EPOXY-RESINS BASED ON TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE .1. DETERMINATION OF CHEMICAL STRUCTURES

The chemical structure of an aliphatic epoxy resin was studied by usin g gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared (FTI R), FTIR-TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), mass spectrometry in fast a tom bombardment (FAB) mode, and wet analysis. We found that when trime thylolpropane is used as starting monomer, only two OH groups are epox idized. The resin and its different fractions have a functionality of two. Under the conditions of synthesis used by the supplier, three mai n products were found with masses of 246, 339, and 430. No trifunction al product was detected. (C) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.