Thermal stability of silver sulfathiazole-epoxy resin network

The aim of this study is to evaluate the thermal stability and thermal degradation behavior of an epoxy network based on bisphenol A modified with silver sulfathiazole and crosslinked with ethylenediamine. The sample was studied by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with differential scanning calorimetry over a range of temperature between 30 and 600 degrees C in N-2 atmosphere and using heating rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20 degrees C min(-1). The kinetic parameters of thermal degradation process were calculated. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy coupled to thermogravimetry was used to identify the volatile products resulting from the degradation of the network. The study showed that the sample is stable up to temperatures exceeding 290 degrees C. The major degradation volatile products identified were: ammonia, water, carbon dioxide and compounds with aromatic structure such as bisphenol A and its degradation products. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.