How does dicyandiamide compare with other epoxy curing agents in terms of performance and cost?

How does dicyandiamide compare with other epoxy curing agents in terms of performance and cost?
In epoxy curing agent selection, DICY stands apart as a heat-activated latent hardener, contrasting sharply with room-temperature aliphatic amines like ethylenediamine or diethylenetriamine, which cure quickly but offer short pot life and high exothermic heat. DICY's latency allows premixed one-component formulations stable for over six months at 25°C, a decisive advantage for automated dispensing and pre-preg manufacturing. Its curing profile at 160-180°C yields high glass-transition temperatures and robust thermal/chemical resistance, though this energy-intensive step is a drawback. Modified DICY products now cure at 110°C, narrowing the gap with mid-temperature systems while retaining cost benefits. Compared to anhydride hardeners, DICY offers simpler handling and lower volatility. For formulators, the trade-off is between DICY's superior storage stability and the faster, lower-temperature processing of amine blends, with total system cost often favoring DICY in high-volume industrial applications.