Synthesis, purification and curing properties of vinyl ester network

Abstract

PurposeTo prepare and characterise vinyl ester (Bisphenol‐A‐glycidyldimethacrylate (BisGMA)) prepolymer via a new synthetic route involving the esterification of methacrylic acid and epoxy resin.Design/methodology/approachBisGMA prepolymer was synthesised from methacrylic acid and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A‐type epoxy resin. The compound synthesised was then purified and characterised.FindingsBisGMA prepolymer was synthesised from methacrylic acid and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A‐type epoxy resin using triphenylphosphine as a catalyst and hydroxy toluene as a stabiliser. The synthesised compound was then purified by normal phase liquid chromatography and was analysed by proton NMR and reverse phase HPLC. The cure kinetics of the purified resin was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using NETZSCH thermo kinetics software.Research limitations/implicationsThe preparation, purification and kinetics study of the prepolymer described in the present investigation may be useful for preparation, purification and kinetics study of the other vinyl esters by a new synthetic route. Also, the polymer supports based on BisGMA have acceptable mechanical properties, chemical stability and are suitable for dental restoratives, fissure sealants, coatings, adhesives, moulding compounds, structural laminates, electrical applications and military/aerospace applications.Practical implicationsThe method for the preparation, purification and kinetics study of the prepolymer is simple and provides a simple and practical solution for some other vinyl esters.Originality/valueThis is a novel method for synthesis and purification of BisGMA and may be useful for the synthesis and purification of other vinyl esters.