Derived from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and polyamines, phenalkamines provide exceptional tolerance to moisture during application, blush-free surface films, and outstanding adhesion to damp substrates — making them the industry standard for marine primers, waterproofing systems, and offshore coatings across the Arabian Gulf.
Technical specifications
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION | TEST METHOD |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Phenalkamine (CNSL-based polyamine) | — |
| Appearance | Amber to dark brown liquid | Visual |
| Viscosity @ 25°C | 500 – 5,000 mPa·s (grade dependent) | ASTM D445 |
| Amine Value | 200 – 350 mg KOH/g (grade dependent) | ASTM D2074 |
| AHEW | 110 – 200 g/eq (grade dependent) | Calculated |
| Colour (Gardner) | ≤ 14 max | ASTM D1544 |
| Density @ 25°C | 0.97 – 1.02 g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 |
| Flash Point | > 60°C | ASTM D93 |
| Shelf Life | 12 months sealed, 5–30°C | — |
| HS Code | 3824.99 |
Applications
- Marine Anti-Corrosion Primers — Primary hardener for marine primers and topcoats on vessels, port structures, and offshore platforms operating in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea.
- Waterproofing & Damp Substrate Bonding — Exceptional adhesion to damp concrete and masonry — critical for waterproofing membranes, basement coatings, and infrastructure protection in UAE and Saudi Arabia where substrate moisture control is challenging.
- Tank Linings & Immersion Coatings — Used in potable water tank linings where the coating system holds the required certification, chemical storage tank interiors, and sewage treatment plant coatings across GCC industrial facilities.
- Protective Topcoats on Steel — Used in two-component epoxy finish coatings on structural steel in coastal UAE environments — resists amine blushing under high relative humidity (> 85% RH) common in Dubai and Abu Dhabi summers.
- NEOM & Saudi Vision 2030 Projects — Phenalkamine-based systems meet the demanding environmental and durability specifications for mega-project coatings in Saudi Arabia — bridges, infrastructure, marine facilities, and industrial structures.
- Pipe Coating & Pipeline Protection — Used in fusion-bonded and liquid-applied epoxy pipe coatings for GCC oil, gas, and water distribution pipelines requiring moisture-tolerant cure in field conditions.
Key properties
- Moisture-tolerant cure — effective above 85% relative humidity
- No amine blush or exudation on film surface
- Excellent adhesion to damp concrete, steel, and wood
- Outstanding chemical resistance in immersion service
- Good flexibility combined with high film hardness
- Low temperature curing capability (above 5°C)
- Strong wetting of rusty and poorly prepared surfaces
- Long pot-life suitable for large-area spray application
- CNSL-based — partially bio-derived raw material
- Compatible with all standard BPA liquid epoxy resins
Usage and recommendations
Typical mix ratio: 60–100 g per 100 g epoxy resin (EEW 190) — varies by specific phenalkamine grade. Always calculate from actual AHEW on the batch COA and the EEW of the epoxy batch. In GCC summer conditions (45°C+), pot-life is reduced by 40–60% from the 25°C datasheet values — mix smaller batches and work in early morning hours. Can be used with RAYPOXY YR-128 liquid epoxy resin. Contact Raykem technical team for formulation guidance specific to your application and substrate.
Packaging
- 190 kg MS Barrel / Steel Drum
- IBC 950–1,000 kg (on request)
- Custom packaging available
Storage and shelf life
Store in sealed original containers at 5–30°C in a cool, ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Shelf life: 12 months from date of manufacture. Keep containers sealed when not in use — phenalkamines react with CO₂ and moisture on prolonged exposure.