Aminimide as hardener/curing promotor for one part epoxy resin composition

Three kinds of aminimide compounds were examined as latent hardeners/promotors for epoxy resins. Since aminimides are thermolyzed to generate tertiary amine and isocyanate, the compounds are useful as polymerization initiators for the epoxy group as well as promotors for epoxy–acid anhydride reaction. The pot life was over 30 days at 40°C for a formulated one‐part epoxy resin system. In comparison with epoxy resins cured with conventional hardeners, several interesting characteristics of the mechanical and electrical properties were observed. In particular, the epoxy resins cured by aminimides exhibited high tensile strength and high impact strength, which make them excellent curing agents for adhesive applications. The reasons for these unique properties are discussed.