Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

October, 2010

Compatibility of DuPont vs Beckers Activators

Q. Can the DuPont 192S activator be used in lieu of the Beckers TV182S? It was suggested that we could do this, but the mix ratios are different and I do not have any data to support chemical compatibility. My feeling is "no-can-do". I will understand a declined response if the question above is too sensitive in nature.

A. In my opinion you hit the nail on the head ... no can do. You need to balance the number of reactive chemical groups in Component A with the number of reactive groups in the curing agent (Component B). Only the formulator of Component A knows how many reactive groups there are. Going by the mix ratio is not the answer. Stick with one vendor and play it safe.

Regards,

Ron Joseph