chain extenders play a crucial role in enhancing the properties of PLA (polylactic acid) and PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate) blends. They react with the chemical groups of these polymers, increasing molecular weight and improving mechanical properties like tensile strength and flexibility. This results in better processability during manufacturing and improved performance in final products. Epoxy chain extenders also enhance the compatibility between PLA and PBAT, creating more homogeneous blends that exhibit superior overall properties, making them suitable for applications such as packaging and biodegradable materials.

Why Use Chain Extenders?

Chain extenders effectively address various issues in the processing and performance of degradable materials. By reacting with the terminal hydroxyl or carboxyl groups in polymer chains, epoxy chain extenders provide rapid adhesion and modification at high temperatures, enhancing the overall performance of materials.

Conclusion

HyMax KL180 epoxy chain extender, with its excellent performance and wide application range, is a highly favored material modifier in the industry. In the future, it will continue to demonstrate its unique value in various fields, contributing to the advancement of material science.