Hardener

A hardener is used in combination with a resin. It triggers a chemical reaction in adhesives, which we call crosslinking in chemistry. In these macromolecular chemistry reactions, a large number of individual macromolecules are linked to form a three-dimensional network.

The crosslinking process changes the properties of the crosslinked substances. In general, an increase in hardness, toughness, melting point and a reduction in solubility can be observed.

Hardeners are used in various applications, such as in plastics production, the coating industry, mechanical engineering or adhesive technology.

The choice of the right hardener depends on various factors, such as the type of resin, the desired curing speed and the application temperature. They can be produced, for example, on the basis of amides, amines, polyisocyanates or peroxides and are available in various forms, such as liquid, paste or powder. The selection is made when formulating the adhesive in the laboratory.