SYNTHESIS OF ZINC-CONTAINING EPOXY-RESIN

Novel epoxy resins containing zinc acrylate have been synthesized by reacting zinc acrylate with bisphenol-A and an excess of epichlorohydrin. Parameters such as epoxy equivalent weight, hydroxyl content, and hydrolyzable chlorine content have been estimated. These resins, characterized by IR, H-1-NMR, and C-13-NMR, have been evaluated by thermal analysis. Curing was carried out with polyamide at 130-degrees-C for 24 h. Cured resins have improved thermal and chemical resistance. The reaction follows first-order kinetics with activation energy 86 and 34 kJ mol-1 in the presence and absence of zinc acrylate. The role of zinc, which increases epoxidation due to formation of complex with bisphenol-A, has been discussed. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.