BASF and Sika Launch Innovative Amino Curing Agent to Transform Epoxy Resin Applications

BASF, in collaboration with Sika, has unveiled a groundbreaking amine curing agent, now commercially available under the Baxxodur® EC 151 brand. This innovative product is specifically designed for curing epoxy resins and is particularly well-suited for flooring applications in environments such as production workshops, warehouses, assembly areas, and parking lots.

The Baxxodur EC 151 significantly enhances the performance of epoxy flooring coatings by providing lower viscosity and excellent flow properties, making application easier and ensuring even distribution. Compared to traditional curing agents, it dramatically reduces the need for diluents, achieving a remarkable 90% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), thereby enabling ultra-low VOC formulations. Additionally, it allows for a higher proportion of mineral fillers, which not only lowers costs but also promotes sustainability.

One of the standout features of coatings formulated with Baxxodur EC 151 is their ability to cure quickly and thoroughly across a wide temperature range. Especially effective in low-temperature environments of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, this new curing agent does not “freeze” like traditional agents, thus expanding its usability during colder months. Furthermore, the curing time is reduced by two-thirds, allowing for rapid reusability of the flooring after application.

The cured epoxy resin coatings exhibit a high-gloss, aesthetically pleasing surface while avoiding the hazing often seen at edges with conventional curing agents. This product boasts excellent color stability and outstanding mechanical and chemical resistance, ensuring durability and significantly lowering maintenance costs.

In this research partnership, Sika developed a high-performance amine curing agent to create more efficient and sustainable epoxy products, successfully applying it to Sikafloor® systems. BASF was responsible for developing the production process suitable for this curing agent and scaling it from laboratory to commercial production.

“The launch of Baxxodur EC 151 reaffirms our commitment to helping customers advance their green transformation,” said Vasilios Galanos, Senior Vice President of BASF’s European Intermediates business. “Through our collaboration with Sika, we leveraged our extensive chemical expertise to successfully develop a scalable and cost-effective sustainable solution.”

“Baxxodur EC 151 plays a crucial role in resource conservation within the construction industry,” stated Urs Burckhardt, Head of R&D at Sika. “The close partnership between Sika and BASF was key to the creation of this innovative solution, which will help our customers achieve efficiency and sustainability goals.”

BASF's Baxxodur® product line is widely used in epoxy and polyurea applications across wind energy, electrical, composites, adhesives, and flooring industries, providing efficient curing agent solutions. With Baxxodur EC 151, the product line is further enhanced, aiding the industry in achieving more sustainable development.

Baxxodur® is a registered trademark of BASF SE.