Bisphenol-1,2,3-triazole (BPT) Epoxies and Cyanate Esters: Synthesis and Self-Catalyzed Curing

Abstract

Novel bisphenol-1,2,3-triazole (BPT) resins, including epoxy (DGE-BPT) and cyanate ester (BPTCE) systems, were prepared and used in curing chemistry with no added reagents or catalysts. The materials were characterized relative to conventional epoxies and cyanate esters, in terms of curing and thermal properties, and the curing process and products were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC), and small scale flame tests. These novel BPT-based resins cure in the absence of added catalysts and exhibit exceptionally low heat release and high char residue. Despite the absence of antiflammable additives (either halogenated or inorganic compounds), BPTCE itself was found to be nonignitable, with extremely high char residue value (67%) and extraordinarily low heat release capacity (HRC of ∼10 J/(g K)).