Cyclic aliphatic resins

Those which contain a ring sturcture as well as an epoxide group in the molecule—the cyclic aliphatic resins. 

Compared with standard diglycidyl ether resins, the liquid cyclic aliphatic resins are paler in colour and have a much lower viscosity. Whereas in general the cyclic aliphatic resins react more slowly with amines, there is less difference with acid anhydrides. Table 26.7 provides data illustrating this point. 

Table26.7 Some properties of cyclic aliphatic resins...

Because of their low viscosity the liquid cyclic aliphatic resins find use in injection moulding and extrusion techniques, as used for glass-reinforced laminates. They are also very useful diluents for the standard glycidyl ether resins. 

Acyclic aliphatic resins differ from cyclic aliphatic resins in that the basic structure of the molecules in the former is a long chain, whereas the latter, as shown, contains ring structures. Two types of acyclic aliphatic epoxies are commercially available, namely, epoxidized diene polymers and epoxidized oils. 

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