The AFC Accelerators are a unique series of catalysts for anhydride-epoxy
and carboxylic acid-epoxy resin systems. They promote exceptionally fast
gel and cure at moderate temperatures. AFC Accelerator AMC-2 was
designed for specific catalysis of the acid-epoxy reaction, causing little
homopolymerization or etherification through the oxirane moiety.



Specificity of AFC Accelerator AMC-2
A major use of AFC Accelerator AMC-2 is the preparation of β-hydroxyesters of carboxylic acids. The reaction works equally well to prepare esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid.

The cure of epoxy resins involves a complex series of reactions, particularly when an anhydride or carboxylic acid is being used as a hardener. One of the complexities relates to the tendency of the epoxide to homopolymerize or undergo etherification reactions in the presence of common catalysts or
promoters. AFC Accelerator AMC-2 is unique in that it promotes primarily
the carboxylic acid-epoxy reactions.

The speed and specificity of AFC Accelerator AMC-2 make it relatively easy to incorporate dimer, trimer, and other polybasic acids such as carboxy-terminated polymers into epoxy resin systems. The resulting products will generally be more flexible and tougher than most epoxies and will have better thermal and moisture resistance than many polyurethanes. Their use is suggested in potting and encapsulation of electrical components, and for structural adhesives, sealants and coatings.

When AFC Accelerator AMC-2 is used with equivalent amounts of difunctional acids and epoxides, the resulting product is a linear polyester. Molecular weight and terminal functionality can be controlled by employing a slight excess of acid or epoxy. This allows the in-situ preparation of high molecular weight intermediates from low viscosity starting materials. These intermediates can be cross-linked and cured by the addition of polyfunctional resins, acids or anhydrides. The use of starting materials with functionality greater than two leads directly to cross-linked, cured products.

Contact Us
For more information on AFC Accelerator AMC-2® or any of our Accelerators, please contact AMPAC Fine Chemicals:
Tel +1 916 357 3555
Fax +1 916 353 3505
Email accelerators@apfc.com