Structure–Property Relationships in Epoxy-Amine Networks of Well-Controlled Architecture

Abstract

Series of epoxy-amine networks of well-controlled architecture were prepared by varying (a) the chemical nature of both diepoxide and primary diamine, (b) the nature and relative amount of the difunctional amine co-hardener and (c) the stoichiometric ratio. The 22 systems under study here proved to be very suitable for establishing connections between network structure and various physical and mechanical properties including glass transition, primary and secondary mechanical relaxations, modulus in the glassy state, plasticization and antiplasticization effects, water uptake and development of residual stresses. Most of these relationships were based on the consideration of the cross-link density, which affects the properties to a larger extent than the chain flexibility.