INTERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORKS DERIVED FROM EPOXIDE-AMINE ADDUCTS IN EITHER POLYMER NETWORK

A new type of interpenetrating polymer network was synthesized via pho toinitiated free-radical polymerization of alpha,omega-methacryloyl te rminated macromonomers prepared from epoxide-amine-adducts, followed b y thermal addition polymerization of bisphenol-A diglycidyl ether and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone or (9)-bis(aminomethyl)tricyclo[5.2.1.0.(2 ,6)]decane. The interpenetrating polymer networks are optically transp arent and show only one glass transition temperature ranging from -10 to 130 degrees C, as a function of the macromonomer/addition polymer m ixing ratio. The presence of a single phase was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).