Reworkable Epoxies: Thermosets with Thermally Cleavable Groups for Controlled Network Breakdown

Abstract

A series of new cycloaliphatic epoxies were synthesized which have either secondary or tertiary ester bonds between cross-link sites. Thermal analysis data shows that the anhydride-cured epoxies with tertiary ester bonds can decompose at ∼220 °C, while those with primary ester links decompose at ∼340 °C. Dynamic mechanical analysis reveals that these new thermosets retain moduli comparable to the non-reworkable commercial thermosets with similar structure.