Epoxy resin modified by aliphatic cyclic carbonates

Abstract

Abstract Bidentate and tridentate cyclic carbonates obtained from the reaction of aliphatic epoxy compounds with carbon dioxide were used for the modification of an epoxy resin. The compositions obtained exhibited low viscosity, short gel time, and low exothermic effect accompanying the crosslinking. On the basis of model reactions, a mutually accelerating effect of epoxy and cyclic carbonate groups on the crosslinking of the studied systems by triethylenetetramine was found (synergistic effect). The cured epoxide–cyclic carbonate compositions exhibited considerably higher impact resistance and tensile strength in comparsion with epoxy resins.