Epoxy resins from rosin acids: synthesis and characterization

A series of multifunctional cycloaliphatic glycidyl ester and ether epoxy resins were synthesized by reaction of condensed rosin acid-formaldehyde resins with epichlorohydrin. The chemical structure of the produced resins was determined by IR and H-1-NMR analysis. The molecular weight of the produced resins was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). A series of poly(amide-imide) hardeners were prepared from condensation of Diels-Alder adducts of rosin acidmaleic anhydride and acrylic acid with triethylene tetramine and pentaethylene hexamine. These amines were also condensed with Diels-Alder adducts of rosin ketones. The curing exotherms of the produced epoxy resins with poly(amide-imide) hardeners were investigated. The data of mechanical properties, solvent and chemical resistance indicate the superior adhesion of the cured epoxy resins. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.