Synthesis, Characterization, and Polymerization of Triethoxysilyl-functionalized Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol A

Learnmore Jeremia and K. Lisa Brodhacker

Epoxy resins are used to make thermosetting materials with desirable mechanical properties and high thermal and chemical resistance. However, to be used for epoxy telescope mirrors these thermosetting materials have a relatively high Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE). Alkoxysilanes have been shown to lower the CTE while enhancing the thermal, optical and mechanical properties of epoxy resin. Diglycidyl ether of 2,2’-di(triethoxysilyl) bisphenol A was synthesized, characterized, and mixed with other epoxies then cured using a tetrafunctional diamine. The CTE and storage modulus of the solid samples made were determined using a Thermo-Mechanical Analyser (TMA) and a Dynamic Mechanical Analyser (DMA) respectively. Increasing the alkoxysilyl content in the composites was observed to slightly increase the CTE and lower the storage modulus of the material. The weak bonding network resulting from the disruptive presence of the alkoxysilyl residues allowed the material to expand more and also fail to withstand large strain.

• Learnmore Jeremia is a junior chemistry major, an international student, a Lander University two time Science Scholar award recipient, and a member of the Lander American Chemical Society executive board. He has three semesters of undergraduate research experience.