ARALDITE® 2014-3 CMR-free : the new benchmark in epoxy from Huntsman
Samaro is proud to introduce ARALDITE® 2014-3 from Huntsman.
As the official distributor in France, we’re bringing you the next-generation, non-CMR, BPA*-free epoxy.
ARALDITE® 2014-3: CMR-free
In response to increased safety and compliance requirements, Huntsman is upgrading its core range of epoxy adhesives with ARALDITE® 2014-3 CMR-free. This new generation builds on the ARALDITE® heritage of mechanical strength and durability, while adopting a formulation designed to better protect operators and meet current regulatory frameworks.
The objective is twofold: to maintain the level of performance expected from an ARALDITE® structural epoxy and to reduce exposure to substances of concern in accordance with HSE best practices and industry expectations. ARALDITE® 2014-3 is thus establishing itself as the new benchmark in the core range for high-stress assemblies, including those subject to thermal and chemical stresses.
What has changed between ARALDITE® 2014-2 and ARALDITE® 2014-3
Huntsman is upgrading its range by gradually replacing ARALDITE® 2014-2 with ARALDITE® 2014-3. The aim is to maintain the performance/reliability DNA of ARALDITE® structural epoxies while strengthening the HSE profile with CMR-free and BPA*-free reformulation. The product logic, use and positioning remain the same: a two-component, thixotropic epoxy adhesive designed for assemblies subjected to demanding thermal and chemical environments, with the key benefit of a transition that is as seamless as possible for users.
Advantages:
- HSE compliance: CMR-free formulation and bisphenol A*-free.
- Extended thermal resistance:
- upper limit increased from +140°C to +160°C;
- lower limit extended from –55°C to –60°C.
- Extended thermal resistance:
- Upper limit range from +140 °C → +160 °C
- lower limit extended from –55 °C → –60 °C
- Continuity of use: same application philosophy (two-component epoxy, thixotropic rheology, structural use), for adoption without process disruption.
- Consistent performance: mechanical and environmental resistance properties designed to remain at the benchmark level of the ARALDITE® range—with targeted improvements depending on the conditions of use.
- Adjusted chemical architecture: substituted resin while retaining the same hardener, for equivalent or superior target performance.
| Identity sheet – ARALDITE® 2014-3 | |
|---|---|
| Type and formulation | Two-component (A/B) epoxy, structural, thixotropic, 2:1 mix ratio. |
| Appearance/colour | Dark grey paste |
| Mixing ratio and rheology | A:B ratio: 100:50 by mass. Viscosity: thixotropic application in thick joints and in a vertical position. |
| Process time | Pot life: ≈ 120 minutes at 23 °C, according to TDS. |
| Operating range / thermal resistance | Designed for harsh environments; operating temperature up to ~+160 °C. |
| Key mechanical properties | Shear strength (Aluminium, RT): ≈ 15 MPa. Elongation at break: ≈ 1.6%. |
| Résistances environnementales | Good chemical resistance and environmental resistance for applications exposed to metals, composites and electronic components. Positioning of use Structural bonding requiring high strength, dimensional stability and high temperature service for transport, industrial and electronic applications. |
| Note on rewording | 2014-3 is part of the evolution of the core range and replaces 2014-2 with an enhanced HSE profile and extended thermal envelope, while retaining the same application logic. |
2014-3 in practice: key properties
- High thermal resistance. ARALDITE® 2014-3 is designed for harsh environments and can withstand temperatures of up to 160°C, securing assemblies close to heat sources (crankcases, housings, engine areas, etc.).
- Benchmark mechanical strength. The product delivers a shear strength of ≈ 15 MPa (aluminium, RT) and an elongation at break of ≈ 1.6% — a balance of rigidity and toughness suitable for structural assemblies under stress.
- Environmental and chemical resistance. The formulation ensures good resistance to chemical attack and the environment (humidity and harsh atmospheres), which broadens the range of industrial applications (transport, equipment and electronics).
- Thixotropic rheology (does not sag). 2:1 two-component adhesive with thixotropic behaviour, ideal for thick joints, vertical/off-position bonding and wedging of components, while helping to control gaps.
- Convenient working time. A working time of approximately 120 minutes at 23°C facilitates the assembly of large or multi-point parts before pressurisation/final assembly.
Sustainability and eco-friendly packaging
To accompany the non-CMR reformulation, Huntsman is rolling out post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic cartridges for the new generation of ARALDITE®. According to the official announcement, this packaging reduces the carbon footprint by up to ~36% compared to virgin plastic cartridges, while maintaining the same quality requirements for storage, extrusion and tool compatibility.
In practice:
- PCR option available on the reformulated range.
- No impact on use expected for operators: identical cartridge format, unchanged implementation.
- Measurable CSR contribution: reduction in the use of virgin plastics and CO₂ packaging.
Best practices
For installation:
- Prepare the surfaces. Degrease with wipes, remove dust/oxides, then create controlled micro-roughness (fine sanding or light shot blasting). Remove dust and degrease again just before bonding. Refer to the HSE precautions in the SDS (gloves, goggles, ventilation).
- Dosage & mixing. ARALDITE® 2014-3 is a thixotropic two-component epoxy with a 2:1 (A:B) 100:50 mix ratio by weight. Weigh each component accurately and mix by scraping the sides/bottom until you obtain a perfectly homogeneous colour and texture (without streaks).
- Working time. The pot life is approximately 120 minutes at 23°C. Organise the assembly (positioning, clamping, cleaning up excess) within this time frame to ensure the wettability and cohesion of the joint.
- Application. The thixotropic rheology (does not sag) allows for clean vertical deposits and thick joints. Apply a continuous bead, use spacers to control the joint thickness, assemble and apply controlled pressure (clamping/tightening) to ensure intimate contact between the surfaces.
For removal:
 |
VBM MR 400 | Fit the 2:1 cartridge to the VBM MR 400 gun, purge A/B without a mixer to check synchronisation, then clip on a 2:1 static mixer. Set the angle to 15–30°, apply a continuous bead at a steady speed. Use spacers for thickness, assemble and apply controlled pressure. Ideal for small batches/touch-ups; use a gun with a high thrust ratio for thixotropic paste. |
 |
VBA MR 400B | Connect to clean/dry air via regulator + filter. Gradually increase the pressure until the flow is smooth, purge A/B, install the mixer. Adjust the pressure for a smooth bead; avoid overpressure (bubbles, A/B imbalance). Suitable for high speeds and high viscosities. |
Common best practices:
- Purge before use: extrude 3–5 cm to ensure a homogeneous mixture.
- Pot life ≈ 120 min at 23 °C: prepare only what is needed, do not exceed the working window.
Change the mixer after prolonged breaks or if the bead is uneven. - Application: continuous bead, spacers to control thickness, clamping/tightening for intimate contact between surfaces.
- Safety: PPE (gloves/goggles), ventilation; comply with the SDS.
* Formulated without intentionally added BPA or substances classified as CMR
❓FAQ – ARALDITE® 2014-3
🔹Do the mixing ratio and rheology change?
No. It is still a thixotropic 2-component epoxy, A:B = 2:1 (100:50 by mass), suitable for thick joints and vertical deposits.
🔹What is the pot life?
Approximately 120 minutes at 23°C (varies depending on temperature, mixed mass and joint geometry).
🔹Which key mechanical properties should be retained?
Balance between rigidity and toughness for structural assembly: high shear strength, high modulus, controlled elongation at break, and tensile strength increased to ≈45 (compared to ≈30 previously).
🔹Which substrates is it suitable for?
Primarily metals (steel, aluminum, etc.), composites, and equipment/electronics parts that require a structural adhesive with resistance to temperature and/or chemical exposure.
🔹What HSE guidelines should be followed?
Even though it’s CMR-free*, it remains a technical chemical product: follow the SDS Parts A/B (gloves, goggles, ventilation, storage, waste) and CLP labelling.
🔹Where can I buy the new ARALDITE® adhesives?
In France, the reformulated adhesives are available from Samaro, Huntsman’s official distributor, which provides customers with tailored technical and application support.
