Preface xi

1 Background and Basic Knowledge of Hyperbranched Epoxy Resins 1
Junheng Zhang and Daohong Zhang

1.1 Chemistry, Synthesis, Manufacture, and Characterization of Epoxy Resins 1
1.1.1 Introduction 1
1.1.2 The Synthesis of Epoxy Resins 2
1.1.3 Properties of Epoxy Resins 3
1.1.3.1 Epoxy Content 3
1.1.3.2 Determination of Hydroxyl Groups 3
1.1.3.3 Chlorine Content 4
1.1.3.4 Molecular Structure 4
1.1.3.5 Physical Properties 4
1.1.3.6 Epoxy Resin Market 6
1.2 Chemistry, Synthesis, Manufacture, and Characterization of Hyperbranched Epoxy Resins 6

2 Properties and Characterization Methods of Hyperbranched Epoxy Resins 13
Kai Cheng and Xian Wang

2.1 Introduction 13
2.2 Properties and Characterization Methods of Hyperbranched Epoxy Resin 15
2.2.1 Degree of Branching 16
2.2.1.1 NMR Spectroscopy 17
2.2.1.2 The Degradable Method and Indirect Viscometry Method 19
2.2.2 Molecular Weight and Molecular Weight Distribution 21
2.2.2.1 GPC and Light Scattering Techniques 21
2.2.2.2 MALDI-TOF MS 22
2.2.2.3 Diffusion-ordered Spectroscopy and NMR Spectroscopy 23
2.2.3 Topology 25
2.2.3.1 Dynamic Light Scattering 26
2.2.3.2 Diffusion-ordered Spectroscopy 26
2.2.4 Rheological Properties 29
2.2.4.1 Rheometer and DMA 30
2.3 Conclusion and Prospect 32

3 Synthesis Methods of Hyperbranched Epoxy Resins 39
Yu Jiang, Aolin Wang, Yufei Zhang, Mengting Du, and Sufang Chen

3.1 Introduction 39
3.2 One-step Polymerization of Epoxy Monomers 40
3.2.1 Proton Transfer Polymerization 40
3.2.2 Step-growth Polycondensation 48
3.2.3 Step-growth Polyaddition 56
3.3 Post-polymerization of Hyperbranched Polymers 62
3.3.1 Etherification 62
3.3.2 Esterification 70
3.3.3 Addition Reaction 76
3.3.4 Click Reaction 81
3.4 Conclusions and Perspectives 92
3.4.1 Challenges 93
3.4.1.1 Challenges in Synthesis and Precise Structural Control 93
3.4.1.2 Challenges in Functionalization and Sustainability 94
3.4.2 Perspectives 94
3.4.2.1 Innovation of Synthesis Methods 94
3.4.2.2 Toward Sustainable Development and a Circular Economy 95
3.4.3 Conclusion 96

4 Applications of Hyperbranched Epoxy Resins 103
Zejun Xu, Zi Wang, and Xingping Zhou

4.1 Introduction 103
4.2 Adhesive Materials 106
4.3 Coating 115
4.4 Matrix for Composites 119
4.4.1 Glass Fiber Composites 120
4.4.2 Carbon Fiber Composites 124
4.4.3 Other Composites 131
4.5 Modifiers for Composite Materials 133
4.5.1 Temperature-Resistant Materials 134
4.5.2 Flame-Resistant Materials 137Contents vii
4.5.3 Antimicrobial Materials 145
4.5.4 Other Materials 147
4.6 Conclusions and Perspectives 149

5 Reinforcing and Toughening and Mechanism of Hyperbranched Epoxy Resins 159
Junheng Zhang and Daohong Zhang

5.1 Introduction 159
5.2 Heterogeneous Mechanism 161
5.2.1 Nano-inorganic and Carbon-Based Nanofillers 161
5.2.2 Reactive Rubbers and Thermoplastics 172
5.2.3 Fiber Materials 176
5.3 Homogeneous Mechanism 180
5.4 Topological Phase Mechanism 195
5.5 Challenges and Perspectives 196
5.5.1 Raman Spectroscopy 197
5.5.2 Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy 198
5.5.3 Confocal Microscopy Visualizes 201
5.5.4 Nanoindentation 202
5.5.5 Green Approaches for Epoxy Toughening 203

6 Degradation and Recycling of Epoxy Resins and Their Composites 213
Minghui Cui, Mengqiu Quan, Genzheng Sha, and Jing Chen

6.1 Introduction 213
6.2 Degradation and Recycling of Common Epoxy Resins 214
6.2.1 Method of Degradation 214
6.2.1.1 Thermal Degradation 214
6.2.1.2 Chemical Degradation 215
6.2.1.3 Biodegradatio