EPOXY POLYMER MODIFICATION WITH METALS

The modification of epoxy polymers with some metal cations, viz., Zn2+, Fe3+ and Mn4+, has been studied. These cations were introduced into the epoxy matrices by hardening of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A with the chelates of the metal salts with some aliphatic amines. Studies center on the dependence of the mechanical strength and heat resistance of the metal containing epoxy chelate polymers, on the type of metal and anion introduced, and on the quantity of the hardeners in the compositions. The modification of the epoxy polymers with Zn2+ and Fe3+ increases the strength and heat resistance significantly. These metal-containing hardeners have excellent processability and can be used to produce high strength and high thermal resistance thermosets.