Application of polymers containing tertiary amino groups as curing accelerators and modifiers of epoxy‐anhydride systems

Abstract Low‐molecular weight accelerators that contain amino groups are often toxic. Polymer‐based curing accelerators can help reduce toxicity while improving mechanical properties. The use of a polymer containing tertiary amino groups as a curing accelerator for epoxy‐anhydride systems was considered. The compatibility of such a reactive polymeric modifier with components of the epoxy system was studied. The possibility of introducing the reactive polymeric modifier into the epoxy system through preliminary dissolution in an anhydride hardener is shown. The pot life of uncured epoxy‐anhydride systems, as well as the impact, mechanical, adhesive, and thermophysical properties of cured samples containing the reactive polymeric modifier in comparison with epoxy systems containing a conventional imidazole curing accelerator, were studied. For systems containing the polymeric modifier, an increase in impact toughness was achieved, as well as an acceleration of curing of the epoxy‐anhydride system. The gelation time at 100°C of the epoxy‐anhydride systems containing the reactive polymeric modifier is shorter compared to the unmodified system and the system containing the conventional imidazole curing accelerator. The cured epoxy‐anhydride samples with the reactive polymeric modifier preserve optical transparency. Highlights Polymer curing accelerator for epoxy resins. Curing kinetics of the epoxy systems containing the polymer accelerator were studied. Impact, mechanical, and adhesive properties of cured samples were studied.