Gelation of Epoxy-containing Polymer with Amine

The crosslinking reactions of styrene-glycidylmethacrylate copolymers containing epoxy group as reactive group with n-butylamine in solution were studied determining the gelation point. Apparent crosslinking density (including the intramolecular crosslinking) at gelation point was proportional to the reciprocal of initial concentration of epoxy group in reaction mixture. The slope of this straight line was dependent upon the reaction temperature and solvent. Relations among crosslinking density, initial concentration of epoxy group and gelation time were discussed concerning inter and intramolecular reaction. It was concluded that the crosslinking reaction in solution were influenced by the sizes and configurations of the dissolved polymers.