Choosing the Right Specialty Anhydride: HHPA
Broadview Technologies continues its blog series on the many different specialty anhydrides available for customers to choose from. We know that there are many different aspects to consider when choosing the right specialty anhydride for a particular application or project, and our goal is to provide a detailed overview of several different anhydrides and when they’re best used. In this installation of the series, we take a closer look at HHPA.
What is HHPA?
Hexahydrophthalic Anhydride, or HHPA, is a solid organic acid anhydride primarily used as a hardener for epoxy resins. Like other organic acid anhydrides, HHPA’s chemical makeup features two acyl groups bonded to the same oxygen atom. The anhydride is also part of the family of alicyclic anhydrides, featuring the ring of carbon as shown in the image above.
HHPA is known for its high resistance to discoloration, low melt viscosity, and high mix ratio with epoxy, which has made it popular in applications that require high filler loadings. In addition, it also has an excellent resistance to yellowing and high temperature stability. The anhydride also features excellent dielectric properties and high glass transition temperatures.
The applications of HHPA
HHPA serves as an excellent intermediate for the manufacture of coating resins, plasticizers, alkyds, insect repellent, rust inhibitors, and coatings used in electronic applications. This particular product is preferred over other alicyclic anhydrides in casting and coating applications due to its high resistance to discoloration. It’s particularly useful for use in cured epoxy resins that require high durability and weather resistance, while needing to maintain high gloss at the same time.
The dielectric properties of this specialty anhydride have also made it popular in the formulation of potting compounds for electronics, as well as in pressure gelation moldings used in outdoor electrical applications.
About Broadview Technologies
Broadview Technologies has been a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty anhydrides, potting compounds, flexiblizers, and fire retardants since 1970. To view our full directory of products and their relevant documentation, check out our website, or contact us today with any questions or requests that you may have.
