Synthesis, characterization of Mannich base oligomers used with epoxy resin for glass fibre-reinforced laminates

Abstract

This article aims to modify conventional epoxy resin by blending with four different Mannich base oligomers. These oligomers are similar to phenolic resin matrix and simultaneously function as amino curing agent for epoxy matrix. In this context, Mannich base oligomers were prepared, respectively, by Mannich polycondensation reaction of four phenols namely phenol, m-cresol, resorcinol and 1,5-dihydroxy naphthalene, respectively, with formaldehyde and piperazine in presence of acid catalyst. The resulting oligomers were characterized by elemental analysis, spectral studies (IR and NMR), number average molecular mass \( {\bar{M}}_{\rm n} \) estimated by non-aqueous conductometric titration and thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Each of these oligomers was used in resin matrix as a blending component for the modification of commercial epoxy resin for fabricating glass fibre reinforced laminates. Finally, these laminates were evaluated for their synergetic thermal stability, mechanical properties and chemical resistance to different reagents.