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Imidazolium dicyanamide based room temperature ionic liquids as latent curing agents for epoxy systems
Dissertation   Open access

Imidazolium dicyanamide based room temperature ionic liquids as latent curing agents for epoxy systems

Amutha Jeyarajasingam
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Jun 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-6597
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Abstract

Epoxy resins Ionic solutions Chemical Engineering
Epoxy resins are used extensively as major components in adhesive and coating formulations, as encapsulants for electronic devices, and as matrix materials in structural composites. Latent curing agents for epoxies are important in the design of formulations where extended room temperature stability is required. Recently it was found that some room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) like 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide (EMIMDCN) exhibit latent cure behavior. Such RTILs are completely miscible in DGEBA resins and initiate cure at elevated temperatures (> 80°C). However, the reaction behavior, and the properties of the cured materials had not yet been known. The overall objective of this work was to obtain a better understanding of epoxy thermosets prepared using imidazolium dicyanamide RTILs as latent initiators. Two specific aims are associated with this work; (1) to investigate the reaction behavior of epoxy resins with EMIMDCN, and (2) to evaluate the processing and materials characteristics of this new class of latent epoxy systems. The results of this work represent significant advancements in the understanding of these systems. The first-time observation of adduct formation, its isolation, and its characterization, have resulted in significant progress towards elucidating the cure mechanism of the new system. Moreover, for the first time the mechanical and processing properties of these systems are reported indicating materials that have exceptional processing and behavioral characteristics.

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