Epoxy derivative compositions

Abstract

Process for producing a new class of epoxy derivative compositions involving the steps of equalizing the reactivity rate of the alpha and beta carbon atoms of an epoxy group of an epoxy containing compound by contacting said compound with carbon dioxide to generate resonance of the oxirane oxygen thereby to stabilize the velocity of the subsequent primary reaction of the compound, and passing the stabilized epoxy compound into a aqueous liquid system. The liquid system can include a dispersion of at least one other compound including a group reactive with the epoxy containing compound. According to a preferred form of the invention, an epoxy resin is passed into a reaction zone and into contact with a carbon dioxide layer to generate resonance of the oxirane oxygens of the epoxy groups of said resin. The stabilized epoxy resin is then passed directly from said carbon dioxide layer into a single liquid phase aqueous dispersion of a polymer of an acrylic ester, such for example as of acrylic or methacrylic acid including pendant groups (e.g., carboxyl or hydroxyl) reactive with the epoxide. Addition of the epoxy to the acrylic dispersion is accompanied by stirring until addition is complete. The resulting single liquid phase epoxy dispersion is characterized by excellent shelf life, and is suitable as a coating material, plasticizer, base material for chemical manufacture, and in the manufacture of polymer fibers. As a coating material, when applied to a substrate and air dried, the epoxy derivative-acrylic polymer dispersion produces a tough, flexible film having outstanding properties including thermoplastic memory characteristics.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.