Diethylenetriamine (DETA)

Diethylenetriamine (DETA) is used in a broad array of applications.
In epoxy application, it can be used directly as hardener or as building-block for Polyamidoamines.

Adhesives and Sealants
DETA is used as a hardener for epoxy resins. It finds application in hot-melt, pressure-sensitive, and heat-seal adhesives for leather, paper, plastic, and metal.

Coatings
DETA is utilised as hardener for epoxy resins. It can react with the epoxy group, accelerated by phenols, acids and certain alcohols producing a cross-linked structure.

Detergents
It is used in the synthesis for chelating agents, surfactants and fabric softeners.

Inks
Reacted with di- and polybasic fatty acids, DETA is used in the production of polyamide resins used as binders in flexographic printing inks on certain paper, film, and foil webs. Thermoplastic polyamides are similarly used in formulating glossy, abrasion-resistant, overprint varnishes.

Pulp and Paper
DETA is mainly used as building block for wet strength resins for paper applications. It is converted with a dicarboxylic acid (for example adipic acid) into a polyaminoamide which is subsequently cross-linked with epichlorohydrin.,

Other
Additional applications of DETA include asphalt-additives, corrosion inhibitors, lubricant oil/fuel additives, and mineral processing aids.
Within the chemistry of metal complexes DETA is an import chelate raw material. It is converted with bromine acetic acid to DTPA (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid).