Cymel 1161 Alkylated, methoxylmethyl, isobutoxymethyl melamine formaldehyde Cytec Crosslinking / Coupling / Curing Agents >> Amine >> Melamine-formaldehyde Acrylic/Acrylate Resins Alkyd Resins Cellulosic Resins Epoxy Resins Polyester Vinyl Soluble in alcohols, esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, glycols and glycol ethers Insoluble in water CYMEL 1161 is a highly alkylated methoxylmethyl, isobu-toxymethyl melamine-formaldehyde resin recommended as a crosslinking agent for polymers and resins containing hydroxyl, carboxyl or amide functionalities. Its methoxy/-isobutoxy ratio is approximately 3/1. Among its advan-tages are its low viscosity, high weight retention on curing, excellent intercoat adhesion, especially in acrylic systems, and its improved wetting characteristics versus fully methylated crosslinking agents. CYMEL 1161 resin is compatible with most polymeric resins commonly used in surface coatings, including alkyd and polyester resins, acrylic resins, epoxy resins and several vinyl resins and cellulosics. Because of its high extent of alkylation, CYMEL 1161 resin has a greater tendency to react with the primary hydroxyl sites on a backbone resin rather than to self-condense. This, and its high functionality, make it an effective crosslinking agent. But, its equivalent weight will depend on the structure of the backbone resin, cure conditions and catalysis. For resins with a high func-tionality per chain, such as acrylics, CYMEL 1161 resin’s estimated equivalent weight is 120-220. For resins with low functionality such as linear polyesters, it is estimated to be 130-180. Greater levels of CYMEL 1161 resin than those based on its equivalent weight can be used but may require increased catalyst concentration and/or higher cure schedules. CYMEL 1161 resin does require the addition of a strong acid catalyst to obtain cure on conventional schedules. Organic sulfonic acids or mineral acids are recommended. Highly alkylated methoxylmethyl, isobutoxymethyl melamine-formaldehyde resin. Used as a crosslinking agent for polymers and resins containing either hydroxyl, carboxyl or amide functionalities. Offers high functionality, low viscosity, high weight retention on curing, very good intercoat adhesion especially in acrylic systems, and improved wetting characteristics. Gives compatibility with most polymeric resins used in surface coatings, including alkyd and polyester resins, acrylic resins, epoxy resins and several vinyl resins and cellulosics.