Catalytic curing of epoxy–anhydride binders under the action of azo compounds

Abstract

A series of azo compounds were studied by differential scanning calorimetry as catalysts of the reaction of UP-643 epoxy–novolac resin with various anhydrides. The latency of the catalysts was revealed. The principal possibility of making epoxy formulations with long pot life, from 10 to 30 days at room temperature, and curing at elevated temperatures to obtain network polymers and composites with high physicomechanical and thermomechanical characteristics was demonstrated. The polymers prepared in the presence of azo compounds with functional groups exhibit increased glass transition point and, correspondingly, enhanced heat resistance.