Abstract
Amine terminated reactive liquid polymers (AT-RLP) are synthesized from corresponding carboxyl terminated reactive liquid polymers (CT-RLP) and diamines. The CT-RLPs have a functionality of close to two, the average molecular weight ranging from 2500 to 4000, and Brookfield viscosity ranging from 30 to 600 Pa · s at 27°C. AT-RLPs made from the CT-RLPs have about the same physical properties as the CT-RLPs given above. N-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine (AEP2) is the best diamine among the diamines tried to produce low viscosity and low molecular weight AT-RLPs. Structure of end-groups of AT-RLP is unequivocally identified as a secondary amide and a secondary amine group resulting from the reaction of carboxyl end-groups of CT-RLP and a primary amine group of AEP,. The AT-RLP can be used as a modifier for epoxy resins at room or elevated temperatures to produce castable formulations with properties ranging from plastics to elastomers. The formulations may be useful as a modifier for improvement of crack and/or impact resistance of normally brittle epoxy plastics, as castable elastomers, paints and coatings, sealants, adhesives, especially as solventless adhesives for conveyor belts, hoses, shoes, and as binders for woven or non-woven fibers and cords.