AC conductivity and dielectric properties of 2-(2,3-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-ylimino)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetonitrile thin films

The dark AC conductivity and dielectric properties of thermally evaporated 2-(2,3-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-ylimino)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetonitrile (DOPNA) thin films in sandwich structure employing symmetrical gold ohmic contacts have been investigated as function of temperature (303–443 K) and frequency (100 Hz–5 MHz). The AC conductivity, σ_AC(ω), is found to obey Jonscher’s universal power law, σ_AC(ω)=Aω^s (ω is the angular frequency). The AC conductivity of DOPNA thin films has been analyzed with reference to various theoretical models. The correlated barrier hopping is found to be the dominant conduction mechanism for charge carrier transport; the maximum barrier height, hopping length and the density of localized states are estimated. The temperature dependence of the AC conductivity shows Arrhenius type with two thermal activation energies. The activation energies are determined as a function of frequency. The behavior of the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant as a function of both temperature and frequency is discussed.     

Ion dynamics and relaxation behavior of NaPF6-doped polymer electrolyte systems

The present paper discusses the ion dynamics of a novel polymeric system prepared by doping of NaPF₆ in a lab-prepared polymer matrix. Ion dynamics of the system is analyzed by presenting the impedance data in different formalisms. Mobility (and hence the conductivity) continuously increases with salt concentration, and the phenomenon is correlated with salt’s plasticization nature, which is reconfirmed by the shifting of minima in ∂logε′/∂logω vs. logω curve towards high frequency. It has been observed that number of charge carriers (N′) estimated from conductivity data do not represent the real charge concentration in the system. Within the experimental frequency (∼MHz) range, three different regions are identified in ∂logσ vs. ∂logω curves namely (i) dc conductivity/free hopping, (ii) correlated ion hopping, and (iii) caged movement of ions. In the present case, also a scaled master conductivity curve is obtained by estimating the σ ₀ and ω _p (exclusively in Jonscher Power Law or JPL region) according to our previously proposed method. Scaling is realized with respect to salt concentration and temperature, which is an indication that salt concentration and temperature are only governing the number of charge carriers and mobility without affecting the underlying ion transport mechanism. Non-Debye-type relaxation phenomenon is indicated by KWW exponent β (<1). Relaxation times, obtained from tanδ vs. logω curves, inversely follow the conductivity, indicating strongly correlated ion-polymer segmental motions.

     

The origin of DC electrical conduction and dielectric relaxation in pristine and doped poly(3‐hexylthiophene) films

We present here the evidence for the origin of dc electrical conduction and dielectric relaxation in pristine and doped poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) films. P3HT has been synthesized and purified to obtain pristine P3HT polymer films. P3HT films are chemically doped to make conducting P3HT films with different conductivity level. Temperature (77–350 K) dependent dc conductivity (σ_dc) and dielectric constant (ε′(ω)) measurements on pristine and doped P3HT films have been conducted to evaluate dc and ac electrical conduction parameters. The relaxation frequency (f_R) and static dielectric constant (ε₀) have been estimated from dielectric constant measurements. A correlation between dc electrical conduction and dielectric relaxation data indicates that both dc and ac electrical conductions originate from the same hopping process in this system. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1047–1053, 2010     

AC Conduction and Time–Temperature Superposition Scaling in a Reduced Graphene Oxide–Zinc Sulfide Nanocomposite

We report, herein, the results of an in depth study and concomitant analysis of the AC conduction [σ′(ω): f=20 Hz to 2 MHz] mechanism in a reduced graphene oxide–zinc sulfide (RGO–ZnS) composite. The magnitude of the real part of the complex impedance decreases with increase in both frequency and temperature, whereas the imaginary part shows an asymptotic maximum that shifts to higher frequencies with increasing temperature. On the other hand, the conductivity isotherm reveals a frequency‐independent conductivity at lower frequencies subsequent to a dispersive conductivity at higher frequencies, which follows a power law [σ′(ω)∝ω^s] within a temperature range of 297 to 393 K. Temperature‐independent frequency exponent ′s′ indicates the occurrence of phonon‐assisted simple quantum tunnelling of electrons between the defects present in RGO. Finally, this sample follows the “time–temperature superposition principle”, as confirmed from the universal scaling of conductivity isotherms. These outcomes not only pave the way for increasing our elemental understanding of the transport mechanism in the RGO system, but will also motivate the investigation of the transport mechanism in other order–disorder systems.     

Conductivity and modulus formulation in lithium modified bismuth zinc borate glasses

The conductivity and modulus formulation in lithium modified bismuth zinc borate glasses with compositions xLi₂O–(50-x) Bi₂O₃–10ZnO–40B₂O₃ has been studied in the frequency range 0.1 Hz–1.5 × 10⁵ Hz in the temperature range 573 K–693 K. The temperature and frequency dependent conductivity is found to obey Jonscher's universal power law for all the studied compositions, the dc conductivity (σ_dc), crossover frequency (ω_H), and frequency exponent (s) have been estimated from the fitting of the experimental data of ac conductivity with Jonscher's universal power law. Enthalpy to dissociate the cation from its original site next to a charge compensating centre (H_f) and enthalpy of migration (H_m) have been estimated. It has been observed that number of charge carriers and ac conductivity in the lithium modified bismuth zinc borate glasses increases with increase in Li₂O content. Further, the conduction mechanism in the glass sample with x = 0 may be due to overlapping large polaron tunneling, whereas, conduction mechanism in other studied glass samples more or less follows diffusion controlled relaxation model. The ac conductivity is scaled using σ_dc and ω_H as the scaling parameter and is found that these are suitable scaling parameter for conductivity scaling. Non-Debye type relaxation is found prevalent in the studied glass system. Scaling of ac conductivity as well as electric modulus confirms the presence of different type of conduction mechanism in the glass samples with x = 0 and 5 from other studied samples. The activation energy of relaxation (E_R) and dc conductivity (E_dc) are almost equal, suggesting that polarons/ions have to overcome same barrier while relaxing and conducting.     

Effect of ZnNiCrFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> content on structural and dielectric properties of polyaniline based nanocomposites,synthesized via in-situ chemical polymerization

Zn_0.5Ni_0.4Cr_0.1Fe₂O₄ nanopowder and its composite with polyaniline were successfully prepared by using wow sol-gel and in situ chemical polymerization respectively. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Dielectric properties were investigated as function of frequency by using impedance analyzer. The results showed the presence of the two intended phases. The ac conductivity was found to obey Jonscher’s universal power law. The dielectric constant and loss showed dispersion in low frequency region. Impedance analysis revealed the semiconducting behavior of the investigated samples.     

Effects of processing conditions on rheological,thermal, and electrical properties of multiwall carbon nanotube/epoxy resin composites

We report on the effect of processing conditions on rheology, thermal and electrical properties of nanocomposites containing 0.02–0.3 wt % multiwall carbon nanotubes in an epoxy resin. The influence of the sonication, the surface functionalization during mixing, as well as the application of external magnetic field (EMF) throughout the curing process was examined. Rheological tests combined with optical microscopy visualization are proved as a very useful methodology to determine the optimal processing conditions for the preparation of the nanocomposites. The Raman spectra provide evidence for more pronounced effect on the functionalized with hardener compositions, particularly by curing upon application of EMF. Different chain morphology of CNTs is created depending of the preparation conditions, which induced different effects on the thermal and electrical properties of the nanocomposites. The thermal degradation peak is significantly shifted towards higher temperatures by increasing the nanotube content, this confirming that even the small amount of carbon nanotubes produces a strong barrier effect for the volatile products during the degradation. The ac conductivity measurements revealed lower values of the percolation threshold (pc) in the range of 0.03–0.05 wt %. CNTs for the nanocomposites produced by preliminary dispersing of nanotubes in the epoxy resin, compared to those prepared by preliminary functionalization of the nanotubes in the amine hardener. This is attributed to the higher viscosity and stronger interfacial interactions of the amine hardener/CNT dispersion which restricts the reorganization of the nanotubes. The application of the EMF does not influence the pc value but the dc conductivity values (σ_dc) of the nanocomposites increased at about one order of magnitude due to the development of the aforementioned chain structure. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011     

Synthesis,characterization, conduction,and dielectric properties of tetra tert-butylsulfanyl substituted phthalocyanines

The tert-butylsulfanylphthalonitrile has been prepared with optimized synthetic procedure. Metal free (H₂Pc) and metallo phthalocyanines (Pcs) (ZnPc, CoPc, CuPc, PbPc) have been synthesized by cyclotetramerization of tert-butylsulfanylphthalonitrile in the presence of DBU and metal salts. Thus, tert-butylsulfanyl groups enhance the solubility, shift the Q band absorption to the red visible region, and inhibit efficient cofacial interaction of the Pcs (2–6) as evaluated by UV–vis spectra. The electrical conduction and dielectric properties of the synthesized Pc thin films sandwiched between indium tin oxide and aluminum electrodes (ITO–Pc–Al) were investigated from 300 to 500 K. At low bias voltage the conduction is ohmic while at high bias voltage the conduction becomes space charge limited with an exponential distribution of traps. The measured ac conductivity data are discussed in terms of classical models based on pair approximation. It was found that the ac conductivity obeys the power law given by σ_ac = σ₀ω^s, in which the frequency exponent s decreases with temperature. The real and imaginary parts of the impedance are found to be dependent on both frequency and temperature.     

Optical and electrical properties and conduction mechanism of [(CH3)2NH2]2CoCl4

Monoclinic crystals of [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₂CoCl₄ are of the space group P2₁/n. Unit cell dimensions are as follows: a = 8.5393 Å, b = 11.3905 Å, c = 13.4069 Å and β = 91.02°. This compound undergoes several phase transitions. The optical properties were measured by means of UV–visible absorption spectroscopy in the range 200–800 nm. Analysis of the data revealed the existence of direct allowed optical transition mechanisms with bandgap energy equal to 3.84 eV. The electrical conductivity of [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₂CoCl₄ was studied in the frequency range 10⁻¹–10⁶ Hz and in the temperature range 411–449 K by means of impedance spectroscopy. Impedance and modulus analyses indicated temperature-independent distribution of relaxation times and non-Debye behavior in this material. A super-linear power law was observed for the AC conductivity, which was analyzed based on the jump relaxation model σ_ac = σ_dc + A₁ω^s1 + A₂ω^s2. Accordingly, the first AC term A₁ω^s1 corresponds to translational hopping motion and the second term A₂ω^s2 to well-localized hopping and/or reorientational motion. Conduction takes place via correlated barrier hopping in phases I and II.     

Role of aluminum ions on the dielectric and conducting properties of multiferroic Tb1−xAlxMnO3: Study at high temperatures

Dielectric and conducting properties of Tb_1−xAl_xMnO₃ (x = 0, 0.05) synthesized by the solid–state reaction method have been investigated. The Al ion has the same valence as substituted Tb but is nonmagnetic and its small size gives rise to microstructural strain which affects the multiferroic properties of the parent compound. Samples were characterized by means of complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS) in the frequency range from 40 Hz to 5 MHz, at temperatures above room temperature. The conductivity curves for the two samples are well fitted by the Jonscher law σ(ω) = σ_dc + Aωⁿ. Results of the fitting procedure indicate that for the studied samples, the hopping motion involves localized hopping without the species leaving the neighbors. Frequency dependence of the dielectric constant (ε″) and tangent loss (tan δ) display a dispersive behavior at low frequencies that can be explained on the basis of the Maxwell–Wagner model and Koop's theory. The relaxation dynamics of charge carriers has been studied by means of the electric modulus formalism. In turn, the variation of the imaginary part of the complex impedance, Z″, shows a peak at a relaxation angular frequency (ω_r) related to the relaxation time (τ) by τ = 1/ω_r. The complex impedance spectra (Nyquist plots) show well-defined semicircles which are strongly dependent on the Al-doping level and temperature. The complex impedance data have been modeled using electrical equivalent circuits.     

Influences of nonsolvent and temperature on critical viscoelastic behaviors of ternary polyacrylonitrile solutions around the sol-gel threshold

Viscoelastic experiments were performed to study the influence of nonsolvent and temperature on critical viscoelastic behaviors of ternary polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solutions around the sol-gel threshold. The dynamic critical parameters around the sol-gel threshold were determined using dynamic rheometer. The sol-gel transition takes place at a critical gel temperature at which the scaling law of G′(ω) ∼ G″(ω) ∝ ωⁿ holds, allowing an accurate determination of the critical gel temperature by means of the frequency independence of the loss tangent. Although the gel points of PAN solutions increase with increasing H₂O content, the results show that the scaling exponent n at the gel point is found to be universal for all ternary PAN solutions, which is independent of temperature and H₂O content, indicating the similarity of the fractal structure in the critical PAN gels. The gelation of ternary PAN solutions induced by adding a nonsolvent and by decreasing the temperature is demonstrated to be a thermoreversible process, which implies that the PAN gels are physical gels. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2637–2643, 2008     

An infiltration method for preparing single‐wall nanotube/epoxy composites with improved thermal conductivity

Recent studies of SWNT/polymer nanocomposites identify the large interfacial thermal resistance at nanotube/nanotube junctions as a primary cause for the only modest increases in thermal conductivity relative to the polymer matrix. To reduce this interfacial thermal resistance, we prepared a freestanding nanotube framework by removing the polymer matrix from a 1 wt % SWNT/PMMA composite by nitrogen gasification and then infiltrated it with epoxy resin and cured. The SWNT/epoxy composite made by this infiltration method has a micron‐scale, bicontinuous morphology and much improved thermal conductivity (220% relative to epoxy) due to the more effective heat transfer within the nanotube‐rich phase. By applying a linear mixing rule to the bicontinuous composite, we conclude that even at high loadings the nanotube framework more effectively transports phonons than well‐dispersed SWNT bundles. Contrary to the widely accepted approaches, these findings suggest that better thermal and electrical conductivities can be accomplished via heterogeneous distributions of SWNT in polymer matrices. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1513–1519, 2006     

胶质液体泡沫(CLA)的形成及其稳定性研究

以研究胶质液体泡沫(CLA)内部结构及其特性为最终目的, 对组成为十二烷基醇聚氧乙烯(3)醚(AEO-3)/正癸烷/十二烷基硫酸钠(SDS)/水的CLA体系形成过程和稳定动力学行为进行了电导率测定和光学显微观察. 通过上述两过程的电导率变化探明了CLA的形成和稳定性动力学行为, 并被光学显微照片所证实. 实验结果表明CLA的形成是一个低能量乳化过程, 经历了水相泡沫化→油相替代气泡乳化→CLA形成. 在整个乳化过程中, 没有发生相的转变现象, CLA呈O/W型乳状液. 其稳定性并不遵守一级动力学模型. 在常温下, 其电导率曲线呈直线关系; 当温度超过318.15 K时, 其电导率曲线近似于Langmuir等温线形. 并可用Sigmoidal模型σ_t=(σ₁－σ₂)/[1＋e^(t－t₀)/S] ＋σ₂较好的拟合, 式中, σ_t表示t 时的电导率值(μS/cm); t表示时间(min); σ₁, σ₂分别代表存储过程中电导率最小值和最大值(μS/cm); t₀对应于σ_t等于 1/2(σ₁＋σ₂)的时间t值(min); S描述了电导率曲线陡峭程度(min). 并提出了CLA的破乳过程包括液膜排液和液膜破裂两个阶段, 同时伴随有絮凝过程发生的稳定性机理.     

Imidazolium‐based poly(ionic liquid)s with poly(ethylene oxide) main chains: Effects of spacer and tail structures on ionic conductivity

Ten types of cationic glycidyl triazole polymers (GTPs) are prepared from combinations of five alkyl‐imidazolium units (methyl‐, ethyl‐, n‐propyl‐, iso‐propyl‐, and n‐butyl‐imidazoliums) and two spacers [di‐ and tri(ethylene glycol)s]. Since these poly(ionic liquid)s are prepared from the same sample of glycidyl azide polymer by postfunctionalization method, they have the same degree of polymerization. Therefore, the structure–property relationship can be discussed without influence of molecular weight difference. The samples are characterized by NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The ionic conductivity data are obtained by impedance measurements. The GTPs with the tri(ethylene glycol) spacer and ethyl‐ and n‐butyl‐imidazolium units afford the highest anhydrous conductivity of 1.5 × 10^?5 S cm^?1 at 30 °C. Based on electrode polarization (EP) analysis, we calculate the conducting ion (carrier) concentration and mobility. We discuss the effect of the spacer and N‐alkyl tail structures on the ionic conductivity using the data obtained by EP analysis and X‐ray diffraction. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 2896–2906     

Correlating backbone‐to‐backbone distance to ionic conductivity in amorphous polymerized ionic liquids

The morphology and ionic conductivity of poly(1‐n‐alkyl‐3‐vinylimidazolium)‐based homopolymers polymerized from ionic liquids were investigated as a function of the alkyl chain length and counterion type. In general, X‐ray scattering showed three features: (i) backbone‐to‐backbone, (ii) anion‐to‐anion, and (iii) pendant‐to‐pendant characteristic distances. As the alkyl chain length increases, the backbone‐to‐backbone separation increases. As the size of counterion increases, the anion‐to‐anion scattering peak becomes apparent and its correlation length increases. The X‐ray scattering features shift to lower angles as the temperature increases due to thermal expansion. The ionic conductivity results show that the glass transition temperature (T_g) is a dominant, but not exclusive, parameter in determining ion transport. The T_g‐independent ionic conductivity decreases as the backbone‐to‐backbone spacing increases. Further interpretation of the ionic conductivity using the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann equation enabled the correlation between polymer morphology and ionic conductivity, which highlights the importance of anion hoping between adjacent polymer backbones. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012     

Hyperbranched block copolymer from AB2 macromonomer: Synthesis and its reaction‐induced microphase separation in epoxy thermosets

In this contribution, we reported the synthesis of a hyperbranched block copolymer composed of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and polystyrene (PS) subchains. Toward this end, we first synthesized an α‐alkynyl‐ and ω,ω′‐diazido‐terminated PCL‐b‐(PS)₂ macromonomer via the combination of ring‐opening polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization. By the use of this AB₂ macromonomer, the hyperbranched block copolymer (h‐[PCL‐b‐(PS)₂]) was synthesized via a copper‐catalyzed Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition (i.e., click reaction) polymerization. The hyperbranched block copolymer was characterized by means of ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. Both differential scanning calorimetry and atomic force microscopy showed that the hyperbranched block copolymer was microphase‐separated in bulk. While this hyperbranched block copolymer was incorporated into epoxy, the nanostructured thermosets were successfully obtained; the formation of the nanophases in epoxy followed reaction‐induced microphase separation mechanism as evidenced by atomic force microscopy, small angle X‐ray scattering, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 368–380     

Control of reaction mechanisms in cationically polymerized epoxy resins facilitates the adjustment of morphology and mechanical properties

Structure–property relations of cationically polymerized epoxy thermosets with different morphologies are examined. The morphology adjustment of amorphous epoxy based copolymers and partially crystalline polymer alloys is carried out with star‐shaped poly(ε‐caprolactone) (SPCL) bearing various numbers of hydroxyl end groups. These hydroxyl groups are known for their reactivity toward epoxides following the activated monomer (AM) mechanism. For this reason, four‐armed SPCL was synthesized with four hydroxyl end groups (SPCL‐tetraol) and, in addition, with successively esterified ones down to a SPCL with four ester end groups (SPCL‐tetraester). SPCL species bearing fewer or no hydroxyl end groups segregate into needle‐like nanodomains within the epoxy networks and, if the concentration is high enough, also into crystalline domains. The stronger phase separation of SPCL‐tetraester within the epoxy network compared with SPCL‐tetraol is due to a reduction of the AM mechanism. The mechanical properties resulting from different morphologies lead to a trade‐off between higher storage moduli and T_g values in the case of the more phase separated (and partially crystalline) polymer alloys and higher strain at break in the case of the amorphous copolymers. Nevertheless, in both cases toughness is improved or at least kept on the same level as for the pure epoxy resin. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016 , 54, 2188–2199     

Dielectric relaxation processes and ionic conduction behaviour in poly(ethylene oxide)–montmorillonite clay nanocomposite aqueous colloidal suspensions

The relative complex dielectric function, electric modulus, alternating current (ac) electrical conductivity and complex impedance spectra of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)–montmorillonite (MMT) clay aqueous colloidal suspension (hydrocolloids) were investigated over the frequency range 20 Hz to 1 MHz at 27 °C. The relaxation time corresponding to electrode polarisation and Maxwell–Wagner polarisation processes (ionic conduction) were determined from these plots. The direct current (dc) electrical conductivity is evaluated from the fitting of real part ac conductivity data to the Jonscher power law. A correlation of increase in dc conductivity and decrease of ionic conduction relaxation time with increase of clay concentration is discussed considering intercalation of PEO chains and its dynamics and exfoliation of MMT clay nanoplatelets in these complex fluids. The formation of PEO–MMT clay supramolecular lamellar nanostructures with increase in continuity of lamellae arrangements were explored for the structural conformation of these nanocomposite novel materials.     

Simulation of local ion transport in lamellar block copolymer electrolytes based on electron micrographs

A method is presented to relate local morphology and ionic conductivity in a solid, lamellar block copolymer electrolyte for lithium batteries, by simulating conductivity through transmission electron micrographs. The electrolyte consists of polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) mixed with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide salt (SEO/LiTFSI), where the polystyrene phase is structural phase and the poly(ethylene oxide)/LiTFSI phase is ionically conductive. The electric potential distribution is simulated in binarized micrographs by solving the Laplace equation with constant potential boundary conditions. A morphology factor, f, is reported for each image by calculating the effective conductivity relative to a homogenous conductor. Images from two samples are examined, one annealed with large lamellar grains and one unannealed with small grains. The average value of f is 0.45 ± 0.04 for the annealed sample, and 0.37 ± 0.03 for the unannealed sample, both close to the value predicted by effective medium theory, 1/2. Simulated conductivities are compared to published experimental conductivities. The value of f_Unannealed/f_Annealed is 0.82 for simulations and 6.2 for experiments. Simulation results correspond well to predictions by effective medium theory but do not explain the experimental measurements. Observation of nanoscale morphology over length scales greater than the size of the micrographs (～1 μm) may be required to explain the experimental results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017 , 55, 266–274     

Calorimetric studies on an anhydride‐cured epoxy resin from diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A and diglycidyl ether of poly(propylene glycol). I. Onset of diffusion control during isothermal polymerization

Calorimetric studies on a series of anhydride‐cured epoxy resins, in which the epoxy oligomer is a mixture of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) and diglycidyl ether of poly(propylene glycol) (DGEPPG) in different mole ratios, were carried out. DGEPPG is a flexible epoxy oligomer that was used to tune glass transition temperature for the fully reacted epoxy resin. Conversion versus time curves for the systems with different DGEBA/DGEPPG mole ratios (not including the neat DGEPPG system) were found to overlap with each other in mass‐controlled reaction regime, indicating similar reactivities of epoxy groups in both epoxy oligomers. Onset of diffusion‐controlled reaction regime for different systems was estimated by fitting the conversion versus time data using a phenomenological kinetic equation, as well as from direct comparison of the conversion versus time curves. For the systems (i.e., 0, 10, and 30% DGEPPG) that vitrify during reaction, the crossover from mass‐controlled to diffusion‐controlled reaction occurs close to the onset of the vitrification, where T_g is about 25–30 K below the reaction temperature. For the system (i.e., 50% DGEPPG system) that does not vitrify during the reaction, such crossover still occurs when the T_g of the mixture reaches a value about 25 K below the reaction temperature. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2155–2165, 2008