Chemistry of epoxide–polycarbonate copolymer networks

Diepoxides and in‐chain carbonate groups react readily in the presence of quarternary ammonium salts, although reaction is not observed without this catalyst. Two moles of epoxide react with each mole of carbonate. When diepoxides and polycarbonates are reacted, a three‐dimensional network of chains crosslinked with carbonate groups is produced; the crosslink density is controlled by adjusting the epoxy/carbonate ratio. Tertiary amines and alkoxides also catalyze the epoxy/carbonate reaction, but these have the undesirable attribute of promoting epoxy polymerization. The presence of oligocarbonates accelerates the epoxy–amine reaction.