Binary frontal polymerization: A new method to produce simultaneous interpenetrating polymer networks (SINs)

Abstract

We report a new method for the preparation of a simultaneous interpenetrating polymer network (SIN) using a thermal propagating front of two independent and noninterfering polymerization mechanisms. The system consists of the free radical crosslinking of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TGDMA) and the amine/BCl3 · amine curing of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). The front velocity dependence on the percentage of each monomer shows a minimum at 45% TGDMA. Temperature profile measurements indicate that a single reaction front propagates. A colored opaque material is produced, but SEM and TEM analysis were inconclusive whether phase separation occurred. Samples as large as 5 cm in diameter were prepared with this method. We conclude that this method should be especially suited for preparing large samples of IPNs in which significant phase separation occurs. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Evaluation and control of thiol–ene/thiol–epoxy hybrid networks

“…Previous investigations have focused on dual curing modes in acrylate/vinyl ether [5,6], vinyl ether/epoxy [7,8], or acrylate/epoxy systems [9][10][11], providing tailorable mechanical properties and improved polymerization kinetics. Investigations have shown the importance of monomer composition in controlling the final conversion and the polymer glass transition temperature [4], as well as the importance of cure sequence in acrylate/epoxy hybrid systems on the final resin conversion and morphology [12,13].…”

Frontal polymerization as a convenient technique for the consolidation of tuff

“…Since the nineties, a great deal of work has been done mainly by Pojman et al who studied macrokinetics and dynamics [8][9][10][11][12] and new frontally polymerizing systems [13][14][15]; Morbidelli et al suggested the application of FP to the preparation of copolymers [16] and blends [17]; Washington and Steinbock published on the preparation of hydrogels by FP [18,19].…”

Frontal polymerization with encapsulated initiator

“…Pojman et al developed a process for producing Functionally Graded Polymeric materials (FGMs) using FP [1], polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) via frontal curing of epoxies [2], and Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) formation [3]. The very nature of FP is itself an advantage because reactions are concentrated in a very narrow region.…”