Anti-hydrolysis additives increase the resistance of coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers to moisture- and water-induced degradation processes and delay the hydrolytic decomposition of polymeric materials. In polymer systems with hydrolysis-sensitive ester, urethane, or amide bonds in particular, moisture can lead to the formation of acidic degradation products that further accelerate the decomposition process. Without suitable hydrolysis protection, this results in progressive degradation of the polymer matrix, which can manifest itself in loss of strength, embrittlement, or reduced adhesion.
Carbodiimide-based hydrolysis protection additives in CASE systems work by reacting specifically with carboxyl-containing degradation products and chemically deactivating them. This effectively interrupts acid-catalyzed degradation and significantly increases the hydrolysis stability of the material. In addition, carbodiimides can act as functional crosslinkers by reacting with terminal or newly formed acid groups, thereby contributing to an increase in network density. This dual mechanism of action stabilizes the polymer structure in the long term and helps to maintain mechanical properties and long-term performance. The use of hydrolysis protection additives is therefore crucial to ensure the service life and functional reliability of CASE products, especially under humid, warm, or chemically demanding conditions.
