1. Product Information

Chemical Name N,N,N',N'-Tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)adipamide
Product Code HAA / Hydroxyalkylamide
Molecular Formula C₁₄H₂₈N₂O₆
Molecular Weight 320.38 g/mol
Hydroxyl Value 78 – 82 g/eq
Melting Range 120 – 130 ℃
CAS No. 6334-25-4
EINECS No. 228-711-6

2. Description

HAA (Hydroxyalkylamide) is a compound containing hydroxyalkylamide groups. It is an excellent curing agent for weather-resistant polyester powder coatings. Compared to TGIC, which is widely used globally, HAA offers lower toxicity, no skin irritation, and faster curing speed [citation:2][citation:7]. Powder coatings produced with HAA exhibit outstanding outdoor performance, making it a truly green and environmentally friendly product [citation:2][citation:3].

✅ Key Advantages: HAA is the ideal alternative to TGIC, featuring low toxicity, environmental safety, fast cure, and excellent tribo-chargeability for friction spray applications [citation:2][citation:5].

3. Technical Specification

Property Specification
Appearance White to pale yellow powder
Hydroxyl Equivalent 82 ± 2 g/eq
Melting Range 120 – 130 ℃
Volatiles ≤ 1.0%
Reference: Technical specifications per GB/T 27807-2011 standard for polyester powder coating curing agents [citation:3].

4. HAA vs TGIC Performance Comparison

Toxicity HAA: Low toxicity (mouse oral LD₅₀ ~5.0 g/kg, ~12.5× less acutely toxic than TGIC), non-skin-irritating, Ames-negative; TGIC: Ames-positive, skin irritant [citation:1]
Environmental Safety HAA: No hazard classification required; TGIC: Subject to regulatory restrictions in EU and Australia [citation:1][citation:5]
Curing Speed HAA: Faster cure, lower temperature (160-180°C); TGIC: Higher temperature (~200°C) [citation:2][citation:9]
Thick Coating HAA: May have pinhole issues in thick films; TGIC: Better thick film performance [citation:2][citation:3]
Tribo Application HAA: Inherently tribo-chargeable; TGIC: Requires external tribo additives [citation:2][citation:5]
Cost HAA: Lower formulation cost [citation:1]
Note: HAA curing releases water as a by-product via condensation esterification. Pinholes may occur in thick coatings (>80 µm) [citation:1][citation:2]. Formulators should control film thickness accordingly.

5. Application

HAA is primarily used as a curing agent for polyester powder coatings, suitable for the following applications:

The manufacturing process for HAA systems is generally similar to other powder coatings. However, to enhance HAA dispersion, extrusion temperature should be slightly higher, approximately 115 – 120℃ [citation:2].

6. Use Level

For polyester resins with acid value in the range of 30 – 35 mg KOH/g, the recommended dosage of HAA is 5 – 6% of the polyester resin weight [citation:2][citation:7].

⚠ Important: HAA cannot be directly substituted for TGIC in conventional TGIC polyester systems. HAA-specific polyester resins (acid value 30-35) must be selected [citation:2][citation:7].

Dosage reference table:

Resin Acid Value (mgKOH/g) Suggested Ratio (Polyester / HAA)
18 – 2596.0 / 4.0
27 – 3295.5 / 4.5
32 – 3894.5 / 4.5
50 – 5592.5 / 7.5
Source: Typical HAA dosage recommendations based on resin acid value [citation:6].

7. Curing Conditions

Recommended curing conditions:

Benzoin Notice: HAA systems are sensitive to benzoin degassing agent. Excess addition may cause yellowing. Use appropriate polyester resins and minimize benzoin levels [citation:9].

8. Recommended Formulations

8.1 Glossy White Powder Coating (Reference Formulation)

Component Parts by Weight
Uralac® P 3214 (Polyester Resin) 623.3
HAA Curing Agent 32.9
Titanium Dioxide 330.0
Flow Agent 10.0
Benzoin (Degassing Agent) 2.8
Total 1000.0
Extrusion Conditions: Twin-screw extruder, temperatures 60℃/120℃/115℃, speed 400 rpm [citation:9]
Curing Conditions: 160℃ / 12 minutes or 180℃ / 6 minutes [citation:9]
Coating Thickness: ≈ 60 µm
Source: Covestro Uralac® P 3214 starting formulation [citation:9]

8.2 HAA-Cured Polyester Powder Coating Formulation Range

Component Parts by Weight
HAA-Specific Polyester Resin 50 – 60
HAA Curing Agent 3 – 7
Pigments & Fillers 30 – 50
Additives (Flow agent, degassing agent, etc.) As required

9. Packaging

Polyethylene-lined kraft paper bags. Net weight 25kg per bag [citation:2].

10. Storage

Store in a dry and cool place, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. This product is hygroscopic; reseal bags immediately after use. Shelf life is 1 year under normal storage conditions [citation:6].

11. Toxicity & Safety Measures

HAA exhibits approximately 1/12.5 the acute oral toxicity of TGIC (mouse oral LD₅₀: HAA 5.0 g/kg vs. TGIC 0.4 g/kg) and is Ames-negative (non-mutagenic), while TGIC is Ames-positive. HAA is not classified as a hazardous substance and does not require hazard labeling [citation:1][citation:5]. It shows low irritation to skin and eyes. Standard industrial hygiene practices are recommended during handling.

12. Disclaimer

No condition or warranty is to be assumed from the foregoing information. This information and all further technical advice is based on our present knowledge and experience. However, it implies no liability or other legal responsibility on our part, including with regard to existing third-part intellectual property rights, especially patent rights. In particular, no warranty, whether express or implied, or guarantee of product properties in the legal sense is intended or implied. We reserve the right to make any changes according to technological progress or further developments.

The customer is not released from the obligation to conduct careful inspection and testing of incoming goods. Performance of the product described herein should be verified by testing, which should be carried out only by qualified experts in the sole responsibility of a customer. Reference to trade names used by other companies is neither a recommendation, nor does it imply that similar products could not be used.