Synthesis and curing of liquid crystalline epoxy resin based on asymmetric mesogen

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 126; no. 2; pp. 527 - 535
• Main Authors: Xiao, Yong, Cao, Lu, Feng, Jinhua, Yuan, Liangjie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15-10-2012; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Acetal resins; activation energy; Anhydrides; Applied sciences; asymmetric mesogen; Asymmetry; Chemical properties; Curing; curing of polymers; Differential scanning calorimetry; Epoxy resins; Exact sciences and technology; Liquid crystals; liquid-crystalline polymers (LCP); Materials science; Methane; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymers; Properties and testing; synthesis; Technology of polymers; liquid-crystalline polymers (LCP); synthesis; curing of polymers; Epoxy resin; Mesomorphic state structure; Curing (plastics); Experimental study; Modeling; Phase transitions; Schiff base; Diamine; Kinetic model; Liquid crystal polymers; Preparation; Kinetics; Activation energy; asymmetric mesogen
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.36817

A novel liquid crystalline epoxy resin (LCER) derived from asymmetric mesogen unit was synthesized. Its structure and liquid crystalline behavior were characterized by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (H‐NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM). The results indicated that the LCER converted to a nematic phase at 85°C during heating and finally became isotropic at 145°C. The curing behavior and phase behavior of the LCER with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane and methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride were also studied by DSC and POM, respectively. Their apparent activation energy (Ea) was evaluated according to the Ozawa's isoconversional method. The results suggested that autocatalytic reaction had occurred in these two systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012