Kinetics of reaction of ethylenediamine and dimeric fatty acids

Kinetic studies were carried out on the reaction between ethylenediamine and dimeric fatty acids in melt phase. The reaction was performed at 124, 130, 145, 160, 174, and 190°C and followed by determining the acid value of the product. The polyamidation reaction was found to be of overall second order with an activation energy of 18.2 kcal/g mol up to 90% conversion and of overall third order with an activation energy of 16.4 kcal/g mol above 90% conversion.