Nouryon has launched two new versions of the Perkadox GB-50 benzoyl peroxide (BPO) curing agent, which significantly improve the performance of composite products, including enhanced transparency and better corrosion resistance.GB-50 will replace Perkadox CH-50, a peroxide desensitized (or “sensitized”) with dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), which the European Union recently reclassified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant.
“With Perkadox GB-50, we have created a DCHP-free alternative. Following testing in our RD&I laboratories and at selected customer sites worldwide, we have determined that it maintains the same performance level as its predecessor, CH-50,” said Ross Opsahl, Business Development Manager for Polymer Chemistry.The new product is desensitized with ethylene glycol diphenyl phthalate (EGDB).
“Perkadox GB-50 will be the only DCHP-free, dry BPO formulation available and will replace Perkadox CH-50 as the preferred curing agent in the markets it serves,” said Opsahl.These include applications as a curing agent for road markings, flooring, elastic roof coatings, adhesives, chemical anchors, and other composite materials. It will be available in the first half of 2019.
“Perkadox CH-50 will still be available globally, but customers using it may face stricter risk management measures,” explained Glen Rosini, Manager of Safety and Regulatory Affairs for Polymer Chemical Products.
Customers use curing agents to harden the surfaces of materials, including road markings, flooring, elastic roof coatings, and adhesives.“The new products, Perkadox GB-50L and GB-50X, feature low moisture content—which prevents fogging and enables customers to produce more transparent coatings and composites,” said Ross Opsahl, Business Development Manager for Thermosetting Peroxides at Nouryon.“By improving corrosion resistance, they also help extend the service life of the end products.”
The new products also benefit from the use of ethylene glycol diphthalate (EGDB) as a demulsifier, rather than di-cyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), which is classified by the EU as a Category 1B reproductive toxin.
Alain Rynwalt, Vice President of Polymer Catalysts at Nouryon, said, “The GB-50L and GB-50X offer our customers a dual benefit, helping them improve their end products while reducing their regulatory burden.” “They reflect Nouryon’s focus on innovation that helps solve problems for our customers and enables their growth.”