BASF and Sika have announced the commercial launch of Baxxodur EC 151, a groundbreaking epoxy hardener developed through their collaborative efforts. This innovative amine building block promises to redefine flooring applications in the construction industry, offering a suite of sustainable and performance-enhancing benefits.

Baxxodur EC 151 is designed to address key challenges faced in traditional epoxy resin flooring. Its low viscosity and superior flow properties simplify application, ensuring an even and aesthetically pleasing finish. Critically, this new hardener significantly reduces the need for thinners, resulting in up to 90% fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to conventional alternatives. This dramatic reduction in VOC emissions positions Baxxodur EC 151 as a pivotal component in creating ultra-low VOC formulations, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally responsible construction materials. Furthermore, the formulation enables the incorporation of a higher proportion of mineral fillers, contributing to both cost reduction and enhanced sustainability.

One of the most notable advantages of Baxxodur EC 151 is its exceptional curing performance across a broad temperature range. This feature is particularly beneficial in colder climates or during winter months, where traditional hardeners often struggle, or even "freeze". Baxxodur EC 151 facilitates reliable curing even at temperatures between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, expanding the applicability of epoxy resin coatings in diverse environmental conditions. Moreover, the curing time is significantly reduced, by up to two thirds, enabling faster turnaround times and quicker return-to-service for treated areas. This rapid curing means that flooring can be made walkable shortly after application, minimizing downtime.

The aesthetic qualities of epoxy resin coatings formulated with Baxxodur EC 151 are equally impressive. The cured surfaces exhibit a high-gloss finish, free from the clouding or “blushing” that often plagues conventional hardeners, especially in edge regions. The resulting coatings possess excellent color stability and are highly resistant to mechanical and chemical influences, ensuring long-term durability and significantly reducing maintenance costs. This durability is crucial for high-traffic environments such as production plants, storage and assembly halls, and parking decks, where robust flooring solutions are essential.

The successful development of Baxxodur EC 151 is a testament to the strong collaboration between BASF and Sika. Sika, leveraging its deep expertise in construction chemicals, developed the new amine building block as a high-performance hardener, demonstrating its efficacy in their Sikafloor floor coatings. BASF, in turn, applied its extensive chemical engineering prowess to develop and scale up a suitable manufacturing process, transitioning the innovation from laboratory to industrial production.