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Published on: June 23, 2023
Identifying the Influences on Network Formation in Structural Isomers of Multifunctional Epoxies Using Near-Infrared
Matthew B Whittaker1, Joel P Foreman1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom.
The study compares network formation in epoxy resins using different isomers of triglycidyl aminophenol and diaminodiphenyl sulfone. Isomer structure significantly impacts reactivity and cross-linking, influencing network homogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Organic Chemistry
Background:
- Epoxy resins are crucial thermosetting polymers.
- Understanding network formation is key to tailoring material properties.
- Structural isomers can lead to distinct reaction pathways and network architectures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the network formation of epoxy-rich formulations.
- To compare the curing behavior of structural isomers of triglycidyl aminophenol (TGAP) and diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS).
- To elucidate how isomer structure influences reactivity, cross-linking, and network homogeneity.
Main Methods:
- Near-infrared spectroscopy for monitoring functional group concentrations.
- Resin temperature monitoring to track curing exotherms.
- Analysis of epoxide, primary, secondary, and tertiary amine concentrations.
- Comparison of resin temperature with oven cure schedule.
Main Results:
- 3,3'-Diaminodiphenyl sulfone (33'DDS) formulations showed higher initial reactivity than 44'DDS formulations.
- Triglycidyl-meta-aminophenol (TGmAP) formulations exhibited faster secondary amine consumption and tertiary amine formation, indicating earlier cross-linking.
- Etherification occurred earlier in TGpAP formulations compared to TGmAP.
- Internal cyclization was observed in meta-isomer formulations, leading to a more homogeneous network in TGpAP/44'DDS compared to TGmAP formulations.
Conclusions:
- The specific structural isomer of both TGAP and DDS significantly influences epoxy network formation kinetics.
- Reactivity, cross-linking progression, and the occurrence of side reactions like cyclization and etherification are isomer-dependent.
- Tailoring isomer selection offers a route to control network homogeneity and material properties in epoxy systems.
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