Incorez, a leading global manufacturer of specialist resins and polymers, has launched Incorez 148/604 - new waterborne epoxy curing agent at recently held European Coatings Show 2011. The company also presented a series of case studies demonstrating the benefits of oxazolidine technology in various polyurethane coating applications and guide formulations.

Incorez 148/604 helps companies comply with the requirements of the VOC Solvents Emissions Directive, the main policy instrument for the reduction of industrial emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the European Union. The VOC Solvents Emissions Directive requires installations to comply either with the emission limit values set out in the Directive or with the requirements of the so-called reduction scheme.

Charles Lynch, Commercial Manager at Incorez, commented on the launch: "Our new waterborne epoxy curing agent, Incorez 148/604, is a water soluble polyamine curing agent that is APEO, formaldehyde and solvent free and so does not contribute to the VOC levels of the coating formulation. It is designed to produce very tough and durable, high-gloss waterbased coatings with both liquid and solid epoxy resins. In particular, this hardener displays very good compatibility with neat Bisphenol A type liquid epoxies, such as Epikote 828, to provide excellent hardness and cure development."

Incorez 148/604 is being introduced to the waterborne epoxy curing agent range to provide formulators and technicians with the opportunity to develop formulations based on a zero VOC hardener.

Lynch concluded: "Adding this product to the portfolio allows Incorez to compete more effectively with other larger global suppliers of waterborne epoxy curing agents."

Incorez also presents research in the form of three case studies, which demonstrate the use of oxazolidines - a technology in which Incorez is a global leader. The case studies are entitled:

• Enhancing the performance of 1-C PU flooring systems using oxazolidine latent hardeners
• Enhancing the performance of aromatic PU sealant prepolymers using oxazolidine latent hardeners
• Benefits of oxazolidine moisture scavengers in wind turbine protective topcoats

Each case study outlines the work carried out and provides a comprehensive set of data to demonstrate the use of this innovative technology.

Incorez also demonstrates the versatility of its waterborne epoxy curing agents by presenting a series of new guide formulations that incorporate its range of zero & low VOC hardeners.