Isophorone diamine
Isophorone diamine is a diamine with the formula 3C6H7. It is a colorless liquid. It is a precursor to polymers and coatings.Production
It is usually produced as a mixture of the cis- and trans-isomers. It is produced by hydrocyanation of isophorone followed by reductive amination and hydrogenation of the nitrile.Uses
IPDA is used as a precursor in the manufacture of isophorone diisocyanate by phosgenation.
Like other diamines, it is a curing agent for epoxy resins. When used in coatings applications the higher cost compared to other amines is justified by the enhanced UV stability and thus lower yellowing tendency. In the production of Advanced composite materials its higher cost compared to other amines is less critical as performance is the key criteria. Cycloaliphatic amines such as IPDA also are known to have lower yellowing tendency than other amines and are thus used in coatings applications where this feature is important for aesthetics.
