Mutual influence of polymerization and polycondensation reactions in the curing of epoxide oligomers by amines

A study has been made of the mechanism of reactions of phenylglycidyl ether with aniline and n-butylamine in the presence of dimethylbenzylamine and diethylaniline. The mutual influence of polymerization and polycondensation processes during reactions of epoxide oligomers with mixtures of primary and tertiary amines was observed. It was found that depending on the reactivity ratio of primary and tertiary amines leading respectively to polycondensation or polymerization of epoxides, the total process could accordingly be accelerated or inhibited. Reasons for the kinetic effects observed are discussed.