Triethylenetetramine (TETA)

Triethylenetetramine (TETA) is an aliphatic polyamine epoxy curing agent containing four amine groups (two primary, two secondary) with an amine hydrogen equivalent weight (AHEW) of approximately 24 g/eq. TETA is slightly less reactive than DETA but offers a more balanced cure profile — longer pot life, lower exotherm in large castings, and slightly better flexibility in the cured system. It is widely used in epoxy laminating systems, adhesives, coatings, and civil engineering applications. TETA provides excellent adhesion to glass fiber reinforcements, making it a standard choice in hand lay-up epoxy laminates where room-temperature cure is required. Its crosslink density is somewhat lower than DETA, resulting in higher impact resistance and better toughness, while chemical resistance remains good. The stoichiometric ratio is approximately 13 parts TETA per 100 parts of standard bisphenol A epoxy (EEW ~190). Like DETA, TETA is a skin sensitizer and requires appropriate PPE. It is frequently used as the base amine for producing adducts with improved handling properties and reduced blush. Standard industrial and composites grade.