Epoxy resins are a three-dimensional amorphous polymer network. Deriving their name from the epoxy functional group present in the prepolymer material, the chemistry that results in their formation is well known. Curing of the epoxy resin occurs when a hardening agent, normally a primary or secondary amine, is added. The hardener then reacts with the epoxy group resulting in ring opening and bond formation. Although this chemistry is relatively simple, the types of three-dimensional structures that form can vary drastically because of the availability of many different epoxy prepolymers and hardeners. Because of the diversity of precursor materials, the properties of cured epoxy resins are highly tunable, resulting in their use in protective coatings, reinforced resins, electrical applications, bonding, adhesives, and much more. Significant research has been performed not only on the development of these epoxy resin materials but also on their properties, structure, and chemical characterization including thermal decomposition. Understanding the thermal decomposition pathways of these epoxy resins is extremely important in understanding the failure modes of these materials when used in extreme conditions such as in space applications. Such understanding can allow for improvements in the properties of these materials. Here, a multifunctional high temperature microfurnace, used for evolved gas analysis mass spectrometry (MS) and in combination with thermal desorption/pyrolysis gas chromatography MS, were used to better understand the influence of heating parameters on thermal decomposition rates and products for epoxy resins under both an inert and oxidative atmosphere.

Understanding the thermal decomposition of cured epoxy resin using pyrolysis GC-MS

ACS Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting

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