Multifunctional carbodiimides are designed for low temperature crosslinking with carboxyl functional polymers as shown in Figure 7-17.
N-acyl urea Figure 7-17: Reaction of Carbodiimides with Carboxyl Group |
Pot life is limited due to the hydrolysis of the carbodiimide group to urea, and these systems are best supplied as two component systems. Hydrolysis is slowest at pH 8.5 to 9.0, and formulations should be maintained within this range. Additives containing carboxylic acids or their salts should be avoided where possible, since they can react with the crosslinker, affecting the performance of the latter.