1,6-Hexanediol diglycidyl ether is an organic chemical in the glycidyl ether family. It is an aliphatic compound that is a colorless liquid. It has two epoxide (oxirane) groups per molecule. Its main use is in modifying epoxy resins especially viscosity reduction whilst flexibilizing.[2] It is REACH registered.[3]
Its main use is for reduction of viscosity in epoxy resin systems - it is thus an epoxyreactive diluent. The chain length helps give some degree of flexibility as an epoxy resin has rigid aromatic rings which are planar.[6] These systems may then be formulated into CASE applications: Coatings,[7]Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers, and composite materials. The use of the diluent does effect mechanical properties and microstructure of epoxy resins.[8][9]
Toxicity
The toxicity is fairly well understood.[10] It is classed as a skin irritant, skin sensitizer, allergen and has caused contact dermatitis.[11][12]
^Crivello, James V. (2006). "Design and synthesis of multifunctional glycidyl ethers that undergo frontal polymerization". Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry. 44 (21): 6435–6448. Bibcode:2006JPoSA..44.6435C. doi:10.1002/pola.21761. ISSN0887-624X.
^Monte, Salvatore J. (1998). "Diluents and viscosity modifiers for epoxy resins". In Pritchard, Geoffrey (ed.). Plastics Additives. Polymer Science and Technology Series. Vol. 1. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands. pp. 211–216. doi:10.1007/978-94-011-5862-6_24. ISBN978-94-011-5862-6.
^Howarth G.A "Synthesis of a legislation compliant corrosion protection coating system based on urethane, oxazolidine and waterborne epoxy technology" page 23 Master of Science Thesis April 1997 Imperial College London