1、Substituting the epoxy curing agent with a greener solution

The use of bio-degradable curing agents in epoxy resins shows a prominent step towards more environment friendly and sustainable materials. There are still various challenges to overcome, such as cost and availability but the environmental impacts are very significant.

2、Effects of Curing Agents on the Adhesion of Epoxy Resin to

Although the adhesion of epoxy resins has been extensively studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, few studies have evaluated the effect of hardener molecules.

3、The epoxy resin system: function and role of curing agents

Curing agents are critical components of aqueous epoxy resin systems. Unfortunately, its uses and applications are restricted because of its low emulsifying yields. Epoxy resins are frequently used in electrical devices, castings, packaging, adhesive, corrosion resistance, and dip coating.

Ammonium Salts as Curing Agents to Obtain Ionic Epoxy Resins With a

Conceptual comparison between: A) the conventional epoxy network formed by curing a diepoxide with a primary diamine, and B) the proposed use of ammonium salts as curing agents for epoxy resins.

Investigation of curing systems in modified epoxy anticorrosion

This study elucidated the mechanism by which the molecular structure of the curing agent influenced the anti-corrosion performance of epoxy coatings, further improving the research method for studying the constitutive effects of the curing agent system in simulation work on anti-corrosive coatings, and providing effective guidance for screening ...

(PDF) Substituting the epoxy curing agent with a greener solution

In addition, most of the conventional curing agents used in epoxy resins are highly noxious in nature causing skin allergies and asthma. The green epoxy resin is capable of reducing these...

Effects of Stoichiometric Variations in L

For the purpose of reducing environmental and health risks in the production of fibre-reinforced polymers, biomolecules are increasingly examined as alternative resources. For example, amino acids can serve as curing agents for epoxy resins. However, their particular appearance and possible reactions differ from those of conventional hardeners.

Substituting the epoxy curing agent with a greener solution‐towards

This paper presents the prediction of mechanical properties by replacement of conventional curing agent with amine derivative synthesized from bio-degradable resource in a thermoset epoxy resin system. The properties are predicted by molecular dynamics simulations using Materials Studio Software.

A critical review of dynamic bonds containing curing agents for epoxy

Investigated the mechanical, thermomechanical, thermal, and recycling properties of the epoxy thermosets cured by developed curing agents. Addressed the challenges, opportunities and emerging trends in the field.

Thermal curing of epoxy resins at lower temperature using 4

In this study, we present N -methyl- N -pyridyl amide derivatives as thermal latent curing agents for use at lower temperatures, along with their mechanism of epoxy curing through the generation of the highly reactive 4- (methylamino)pyridine (4MAPy) (Figure 1).

In the field of modern materials science, epoxy resins—an essential class of organic polymer materials—have gained widespread applications in industries such as electronics, construction, and automotive manufacturing due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. traditional epoxy curing processes rely on reactions between the resin and curing agents (e.g., polyethyleneamines), which not only pose significant environmental concerns but also limit their use in specialized applications. Consequently, the exploration of epoxy resins without curing agents has emerged as a hot topic in materials science, offering both theoretical significance and practical potential.

As a critical thermosetting resin, epoxy typically requires the addition of curing agents to initiate cross-linking reactions for hardening. While this approach is straightforward, it falls short in specific scenarios. For instance, in environmentally sensitive applications, conventional curing agents may fail to meet eco-standards. Similarly, in cases demanding rapid or low-temperature curing, traditional methods often prove inadequate.

Under such circumstances, developing epoxy resins without curing agents becomes a compelling objective. Various methods have been proposed for fabricating such resins, with notable approaches including chemical bonding and ion exchange. These strategies share the common goal of replacing traditional curing agents through alternative mechanisms.

Chemical bonding involves introducing specific functional groups that enable the resin to spontaneously react with substrates during curing. A classic example is the use of silane coupling agents, which contain siloxane groups capable of reacting with epoxy molecules. When the resin contacts a substrate, these siloxane groups react with surface hydroxyl groups, forming stable chemical bonds that facilitate curing.

Ion exchange, meanwhile, leverages internal ion-exchange reactions within the resin. In this method, ions in the resin are replaced by a curing agent that triggers ion-exchange reactions. Upon contact, the curing agent’s ions displace those in the resin, initiating the curing process.

Beyond these approaches, other innovative methods are under exploration. These include photocatalytic techniques for UV-curing epoxies and ultrasound-assisted curing for rapid hardening. Although challenges remain for practical implementation, these avenues offer fresh perspectives for advancing curing-agent-free epoxy research.

The prospects for curing-agent-free epoxies are promising. Environmentally, they reduce reliance on traditional curing agents, minimizing ecological impact. Economically, their simpler production processes lower costs, enhancing competitiveness. Additionally, these resins often exhibit superior properties, such as higher mechanical strength and improved thermal resistance.

challenges persist. Enhancing adhesive strength, durability, and mitigating shrinkage during curing remain critical hurdles. Addressing these issues will determine the widespread adoption of curing-agent-free epoxies.

research into epoxy resins without curing agents represents a field rife with challenges and opportunities. With technological advancements and societal needs evolving, curing-agent-free epoxies are poised to play a transformative role in materials science, contributing significantly to human progress.