Relationship of molecular structure and resin performance for a series of diglycidyl ethers

Abstract

An investigation of the relationship between molecular structure and polymer performance has been made for a series of six diglycidyl ethers. The resins evaluated were those based on the bisphenols derived from methyl ethyl, methyl isobutyl, methyl n‐amyl, methyl n‐nonyl, methyl‐n‐heptadecyl and di‐n‐heptadecyl ketones. The first three members of this series gave performances close to those of the diglycidyl ether of p,p′‐bisphenol acetone. The long chain members of the series showed poorer over‐all performance but did exhibit significant hydrophobic character in the cured specimens. The cured diglycidyl ethers showed variation attributed to both length and configuration of the alkyl chain. An increase in length of straight chain resulted in lowered heat distortion temperature, hardness, shear strength, and organic solvent resistance. Branching in the alkyl chain imparts improved performance characteristics.