Abstract
A hybrid monomer of 4-(N-maleimidophenyl)glycidylether (MPGE), which possesses both oxirane ring and maleimide curable groups, was first synthesized from N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)maleimide and epichlorohydrin by using benzyltrimethylammonium chloride as a catalyst. MPGE was then cured with amine compounds (DDM and DICY) and diethylphosphite (DEP) to result in crosslinking networks. The curing kinetics and mechanisms were studied. High glass transition temperature, good thermal stability, and attractive flame retardance were observed for the prepared resins. These thermal and flame retardant properties of the cured resins were further enhanced by using DEP as the curing agent, which incorporated phosphorus into the cured resins. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.