Butanox M-60 is a general purpose methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) for curing unsaturated polyester resins in the presence of a cobalt accelerator at room and elevated temperatures. As one of the recommended international brand products in our organic peroxide range, it is supplied with supply chain resource support for fabricators sourcing curing systems for gelcoat resins, laminating resins, lacquers, and castings.
Product Specifications
Specifications
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid |
| Total active oxygen | 9.8-10.0 % |
| Water content | 3.0 max. % |
Characteristics
| Density, 25 °C | 1.14-1.18 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity, 20 °C | 25 mPa.s |
Key Benefits of This MEKP Curing Agent
- 10% higher active oxygen content compared to Butanox M-50 for medium-reactive curing
- Guaranteed low water content, at 3.0% maximum
- Clear colorless liquid with consistent density and viscosity for accurate dosing
- Suitable for room and elevated temperature curing with a cobalt accelerator
- Can support light-resistant parts compared to a benzoyl peroxide/amine accelerator system
Applications Across Industries
Butanox M-60 supports a wide range of end-use applications across several industries:
- Marine: gelcoat and laminating resin curing for boatbuilding
- Construction: castings and reinforced construction components
- Artificial stone: lacquers and surface curing systems
- FRP pipe & tank: laminating resin curing for structural composite parts
This range of applications reflects why this MEKP is specified across both gelcoat and general laminating work, giving fabricators a single curing agent that can be standardized across multiple resin systems and part types.
Why the Higher Active Oxygen Concentration Matters
Because Butanox M-60 carries 10% higher active oxygen than Butanox M-50, it is positioned as a medium-reactive option within the Butanox family, giving fabricators a slightly faster cure profile when process conditions call for it. This makes it a practical choice when a formulation needs more reactivity than the standard M-50 grade without moving to a significantly different peroxide chemistry.
The guaranteed low water content, at 3.0% maximum, is also relevant to cure consistency, since excess water in an MEKP formulation can interfere with the decomposition reaction and affect gel time repeatability. Fabricators should confirm current active oxygen and water content specifications against the latest technical data sheet before finalizing a curing schedule.
Curing System Considerations
The curing system built around Butanox M-60 and a cobalt accelerator is particularly suitable for gelcoat resins, laminating resins, lacquers, and castings. Compared to a benzoyl peroxide and amine accelerator system, this MEKP and cobalt combination may allow the manufacture of light-resistant parts, which can matter for gelcoat surfaces and other visible composite components exposed to UV light over time.
Cure speed and gel time with this curing system depend on cobalt accelerator loading, ambient or process temperature, and the specific unsaturated polyester resin formulation being used. Fabricators should always run trial batches to confirm gel time and cure profile before committing to full production with a new resin and peroxide combination.
What to Consider When Sourcing This MEKP
When sourcing Butanox M-60, fabricators typically evaluate active oxygen content, water content, and viscosity data alongside their specific resin system and target cure profile. Working with a supplier that can provide consistent documentation and responsive technical support can help reduce qualification time when approving a new peroxide grade for a production line.
Buyers switching between MEKP grades or suppliers should confirm current active oxygen and water content specifications for their specific resin and accelerator combination, since gel time and cure profile can shift meaningfully between nominally similar MEKP products.
General Handling and Storage Guidance
As with most organic peroxide products, Butanox M-60 should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible materials such as accelerators or reducing agents, and used within the manufacturer’s recommended shelf life. Because organic peroxides are reactive materials, storage temperature and segregation from accelerators are important handling considerations.
Shelf life and specific storage temperature limits vary by batch and packaging format, so fabricators should always confirm current shelf life, recommended storage temperature, and handling precautions against the latest technical data sheet and safety data sheet for the specific batch they are working with.
Choosing Between Butanox M-60 and Other MEKP Grades
Thousands Chemicals also supplies Butanox M-50, the standard-reactivity grade that Butanox M-60 is positioned above with its 10% higher active oxygen content. Fabricators working with slower-curing resin formulations or lower ambient temperatures may find the standard M-50 grade sufficient, while those needing a faster cure profile at the same temperature range often evaluate this higher-reactivity grade.
Selecting between these grades depends on target gel time, ambient processing temperature, and the specific unsaturated polyester resin being cured. Our team can help match the correct MEKP grade to your resin system and production schedule.
Where to Source This Product
Thousands Chemicals supplies Butanox M-60 and related organic peroxide products through our digital B2B marketplace, with supply chain resource support for fabricators sourcing curing systems for gelcoat, laminating, and casting applications. Peroxide handling and classification are commonly referenced against guidelines published by ASTM International. Our team can help confirm packaging, lead times, and technical documentation for your target application and order volume.
Documentation We Can Provide
For buyers evaluating this MEKP for a new gelcoat, laminating, or casting project, our team can help arrange the current technical data sheet and safety data sheet. Having this documentation in hand before finalizing a curing schedule can help avoid delays later in your qualification or approval process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Butanox M-60
What is the active oxygen content of Butanox M-60?
It has a total active oxygen content of 9.8 to 10.0%, which is 10% higher than the standard Butanox M-50 grade.
What resins is this MEKP compatible with?
It is used for curing unsaturated polyester resins, including gelcoat resins, laminating resins, lacquers, and castings, in the presence of a cobalt accelerator.
What applications use it?
It is used across marine, construction, artificial stone, and FRP pipe and tank applications requiring gelcoat or laminating resin curing.
Can you provide technical documentation and bulk pricing?
Yes, technical data sheets and SDS documentation are available on request, and our team can provide bulk pricing and lead times based on your target volume and delivery location.
Get a Quote for Butanox M-60
Contact our team for a quote, technical data sheet, or SDS for this MEKP. We support bulk supply and global shipping for fabricators sourcing consistent, medium-reactive curing systems for gelcoat, laminating, and casting production.
