Epoxy/anhydride networks modified by epoxy/anhydride oligomers containing SiOH groups

Epoxy/anhydride oligomers containing variable amounts of trialkoxysilane gr oups were synthesized from phenyl glycidyl ether (PGE), 3-glycidoxypropyl t rimethoxysilane (GPMS), and methyl tehahydrophthalic anhydride (MTRPA), usi ng benzyldimethylamine (BDMA) as an initiator. They were hydrolyzed and par tially condensed using diluted formic as a catalyst, with the last step car ried out in a solution of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). By curin g with a stoichiometric amount of MTHPA, in the presence of BDMA, plasticiz ed epoxy/anhydride networks were obtained without any evidence of phase sep aration. These materials showed a better abrasion resistance than that of t he neat matrix. The presence of free SiOH groups can be used to improve the adhesion to glass surfaces. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.