Epoxy amine hardeners — fast aliphatics DETA and TETA plus cycloaliphatic IPDA and PACM — for ambient and elevated-temperature cure of adhesives, coatings, and composites.
Amine curatives are the hardeners that react with epoxy resins to build a crosslinked thermoset network. They divide into two working classes for plastics and composites: aliphatic amines (diethylenetriamine and triethylenetetramine), which cure fast at room temperature, and cycloaliphatic amines (isophorone diamine and PACM), which cure slower but give better color and a higher glass-transition temperature. Match the curative to your cure schedule first, then to the service properties the part needs.
The trade-off is real and worth stating plainly. Aliphatic amines like DETA and TETA cure at ambient temperature, accept high filler loads, and cost less, but they have short pot life and can blush or yellow in humid conditions. Cycloaliphatic amines such as IPDA hold a longer pot life and resist color change, at a slower cure and a higher price. Use aliphatics for fast field work; specify cycloaliphatics where appearance and weathering matter.
PACM is the clarity curative in this group. It produces water-white castings and a high Tg, which suits clear encapsulants and premium composite tooling, and it usually needs a post-cure to reach full properties. For most ambient adhesive and laminating work, a DETA or TETA blend is enough. Reserve IPDA and PACM for parts where optical clarity, UV stability, or elevated service temperature justify the longer cure and added cost.
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