Epoxy polymer modification with metals

The modification of epoxy polymers with some metal cations, viz., Zn²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Mn⁴⁺, has been studied. These cations were introduced into the epoxy matrices by hardening of diglycidyl ether of bisphenon-A with the chelates of the metal salts with some aliphatic amines. Studies center on the dependence of the mechanical strength and heat resistance of the metal containing epoxy polymers with Zn²⁺ and Fe³⁺ increases the strength and heat resistance significantly. These metal-containing hardeners have excellent processability and can be used to produce high strength and high thermal resistance thermosets.