Distribution analysis of epoxy groups in polymers by derivatization-electron probe X-ray microanalysis

An analytical method, referred to as "derivatization-electron probe X-ray micro-analysis (XMA)", has been developed to determine the distribution of a small amount of the functional groups in a polymer. The suitable conditions for the derivatization reaction with epoxy groups, which contribute to the hardening reactions of polymers, were investigated. It was found that epoxy groups in polymers were derivatized selectively using gas-phase esterification with hydrochloric acid (HCI). The most suitable amount of HCl in a 50 ml vial was 300 microl. After setting a sample in the vessel without directly contacting the reagent, by reacting the reagent and the sample at 25 degrees C for 1 h, the highest reaction yield and selectivity were obtained. By derivatization-XMA using this reaction condition, the measurement of the distribution of epoxy groups in the polymer became feasible. Actual applications to a depth analysis of epoxy groups in the hardened acrylic coating and epoxy resin proved that this method is useful for the characterization of polymers and for the study of the hardening reaction of polymers.