Effect of Active Diluents on Properties of Epoxy Compounds and Coatings Based on Them

The structure of an active diluent influences the rheological properties of epoxy compounds. The use of a linear alkyl glycidyl ether allows preparation of compounds with the lowest dynamic viscosity. As the active diluent content is increased from 0 to 20%, the period in which the network polymer is formed in the course of curing of epoxy compounds increases from 5 to 30 min because of a decrease in the rate of consumption of epoxy groups in the compound with an increase in the active diluent content. The elastic-strain and thermal properties of epoxy polymer films were studied. When using a linear alkyl glycidyl ether as an active diluent, the ultimate strength and glass transition temperature as functions of the diluent content pass through a minimum. Introduction of monofunctional active diluents into the compound leads to a decrease in the elastic modulus. An increase in their content in the compound from 5 to 20% does not affect the elastic modulus.