Overview
EN ISO 4597-1:2008 (ISO 4597-1:2005) establishes a standardized method of designation for hardeners and accelerators for epoxy resins. The standard defines a compact, coded label - a four-group numeric “designation” - that conveys key product information such as chemical base, organic modifiers/solvents, viscosity class and additives. The objective is to make it easier for users to compare and select products when manufacturers include the designation on technical data sheets.
Key topics and requirements
- Designation format: Four groups of two digits (e.g., 06 12 02 00).
- Group 1 = chemical base (aliphatic, aromatic, cycloaliphatic, polyaminoamides, dicyandiamide, imidazoles, onium salts, polythiols, etc.).
- Group 2 = organic modifiers or solvents (reactive/non‑reactive agents, accelerators, solvents).
- Group 3 = viscosity class (defined ranges at 23 °C, measured per ISO 3219 or equivalent viscometer).
- Group 4 = additives (fillers, colorants, thixotropic agents, emulsifiers, etc.).
- Numeric class coding: Each two‑digit group denotes a class (01, 02, 03…). The numerical value indicates the composition or a defined range for that property as listed in the standard’s table.
- Measurement reference: Viscosity classification refers to ISO 3219 (rotational viscometer with defined shear rate γ = 10 s‑1) or another equivalent standardized viscometer.
- Scope limits: Special properties (e.g., pot life, cure kinetics, mechanical performance) are not encoded in the designation and must be reported as actual measured values with reference to appropriate test methods.
- Practical note: Designation groups identify likely similar-use products but do not replace the need for full property data and manufacturing tolerances.
Applications and users
- Manufacturers and formulators of epoxy resin systems use the designation to label hardeners and accelerators consistently.
- Specifiers, purchasers and design engineers benefit when selecting compatible curing agents for coatings, adhesives, composites and potting materials.
- Quality assurance and test laboratories use the system to categorize materials and streamline documentation.
- Procurement teams and regulatory/compliance staff use the designations to compare commercial products quickly.
Related standards
- ISO 3219 - referenced for viscosity measurement method.
- EN ISO 4597 (other parts or later editions may cover additional aspects; consult national standards bodies for updates).
Use EN ISO 4597-1:2008 designation codes on technical data sheets to speed product selection and improve clarity in specifications for epoxy resin hardeners and accelerators.
