Room temperature ionic liquids as thermally latent initiators for polymerization of epoxy resins

Researchers have evaluated the performance of room temperature ionic liquids as thermally latent initiators for polymerization of epoxy resins. Particularly the role of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([emim]N(CN) ₂) was examined as thermally latent curing agent for epoxide group containing monomers. The study indicated that the concentration of proposed material can be used to affect cure behavior and properties of the resulting polymer network. The materials seem to be incorporated into the polymer network, and they are expected to derive the cross-linked polymer with bulky counterions. The [emim]N(CN) ₂ has already proven its effectiveness in curing other multifunctional epoxies. The observations were also made on the role of the slightly modified ionic liquids's ion pairs that might lead to effective control over the latent cure behavior. Researchers are further trying to describe the cure mechanism and mechanical properties of IL-initiated epoxy cure.