Epoxy resins based on trimethylolpropane. I. Determination of chemical structres

Abstract The chemical structure of an aliphatic epoxy resin was studied by using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), FTIR‐TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), mass spectrometry in fast atom bombardment (FAB) mode, and wet analysis. We found that when trimethylolpropane is used as starting monomer, only two OH groups are epoxidized. The resin and its different fractions have a functionality of two. Under the conditions of synthesis used by the supplier, three main products were found with masses of 246,339, and 430. No trifunctional product was detected. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.