Self-emulsified waterborne epoxy hardener without acid neutralizers and its emulsifying and curing properties

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to prepare a new self-emulsified waterborne epoxy hardener which can emulsify the liquid epoxy resin in aqueous media without addition of acid neutralizers. Design/methodology/approach Two synthetic steps were adopted to prepare novel self-emulsified amine-epoxy adduct type hardener composition based on the reaction of a commercially available polyetheramine, bisphenol A epoxy resin and triethylene tetramine. The different factors affecting the synthesis of the waterborne epoxy hardener were explored by emulsifying and curing properties. The process and products were analyzed and confirmed by FIRT. Findings Compared to an introduction of polyether as a hydrophilic segment in previous literature, whose reaction required Lewis acid catalysts and strict control of the presence of water, the introduction of polyetheramine to obtain a novel self-emulsified waterborne epoxy hardener were concise and convenient by mere two amine-epoxy addition steps in this research. Moreover, the final product offered good film formation with a practical value of mechanical properties, glass transition temperature and water-resistant property. Practical implications The self-emulsified waterborne epoxy hardener can be used to prepare water-resistant waterborne coatings from liquid epoxy resins while also providing the option of zero VOC formulations. Originality/value Introduction of hydrophilic polyether amine to prepare self-emulsified waterborne epoxy hardener without acid neutralizers has not been systematically studied previously.

Laboratory evaluation on water-based and flexible epoxy/SiO₂ nanocomposites to enhance anti-sliding effectiveness of pavement

“…In order to solve this dilemma, the curing agents with the ability of emulsifying epoxy resin were developed. Yin et al [21] used a modified aliphatic amine to form a curing agent that could directly emulsify epoxy resin.…”

Investigation on One-Component Waterborne Epoxy Emulsified Asphalt (OWEEA) Used as Bonding Material

“…Zhang et al [22] modified bisphenol, an epoxy resin, with a paminobenzoic acid modifier to prepare an epoxy resin with hydrophilic groups, and found that the epoxy resin had good self-emulsifying properties. By introducing polyetheramine, Yin et al [23] prepared a new self-emulsified waterborne epoxy hardener that can emulsify a liquid epoxy resin in aqueous media without the addition of acid neutralizers. At present, the typical WER systems studied usually consist of two components: a WER and a curing agent.…”

Effect of nanotitanium‐based hybrid materials and methyl methacrylate/nitrile rubber/graphene oxide on the microstructure and anticorrosion properties of waterborne epoxy resin coatings

“…[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] However, traditional organic solvent-borne epoxy resins are ecologically unfriendly and represent a threat for the environment owing to the existence of highly volatile organic compounds (VOCs). [21][22][23] Waterborne polymer coatings have attracted the interest of researchers due to environment protection, strong adhesion, and film forming properties. [24][25][26][27] In which waterborne epoxy resins generally exhibit increased water dispersion upon introduction of hydrophilic groups or segments into the epoxy backbone or side chains, decreasing the content of VOCs.…”

“…In particular, epoxy resins have become a source of concern for wide‐spread development in flame retardancy and dielectric materials, self‐healiing, glass composites, and fiber metal laminates for their exclusive performances, such as chemical resistance, excellent adhesion, insulation, mechanical strength and thermal stability 12–20 . However, traditional organic solvent‐borne epoxy resins are ecologically unfriendly and represent a threat for the environment owing to the existence of highly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 21–23 . Waterborne polymer coatings have attracted the interest of researchers due to environment protection, strong adhesion, and film forming properties 24–27 .…”