What is a Crosslinker?
Crosslinker 64 is a chemical additive that radically alters the physical properties of water-based polyurethane finishes such as Gloss 76.
- In their liquid state, the polymers in a topcoat form parallel and independent chains of molecules.
- A crosslinker acts as a chemical bridge.
- It creates permanent three-dimensional bonds between these independent chains.
- Transforming the finishing film into an ultra-dense and ultra-resistant molecular network.
Crosslinker 64, is chemically a polyaziridine:
- It belongs to a family of crosslinking agents highly valued for waterborne finishes due to its specific properties:
- Room temperature curing:
- It activates on its own during water evaporation during drying, without requiring high-temperature cooking.
- High density:
- It offers a very tight molecular mesh, which considerably hardens the top layer of the material.
- Anti -blocking properties:
- It prevents two treated surfaces from sticking to each other under pressure or heat (e.g., stacked car seats or leather clothing).
Benefits for the Material (Leather and Elastomers):
Adding a tiny amount of this crosslinking agent (generally at a concentration of between 2% and 5% of the topcoat volume) brings about major improvements:
- Extreme abrasion resistance:
- The top film is much more resistant to repeated rubbing, scratching and mechanical wear.
- Chemical barrier and waterproofing:
- The dense network prevents water, body sweat, sebum, alcohols and harsh cleaners from penetrating and dissolving the color.
- Superior adhesion:
- It increases the anchoring of the new Top Coat on substrates that are difficult to adhere to.
- Ideal Applications:
- Bicast, bycast, and PU-coated leather
- Worn or deteriorating leather topcoats
- Fixing sticky leather finishes caused by body oils, sweat, and cleaning residues
Precautions on Use:
- Pot Life:
- Once the Crosslinker is mixed with the topcoat, the chemical reaction begins.
- You generally have 4 to 10 hours to apply the product.
- After this time, the mixture will loose its properties and become unusuable.
Updated: March 19, 2025|June 24, 2025 | February 14, 2025 | September 22, 2026 by Roger Koh