MECHANISM OF IMIDAZOLE CATALYSIS IN THE CURING OF EPOXY RESINS.

Model studies of imidazole catalysis in the curing of epoxy resins were carried out with monoepoxides phenylglycidyl ether (PGE), and trichloromethylethylene oxide (TCME), respectively, using 2-methylimidazole as the curing agent. The reactions were followed by FTIR spectroscopy. Some of the products formed during the course of the polymerization were isolated and identified by chemical methods. The presence of a carbonyl compound among these products and recovery of the imidazole itself were particularly noteworthy. Possible pathways for formation of the various reaction products were discussed. The authors investigations demonstrate for the first time the true catalytic function of the imidazole and also suggested possible mechanisms for regeneration of the catalyst.