Effect of the nature and associate structure of an epoxy oligomer on the rate of its curing with diamine

The supramolecular structure of a number of epoxy oligomers, monofunctional epoxy compounds, their mixtures, an oligoamine curing agent, and curing systems on their basis is studied by dynamic light scattering. In all of the starting oligomers and their mixtures, light scattering centers are detected that may be considered as the associates (aggregates) of oligomer molecules. The structure of associates that is determined by the flexibility of the oligomer chain, its branching degree, and the presence of proton-donor groups capable of hydrogen bonding is suggested. The relationship between the rate of curing of epoxy oligomers and their mixtures with oligoamine and the associate structure of oligomers and the nature of the substituent at the glycidyl group of the oligomer is ascertained.