Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Resin (3,4-Epoxycyclohexyl Methyl Ester)
CAS Number: 2386-87-0
Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Resin (3,4-Epoxycyclohexyl Methyl Ester) is a difunctional aliphatic epoxide in which both epoxy groups are embedded in alicyclic rings, producing a resin with outstanding UV and weathering stability because there are no aromatic chromophores to yellow under sunlight. With EEW of 128–138 g/eq and viscosity below 500 mPa·s, it is the preferred resin for cationic UV-curable coatings, LED encapsulants, and outdoor-durable automotive and industrial topcoats where aromatic epoxy yellowing is unacceptable. It is cured by cationic photoinitiators, anhydrides, or acid catalysts rather than conventional amines.
Technical Specifications
| EEW | 128–138 g/eq |
| purity | ≥98% |
| density | 1.17–1.18 g/cm³ at 25 °C |
| viscosity | <500 mPa·s at 25 °C |
| appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid |
Applications
- Cationic UV-curable clear coatings and varnishes
- LED and optical encapsulants requiring non-yellowing performance
- Outdoor-durable automotive and industrial topcoats
- Electrical insulation coatings and potting compounds
- High-performance release coatings and anti-adhesive films
Key Features
- Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Resin (3,4-EE) contains no aromatic groups, delivering zero-yellowing performance under UV and outdoor exposure
- Lowest EEW (128–138) of commercial epoxies maximises crosslink density and thermal stability
- Ultra-low viscosity (<500 mPa·s) enables high-speed cationic UV coating and LED encapsulation processes
- Compatible with cationic photoinitiators (iodonium/sulfonium salts) for rapid UV or electron-beam curing