Synthesis and characterization of epoxy resins containing arsenic acrylate

The properties of epoxy resins containing arsenic acrylate have been compared with that of a blank epoxy resin (DGEBA). The values of epoxide equivalent, hydroxyl content, hydrolyzable chlorine content, and specific gravity increased, whereas refractive index decreased in the epoxy resins containing arsenic acrylate (AsA(3)). This is attributed to a complex formation between an As and an oxygen atom in the resin, as evidenced from IR spectroscopy. The reaction is first order (ER(3)) with an activation energy of 53 kJ/mole. The epoxy resin with As cured with polyamide at 30 degrees C, showed chemical resistance and excellent thermal stability compared with blank epoxy resin (epoxy resin without As).