CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/412,741, filed October 25, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to novel ionic epoxy resins, systems containing such resins, and methods of making or using such resins.

BACKGROUND

Traditional epoxy systems often include thermoset polymers that are widely used in dental fillings, printed circuit boards, wind turbines, lightweight vehicles, coatings, sheathing, flooring, adhesives, aerospace applications and a variety of other applications. This wide range of applications is facilitated by the availability of various curing reactions - and associated chemical compositions and structures - that provide for desired properties of hardness, flexibility, adhesion, degree of crosslinking, the nature of the interchain bond, high strength (tensile, compressive and flexural), chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance and electrical resistance. Properties of uncured epoxy resins, such as viscosity, facilitate

processability by appropriate selection of the monomer, the curing agents, and catalyst.

Depending on the source, it is estimated that the worldwide epoxy market could increases from 6.0 - 7.1 USD billion in 2015 to 9.2 - 10.5 USD billion in 2020 with an average production of 2.5 million metric tons per year.

Traditionally, many of the remarkable properties of epoxy systems come at the cost of significant volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Environmental Protection Agency regulations require that at least 80% of all VOCs are captured in industrial processes, resulting in a significant impact on overall operational cost together with health risks for human operators involved in manufacturing.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a solvent free ionic epoxy system that includes a hardener compound H and an epoxy compound E. The hardener compound comprises a molecular structure (Y'-Ri-Y ² ), wherein Ri is an ionic moiety Y ¹ is a nucleophilic group and Y ² nucleophilic group: and an ionic moiety A acting as a counter ion to Ri. The epoxy compound comprises a molecular structure (Z ^! -R_?-Z ² ), where R2 is an ionic moiety, Z ¹ comprises an epoxide group, and Z ² comprises an epoxide group; and an ionic moiety B acting as a counter ion to R2. In embodiments, the epoxy compound E and/or the hardener H is comprised in a sol vent-less ionic liquid, which significantly addresses the issue of VOC in traditional epoxies. The systems can further include accelerators, crosslinkers, piasticizers, inhibitors, ionic hydrophobic and/or super-hydrophobic compounds, ionic hydrophilic compounds, ionic transitional hydrophobic/hydrophilic compounds, biological active (BAIL, Biological Active Ionic Liquid) compounds, and/or plasticizer compounds.

Also disclosed are polymers made from the disclosed epoxy systems and their methods of used. In certain embodiments, the polymer produced upon polymerization of hardener compound H and epoxy compound E may have self-healing properties due to the presence of stable electrical charges along to the polymeric chains that drive the healing process through electrostatic attraction. In embodiments, a polymer produced upon polymerization of hardener compound H and epoxy compound E forms a highly and regular porous system, which could be used but not limited to a filtration membrane, solid electrolyte after replacing the secondary ionic liquid, exchange membrane, etc. In certain embodiments, the polymer comprises a solid electrolyte, which may be used as electronic component, such as a component of a battery, a capacitor, a piezoelectric material and/or an electro-actuator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an example of a typical NMR spectra of l,3-di(2'-aminoethylene)-2- methylimidazolium bromide .

Figure 2 is an example of a typical NMR spectra of, Y~methyl~4-(2-oxiranylmethoxy)~y- [4-(2-oxiranylmethoxy) phenyl]-, methyl ester benzenebutanoic acid.

Figure 3 is an example of a typical NMR spectra of Y-memyl-4-(2-oxiranylmethoxy)-y- [4-(2-oxiranylmethoxy) phenyl] -Benzenebutanoic acid .

Figure 4 shows the chemical structures of examples of solvent-less ionic liquid epoxy resin and hardener, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figure 5 shows the chemical structures of an example of an ionic liquid epoxy system, including a super-hydrophobic anionic portion that produces a super-hydrophobic material after the polymerization reaction, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figure 6 shows the chemical structures of an example ionic liquid epoxy system including a super-hydrophobic cation that produces a super-hydrophobic material after the polymerization reaction, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 7 shows the chemical structures of an ionic liquid epoxy system that produces a transitional hydrophobic-hydrophilic material after the polymerization reaction, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figure 8 shows the chemical structures of an ionic liquid epoxy system that includes a pharmaceutically active anion and cation and produces a medication release material after the polymerization reaction, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figures 9A-9F show the chemical structures of exemplary pharmacological active ions for the solvent-less ionic liquid epoxy resins, Figure 9A) anti-histamic, Figure 9B) emollient, Figure 9C) anti-inflammatory, Figure 9D) pain reliever, Figure 9E) anti-inflammatory and Figure 9F) anti-cholinergic, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figures 1 OA- 101 show the chemical structures of exemplary ionic liquid examples Figure lOA) and Figure 10B) ionic liquid hardeners, Figure I OC) self-catalyzed ionic liquid hardener. Figure 10D) ionic liquid accelerator, Figure 10E) ionic liquid epoxy resin, Figure 10F) ionic liquid accelerator. Figure 1 OG) and Figure 1 OH) ionic liquid crosslinker, and Figure 101) ionic liquid accelerator, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figure 11 shows the chemical stractures of examples of hydrophobic anions usable for the synthesis of ionic liquid epoxides and hardeners, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figure 12 shows the chemical structures of examples of hydrophobic cations usable for the synthesis of ionic liquid epoxides and hardeners, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figure 13 shows the chemical structures of examples of hydrophilic anions usable for the synthesis of ionic liquid epoxides and hardeners.

Figure 14 shows the chemical structures of examples of hydrophilic cations usable for the synthesis of ionic liquid epoxides and hardeners, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figures 15A-15F show the chemical stractures of examples of biological active ionic liquids (BATLs) to be used as an active material in ionic liquid epoxides systems, Figure 15 A) ! - alkyl-l-methylpiperidinium-4-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)butan oate, herbicide; Figure 15B) cholinium pyrazinate, cytotoxicity, Figure 15C) Tris(2-hydroxyetliyl)m.ethylammonium salicylate, anticoagulant-antiinflammatory, Figure 15D) ranitidinium docusate, histaminic- emollient, Figure 15E) lidocainium docusate, pain reliever-emollient, Figure 15F)

didecyldimethylammonium ibunoprofenate, antibacterial-anti-inflammatory, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figures 16A-16F show the chemical structures of examples of ionic liquids used as plasticizers in polymer and epoxides systems, Figure 16A) l-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, Figure 16B) l-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Figure 16C) tetrahexylphosphonium decanoate, Figure 16D) 1-etliylpyridinium bis(2- ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate, Figure 16E) l-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophospliate, Figure 16F) l-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figures 17A-17D show the chemical structures for BPA-free ionic liquid epoxy systems, Figure Γ7Α) example of an aliphatic epoxy resin, Figure 17B) example of an aliphatic hardener, Figure 17C) second example of an aliphatic epoxy resin, and Figure 17D) Aromatic non phenolic example of an epoxy resin, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figures 18A and 18B are schematics showing examples of: an electrochemical cell with a solid electrolyte component (Figure 18 A); and an electrochemical actuator with a volume change in the electrodes due to the applied potential (Figure 18B), in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figure 1 is a set of cross sectional schematics showing the healing process of polymer systems containing fixed charges in the main chains of the polymer structure. After a mechanical damage is present (cracking), the electrostatic attraction of the charge in the polymer structure carried out the ''healing" of the material, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Figure 20 is a set of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of a Jeffamine-BPA film cured in presence of 50% w/w of tetrabutylphosphonium TFSI ionic liquid. Before the SEM analysis the film was washed with methanol several times in order to remove the ionic liquid and dried in a vacuum oven (35 C° full vacuum, 48h), in accordance with embodiments disclosed he ein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTK

Overview

Various embodiments are based on a realization by the inventors of an improved epoxy chemistry that limits VOC emissions - e.g., at low vapor pressure while retaining the broad applicability of current systems - to dramatically reduce processing costs and mitigate associated health hazards. The present disclosure relates generally to techniques and mechanisms that, according to different embodiments, variously provide a system of reactive ionic liquids that, when combined, react to form high-strength, versatile and/or added-functionality epoxy-based thermosets. These epoxy systems solve the aforementioned issue of VOC outgassing.

Some embodiments include synthesizing ionic liquids that, for example, incorporate anions substituted with epoxides (glycidyl groups) on the anion. Another such ionic liquid can contain cations of both diamines and triamines. Still another such ionic liquids can contain methylated-DABCO cation catalysts. Room-temperature ionic liquids are organic salts that melt below standard conditions and form solvent-less liquids with a number of unique physical properties, including zero vapor pressure. There are estimated to be ~10 ⁶ likely ion-pair combinations that form ionic liquids. Synthesizing organic salts that incorporate reactive moieties enable solvent-free and volatile-free chemistry. What follows are a set of example reductions to practice.

To illustrate certain features of various embodiments, solvent-less ionic liquid epoxy systems are variously described with respect to an ionic moiety group Ri and an ionic portion B having respective positive charges, and further with respect an ionic moiety group R2 and an ionic portion A having respective negative charges. For example, scheme 1 shows a positive Ri ⁺ substituent in a hardener ionic liquid (IL) and the negative 2 ^" in the resin IL as one illustrative embodiment. However, in other embodiments, the respective charge signs of ionic moiety groups Ri, R2 could be reversed (i.e., wherein the respective charge signs of ionic portions A, B are also reversed).

Description of several embodiments

Disclosed herein is an epoxy system that includes a hardener compound (H) and an epoxy compound (E). Typically, the hardener compound and the epoxy compound are provided separately and then mixed to form a polymer when used. In embodiments, the hardener compound has the molecular structure according to:

Y -R-.-Y ^' . wherein Ri is an ionic moiety and Y ¹ and Y ² are bonded to Ri. In certain embodiments Y ^~! is, or includes, a nucleophiiic group. In certain embodiments Y ² is, or includes, a nucleophiiic group. In certain embodiments, Y ¹ and Y ² are identical. In certain embodiments, Y ^! and Y ² are non- identical. In specific examples, Y ¹ and Y ² comprise a nucleophile independently selected from: a NH2 group, a SH group, an OH group, a SeH group, and a PHJ group. In certain embodiments, the hardener compound (Η) is part of, such as a component of, a solvent-less ionic liquid, for example as a molecular complex with an ionic moiety A acting as a counter ion to Ri. Examples of Y ^! -Ri-Y ² are shown in Table 1 and Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10A-10I and 17A-17D. Examples of ionic counter ions are shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1 OA- 101, 13A-17D.

The disclosed epoxy system further incudes an epoxy compound E. In embodiments the epoxy compound has the molecular structure according to: where R2 is an ionic moiety, Z ¹ is or includes an epoxide group, and Z ² is or includes an epoxide group. In certain embodiments, Z ¹ and Z ² are identical. In certain embodiments, Z ¹ and Z ² are non -identical. In certain embodiments, the epoxy compound (E) is part of, such as a component of a solvent-less ionic liquid, for example as a molecular complex with an ionic moiety B acting as a counter ion to R2. Examples of Z ¹ -Ri~Z ² are shown in Table 1 and Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10A- 101 and 17A-17D. Examples of ionic counter ions are shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1 OA- 101, 13A-17D.

In certain embodiments the epoxy system further includes one or more of an accelerator, a crosslinker, a plasticizer, or an inhibitor, The accelerator, crosslinker, plasticizer, and/or inhibitor can be included with the hardener compound, the epoxy compound, or even as a separate component of the system. Examples of accelerators, crosslinkers, plasticizers, and inhibitors ions are shown in Figures 1 OA- 101 and 16A-16F.

In certain embodiment, the epoxy system further includes an ionic hydrophobic and/or super-hydrophobic compound. In embodiments, the ionic hydrophobic and/or super-hydrophobic compound can be provided with either or both of the epoxy and hardener compound, for example as counter ion A, the epoxy compound, for example as a counter ion B, or both for example as a counter ion A and a counter ion B. In embodiments, the ionic hydrophobic and/or super-hydrophobic compound is released as an ionic liquid upon polymerization of hardener compound H and epoxy compound E to modify the properties of a polymer produced. Such ionic hydrophobic and/or super-hydrophobic compounds are known in the art and representative examples can found in Figures 5 and 6.

In certain embodiment, the epoxy system further includes an ionic hydrophiiic compound. In embodiments, the ionic hydrophiiic compound can provided with either or both of the hardener compound, for example as counter ion A, the epoxy compound, for example as a counter ion B, or both for example as a counter ion A and a counter ion B. In embodiments, the ionic hydrophiiic compound is released as an ionic liquid upon polymerization of hardener compound H and epoxy compound E to modify the properties of a polymer produced. Such ionic hydrophiiic compounds are known in the art.

In certain embodiment, the epoxy system further includes an ionic transitional hydrophobic/hydrophilic compound. In embodiments, the ionic transitional

hydrophobic/hydrophilic compound can provided with either or both of the hardener compound, for example as counter ion A, the epoxy compound, for example as a counter ion B, or both for example as a counter ion A and a counter ion B. In embodiments, the ionic transitional hydrophobic/hydrophiiic compound is released as an ionic liquid upon polymerization of hardener compound H and epoxy compound E to modify the properties of a polymer produced. Such ionic transitional hydrophobic hydrophilic compounds are known in the art and representative examples can found in Figure 7.

In certain embodiment the epoxy system further includes a biological active (BAIL, Biological Active Ionic Liquid) compound. In embodiments, the biological active (BAIL, Biological Active Ionic Liquid) compound can provided with either or both of the hardener compound, for example as counter ion A, the epoxy compound, for example as a counter ion B, or both for example as a counter ion A and a counter ion B. In embodiments, the biological active (BAIL, Biological Active Ionic Liquid) compound is released as an ionic liquid upon polymerization of harden er compound H and epoxy compound E to modified the properties of a polymer produced. Such biological active (BAIL, Biological Active Ionic Liquid) compounds are known in the art and representative examples can found in Figures 8, 9A-9F, and I5A-15F.

In certain embodiment, the epoxy system further includes a plasticizer compound. In embodiments, the plasticizer compound can provided with either or both of the hardener compound, for example as counter ion A, the epoxy compound, for example as a counter ion B, or both for example as a counter ion A and a counter ion B. In embodiments, the plasticizer compound is released as an ionic liquid upon poly merization of hardener compound H and epoxy compound E to modify the properties of a polymer produced. Such plasticizer compounds are known in the art and representative examples can found in Figures 16A-16F. In certain embodiments, the plasticizer compound has a lo to zero volatility.

Scheme 1

Scheme 1 shows examples of polymerization reactions between a first compound and a second compound each including a respective ionic moiety group and a corresponding counter- ion, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

Scheme 1. Simplified polymerization reactions for epoxide systems.

More particularly, scheme 1 illustrates examples of a disclosed epoxy system according to an embodiment. As shown, the epoxy system includes a hardener compound H and an epoxy compound E, As depicted, the hardener compound H includes a cationic molecular structure (Y ¹ - Ri-Y ² ) containing an ionic moiety group Ri and the Y ¹ and Y ² groups bonded, for example chemically bonded to Ri . As shown in the first reaction, the hardener compound H further includes an anionic portion A , for example, a counter ion, in conjunction with the cationic molecular structure (Y'-Ri-Y ² ) at Ri. As shown, the epoxy compound E has an anionic molecular structure (Z ^! -R2~Z ² ) that includes an ionic moiety group Ri and two epoxide/electrophilic (represented herein by "Z") groups bonded to Ri. In addition, the epoxy compound E includes a cationic portion B ⁺ in conjunction with the anionic molecular structure (Z ¹ -R2-Z ² ), for example, acting as a counter ion to at R2. As shown in the second reaction, the hardener compound H further includes an anionic portion A ⁺ , for example, a counter ion, in conjunction with the anionic molecular structure (Y'-Ri-Y ² ) at Ri. As shown, the epoxy compound E has a cationic molecular structure (Z^Ra-Z ² ) that includes an ionic moiety group R2 and two

epoxide/electrophilic (represented herein by "Z") groups bonded to R2. in addition, the epoxy compound E includes an anionic portion B ^" in conjunction with the anionic molecular structure (Z ¹ -R2-Z ² ), for example, acting as a counter ion to at R2. As shown in the third reaction, the hardener compound H further includes an anionic portion A ^" , for example, a counter ion, in conjunction with the cationic molecular structure (Y' -Ri-Y ² ) at Ri. As shown, the epoxy compound E has a cationic molecular structure (Z'-Ri-Z ² ) that includes an ionic moiety group R2 and two epoxide/electrophilic (represented herein by "Z") groups bonded to R2. In addition, the epoxy compound E includes an anionic portion B ^" in conjunction with the anionic molecular structure (Z-R2-Z), for example, acting as a counter ion to at R2. As shown in the fourth reaction, the hardener compound H further includes a cationic portion A ⁺ , for example, a counter ion, in conjunction with the cationic molecular structure (Y ^! -Ri-Y ² ) at Ri As shown, the epoxy compound E has a cationic molecular structure (Z ¹ -R2-Z ² ) that includes an ionic moiety group R2 and two epoxide/electrophilic (represented herein by "Z") groups bonded to R2. In addition, the epoxy compound E includes a cationic portion EP in conjunction with the anionic molecular structure (Z'-Ri-Z ² ), for example, acting as a counter ion to at R2.

Unless otherwise indicated, "anionic" - as used as used in the particular context of "anionic molecular structure," "anionic portion," "anionic moiety group," or the like - refers to the characteristic of an atom or molecular structure (e.g., a molecule or portion thereof) providing a negative charge to facilitate bonding with a positive charge of a counterpart

"cationic" structure/portion/group. For example an anionic portion A ^~ can be bonded to ionic moiety group Ri by an ionic bond (e.g., where A ^" is a single atom) or by an intermolecular bond, for example. Alternatively or in addition a cationic portion B ⁺ can be bonded to ionic moiety group 2 by an ionic bond (e.g., where B ⁺ is a single atom) or by an intermolecular bond. In another example an cationic portion A ^÷ can be bonded to ionic moiety group Ri by an ionic bond (e.g., w here A ⁺ is a single atom) or by an intermolecular bond, for example. Alternatively or in addition a anionic portion B ^" can be bonded to ionic moiety group R2 by an ionic bond (e.g., where B ^" is a single atom) or by an intermolecular bond.

In the example reaction pathway shown in scheme 1, Y ¹ and/or Y2 can be a nucleophilic group - e.g., including but not limited to, -NH2, -SH, -OH, -SeH, -PH2 or other nucleophilic substituent. In a molecular structure (Y'-Ri-Y ² ), at least one such Y group can be reactive with an epoxide group of molecular structure (Z ¹ -R2-Z ² ) to for a stable chemical bond - e.g., a dimer formation - in a completed polymerization reaction.

Table 1 shows examples of molecular structures that can be variously utilized in respective ionic liquid epoxy systems. It is noted that superscripted numbers (e.g., R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R , etc.) are used herein to indicate component structure of a moiety group that, for example, is instead identified using subscripted numbers (e.g., Ri, R2). Table 1: Examples of possible structures for Ri and R2 in scheme 1

R ¹ , R ² , R ³ R ⁴ and R ⁵ could be any suitable chain, Y ¹ and/or Y ² could be a nucleophilic group - e.g., including but not limited to - H2, -SH, -OH, -SeH, -PFI2. Y ¹ and/or Y- and epoxy moieties (epoxy group is an example of Z group that could be any electrophilic group suitable to react with Y and/or Y ² and form, a permanent chemical bond) could be exchanged between R : and R2. Anionic moieties could be any suitable anionic substituent.

As illustrated by the embodiment shown in scheme 1, the Y ¹ and/or Y ² groups bonded to ionic moiety group Ri can be amine groups (e.g., where Y ¹ and/or Y ² is a primary amine group). The hardene compound H can function as a hardener to react with the epoxy compound E, A reaction of compounds H, E can result in at one of the epoxide groups forming a chain with one of the Y ¹ and/or Y ² groups - e.g., wherein a separate by-product molecule is formed by anionic portion A ^" and cationic portion B ⁺ . Certain embodiments variously facilitate a wide variety of combinations of Ri, R2, Z ¹ and/or Z ² , Y ^! and/or Y ² , A ^~ , A ^÷ , and B ^" , and B ⁺ to be chosen from to achieve desired material characteristics, while providing significantly reduced VOC byproducts.

In the example embodiments shown in scheme 1, the first compound includes an ionic moiety group Ri and a corresponding counter-ion A, while the second compound includes an ionic moiety group R2 and a corresponding counter-ion B. The illustrative reaction pathway shown in scheme 1 represents examples of dimer formation from a polymerization reaction.

Various combinations of ionic moieties Ri and R2 groups are possible, and if the corresponding counter-ions (A and B) are carefully selected, the two compounds can form a secondary ionic liquid (A ^" B ⁺ ), limiting or even avoiding the possibility of VOC emissions from an ionic liquid epoxy system. Also is possible to use same charge ionic liquid resin and ionic liquid hardener where a secondary ionic liquid will not be produce but permanent charges remains in the polymeric chains compensate for the corresponding counter ions, as is shown in the last two examples in scheme 1.

Aspect of the present disclosure concern a polymer produced by the polymerization of the epoxide system, disclosed herein. In embodiments, a polymer produced upon polymerization of hardener compound H and epoxy compound E comprises self-healing properties due to the presence of stable electrical charges along to the polymeric chains that drive the healing process through electrostatic attraction. In embodiments, a polymer produced upon polymerization of hardener compound H and epoxy compound E forms a highly and regular porous system, which could be used but not limited to as filtration membrane, solid electrolyte after replacing the secondary ionic liquid, exchange membrane, etc. In embodiments, a polymer comprises a solid electrolyte. An electronic component comprising the polymers disclosed herein. In

embodiments, the electronic component is a component of a battery, a capacitor, a piezoelectric materia] and/or an electro-actuator.

Synthetic Methods

Scheme 2

Scheme 2 shows an example reaction to synthesize a hardener compound of an epoxy system according to embodiments disclosed herein. Such reactions can contribute to the manufacture of some or all of the hardener compounds H, for example, as shown in scheme 1.

As shown in scheme 2, the class of diamine imidazolium ionic liquids provide amine chemistry that can be used as a hardener in an epoxy polymer system, such as those disclosed herein. For example, the illustrative reactions of scheme 2 provide for synthesis of l,3-di(2'- aminoethylene)-2-methy3imidazo3ium bromide.

The first step of the synthesis is the protection of the amino group in bromo-ethylamine (1) using tritylchlori.de (2), and substituting the resulting compound (3) in 2-methyiimidazole (4) under basic conditions (refluxing in DMF for 12h) in order to obtain the bi-substituted intermediate (5), deprotection of amine groups is carried out in acidic media in dioxane to obtain the hydrochloride derivative (6), careful neutralization using NaOH is required in order to obtain the target compound (7).

Scheme 2. Synthesis of l,3-di(2'-aminoethylene)-2-methylimidazolium bromide.

Full proton NMR spectroscopic characterization was obtained for the target compound (7) (see Figure 1 ) showing proper peaks that correlate with expected characteristics. The material obtained is a highly viscous brown liquid. Additional studies indicate that stability of this hardener in a time window of 6 months (storage without inert atmosphere in a lab shelf, closed container) without signs of decomposition. An ionic liquid hardener including compound (7) was tested against commercially available resms (1 : 1 mass ratio), without accelerators or modifiers of the polymerization reaction. The testing revealed that the hardener was effective with a curing temperature of 120° C for two hours producing a brown solid material.

Scheme 3

Scheme 3 shows an example of a reaction in a process to synthesize an epoxy compound including the anionic molecular structure (Z'-Ri-Z ² ) as shown in scheme 1 according to embodiments disclosed herein. As shown, synthesis of phosphinate di-epoxy acid can be produced using a modified Arbuzov reaction. In the example reaction shown in scheme 3, acidic compound (9) is neutralized with tetraakyl phosphonium hydroxide in order to obtain the corresponding phosphonium ionic liquid, where R ⁵ can be an alkyl, such as an alky! having between 1 and 16 carbon atoms, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16.

Scheme 3. Synthesis of phosphinate di-epoxy acid, where R ^s is an alkyl

Scheme 4

Scheme 4 shows another example of a reaction in a process to synthesize an epoxy compound including the anionic molecular structure (Z'-Ri-Z ² ) as shown in scheme 1 according to embodiments disclosed herein. More particularly, scheme 4 shows a synthesis of a bisphenol A digiycidyl ether (2,2-bis[4-(glycidyloxy)phenyl]propane) analog by addition of an ionic moiety into the monomer structure (scheme 4).

Scheme 4. General bisphenol A digiycidyl ether ionic liquid structure.

Scheme 5

Scheme 5 shows another example of a reaction in a process to synthesize an epoxy compound including the anionic molecular structure Z'-Ri-Z-') as shown in scheme 1 according to embodiment disclosed herein. In the illustrative di-glycidylation reaction of scheme 5, 4- hydroxy-y-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-y-methyl-methyl ester benzenebutanoic acid (10) reacts with epichlorohydnn (11) in basic conditions at 100° C for 15 minutes. Such a reaction can result in a yield above 90% of y-methyl-4-(2-oxiraiiylmedioxy)-y-|4-(2-oxiranylmethoxy) phenyl]-, methyl ester benzenebutanoic acid (12). A proton NMR analysis of a material resulting from one such reaction is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows characteristic peaks indicating that compound (12) is the main component.

Scheme 5. General procedure for di-glycidylation of 4-hydroxy-y-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-y- methyl-methyl ester benzenebutanoic acid. Scheme 6

Scheme 6 shows another example of a reaction in a process to synthesize an epoxy compound including the anionic molecular structure (Z ^! -R>-Z ² ) as shown in scheme 1 according to embodiment disclosed herein. The reactions shown in scheme 6 can be continued from those shown in scheme 5, for example.

As shown in scheme 6, the -OMe (oxygen/methyl group) moiety can be hydrolyzed - e.g., without requiring further purification - using a NaOH(3eq)/acetone/water mixed at 0° C and allowed to warm up to room temperature for 1.5 h, (scheme 6). Extended reaction time does not show deviation from the desired product when the reaction was followed by TLC. The free acid derivative (13), y~methyl-4-(2-oxiranylmethoxy)-y-[4-(2-oxiranylmethoxy)pheny ]]~ benzenebutanoic acid was obtained in a quantitative yield and fully characterized by proton NMR in CDCb.

Scheme 6. Genera! procedure for hydrolysis of -OMe group of y-methyl-4-(2- oxiranylmethoxy)-Y-|4-(2-oxiranylmethoxy) phenyl]-, methyl ester

benzenebutanoic acid.

An example of a typical spectra obtained for compound (13) is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 reveals all the characteristic features of compound (13). The NMR of the reaction product also shows the presence of the solvent (ethyl acetate) used during the purification process.

Scheme 7

Scheme 7 shows another example of a reaction in a process to synthesize an epoxy compound including the anionic molecular structure (Z ^! -R2~Z ² ) as shown in scheme 1 according to embodiment disclosed herein. The reaction shown in scheme 7 can be continued from those shown in scheme 6, for example. In order to mitigate the possible of damaging the epoxy groups in compound (13), the ionic liquid formation can be carried out in methanol, using equimolar amounts of tetrabutyl phosphonium hydroxide (14) to neutralized the benzenebutanoic acid proton (scheme 7), and quickly removing the MeOH (15 minutes mixing time) and produced water under vacuum (30 mmHg) at 45° C during 4h and dried at room temperature and full vacuum for 24 h. In a test ran of such a process, a dark yellow viscous liquid was obtained.

Scheme 7. General procedure for the synthesis of Tetrabutylphosphonium y-methyl-4-(2- oxiranylmethoxy)-Y-[4-(2-oxiranylmethoxy)phenyl]-benzenebuta noate.

In embodiments, equimolar amounts of the compound ( 15) ionic liquid resin and the compound (7) ionic liquid hardener can be combined - e.g., mixed manually at room

temperature and poured into a 1.5 ml silicon mold, and placed overnight in a vacuum oven at 120° C for 12 h . Reaction of the combined compounds (7) and (15) result in a solid material with a greasy feature and rubber-like toughness. It was theorized that such properties might be related to relatively low amounts of crosslinking agents in the epoxy system. In order to probe this assumption, a new ionic liquid hardener was prepared. Secondary ionic liquid produce during the polymerization process is tetrabutylphosphonium bromide Scheme 8

Scheme 8 shows an example of a reaction in a process to synthesize an epoxy compound of aliphatic nature: tetrabutylphosphonium salt of 2,2-bis(glycidyloxymethyl)propionic acid (21). The synthetic route includes 3 steps: alkylation of commercially available 2,2 - bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (16) with ailyl bromide (17) in toluene with NaOH. This reaction requires overnight reflux for completion and produce diallyl intermediate (18) in 90% yield. The product is quite pure and does not require further purification for the next step. Oxidation the oiefinic intermediate ( 18) to epoxide (20) was conducted by a standard metliod with m-chloroperbenzoic acid (19) at room temperature overnight. This method requires tedious column purification, but is safe and gives 90% yield of epoxidized product (20). Formation of the target ionic liquid epoxy resin (21) was carried out in methanol with equimolar amounts of tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide (14), by a similar method described for compound (15) on Scheme 7.

Scheme 8. Synthesis of tetrabutylphosphonium 2,2-bis(glycidyloxymethyl)propionate Scheme 9

Scheme 9 shows an example of a reaction in a process to synthesize an epoxy compound with positively charged heterocyclic core. Such epoxy ionic resin can react either with a negatively charged hardener (second line in Scheme 1) or with similarly positive hardener (tliird Sine in Scheme 1). In the case of both positively charged components (third line) no additional ionic li uid of AB type is formed, which can be useful for certain properties.

25

Scheme 9. Example: synthesis of l,3-bis(2-oxiranyIethyI)imidazolium

bis(lrifluoromethane)suifonimide

The synthetic route includes 2 steps: alkylation and quaternization of commercially available imidazole (22) with 4-bromo-l-butene (23) in usual alkylation conditions (NaHC03- acetonitnle, reflux overnight). The quaternized intermediate (24) was obtained in 99%. The crude product was pure enough and was used for the next step without additional purification. Epoxidation of the olefinic quaternized intermediate (24) was conducted under a standard method with m-chloroperbenzoic acid (19) at room temperature overnight. As in the analogous case with aliphatic epoxy ionic resin (Scheme 8, compound 20), the product required tedious column purification . The final yield was about 50%.

Scheme 10

Scheme 10 shows an example of reactions in a process to synthesize a hardener compound of an epoxy system according to an embodiment. In this example embodiment, the new hardener is intended to have a multi-branch structure in order to promote crossimking between the polymeric chains. Nl, Nl-bis(2-aminoethyl)-l,2-ethanediamine (compound 26, scheme 10) was protected using a BOC (e.g., tert-butyloxycarbonyl) protecting group under room temperature conditions and overnight stirring. Protected compound (28) was then alkylated using methyl iodide at 120° C in acetonitriie reflux with overnight stirring, the alkylation reaction was followed by TLC until the complete consumption of (28), solvent and Mel (methyl iodide) excess were remove by rotary evaporation at 45°-50° C and 30 mmHg during 4h, followed by drying at room temperature and full vacuum. It is important to mention that Mel alkylation agent was selected due to facile access to the reagent, but there are several options to choose from and the fi nal selection could be used to modify the properties of the whole epoxy resin system. BOC protection was removed using HCl-dioxane solution and the remaining acid was neutralized using NaOH. After this step the final ionic liquid was obtained by metathesis of the ionic liquid in an aqueous solution of LiTFSI, inorganic salts were removed by several washes with nanopure water and rotary evaporation at 50° C and 15 mmHg for 4h. Compound (30) 2-amino-N, N-bis(2-aminoethyl)-N-methyl- ethanaminium

bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide was obtained as a viscous white liquid, dried for 24 h at room temperature and full vacuum.

29 30

Scheme 10. Example: synthesis of 2-amino-N,N-bis(2-aminoethyl)-N-methyl- ethanaminium bis (triiluoromethane)siiSfonimide.

Example results of a test reaction with compound (15) and (30) are described herein. More particularly, one gram of 2-amino-N, N-bis(2-aminoethyl)-N-methyl- ethanaminium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide (30) was mixed manually with one gram of

tetrabutylphosphonium y-methyl-4-(2-oxiranylmethoxy)^-[4-(2-oxiranylmethoxy)phenyl ]- benzenebiitanoate (15) (molar ratio 1.5: 1) and cured at 120° C for 12 h in a silicone mold, resulting in a hard solid material, pale yellow in color, where the secondar ' ionic liquid produced is tetrabutylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide. Scheme 11

Scheme 1 1 shows an example of a reaction to facilitate synthesis of a modifier (e.g., an accelerant or catalyst) for the epoxy system according to an embodiment. Such an

accelerant/catalyst can expedite a reaction such as that shown in scheme 1.

It is possible to synthesize a modifier of the polymerization reaction as an ionic liquid or ionic compound that will mitigate or even void the possibility of VOC emissions. One of the most commonly used reaction modifiers is DABCO, whose catalytic effect in the polymerization reaction helps to accelerate the process of curing. Although sy nthesis of ionic DABCO compounds is known, its ionic form, has been tested as an anti-microbial agent, but not as polymerization modifier. In one illustrative embodiment, a dabconium compound can be synthesized, for example, by direct alkylation of 1 ,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane with 1-Bromo octane in dicliSorom ethane under reflux conditions and overnight stirring. Octyl Dabconium bromide can be obtained in quantitative yield.

Scheme 11. General procedure for the synthesis of, N-octyldabconium bromide.

On e advantage of this approach to epoxy technology is the possibility of tuning the properties of the ionic liquid produced during the polymerization reaction in order to give to the final product different characteristics according to the specific use of each material. This in-situ modifier could be designed to be hydropho bic or hydrophilic, to act as a plasticizer of the polymer network and/or to be solidified to act as filler. Alternatively or in addition, such an in- situ modifier can be adapted for use in providing an antibacterial ionic liquid for medical use.

Example Compounds and Epoxy Systems

Figure 4 shows an example of an epoxy system, according to an embodiment, that includes some or all of the features of that shown in scheme 1. More particularly. Figure 4 show one example of a sy stem including a solvent-less epoxy resin (diepoxy phosphinate tetrabutylphosphonium) and hardener (dimethyl amine imidazolium bromide). When a polymerization reaction of such a system is complete, a resulting ionic liquid obtained as a byproduct can include tetrabutylphosphonium bromide, which in turn, can be used - for example - as plasticizer of a polymerized phosphinate/dimethylamine imidazolium network.

Figure 5 shows an example of an epoxy sy stem, according to an embodiment, that includes some or all of the features of that shown in scheme 1. More particularly, Figure 5 shows one example of a possible solvent-less ionic liquid epoxy system. If, for example, a user requires a polymer with a super hydrophobic surface it is possible to design the hardener and resin to produce a super hydrophobic ionic liquid after the polymerization reaction happens, as the case of imidazolium bis[bis(pentafiuoroethyl)phosphinyl]imide ionic liquids, where the anionic portion is the hydrophobic part of the ionic liquid. One such ionic liquid epoxy system is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 6 shows an example of an epoxy system, according to an embodiment, that includes some or all of the features of that shown in scheme 1. More particularly, Figure 6 illustrates an alternative use of super-hydrophobic cations such as Tri(n-hexyl)[2-ethoxy-2- oxoethyljammonium.

Figure 7 shows an example of an epoxy system, according to an embodiment, that includes some or all of the features of that shown in scheme 1. In the case of the example embodiment shown in Figure 7, the hydrophobic-hydrophilic character of the final product can be tuned and can be modified after the polymerization process using ionic liquids with a transitional hydrophobicity. In this case the hydrophobicity is modified by the presence of carbon dioxide. In CO2 free environments this kind of ionic liquid has hydrophobic behavior. When the material is exposed to CO2 the ionic liquid suffers a transition to a hydrophilic condition. This phenomenon is reversible and could provide a tunable material even after the curing of the epoxy resins. The same behavior has been observed i anionic portions derived from pyrazole, imidazole and triazole.

Figure 8 shows an example of an epoxy sy stem, according to an embodiment, that includes some or all of the features of that shown in scheme 1. The production of a secondary ionic liquid, after the curing process, can be useful in various medical, pharmaceutical and/or other important fields of application for ionic liquid epoxy resins. Some embodiments variously provide a long term release system for medication - e.g., using pharmacologically active ionic liquids such as the ones derived from ibuprofenate and lidocainium. Several combinations can be obtained from these ionic liquids, according to various embodiments, to open - for example - the possibility of pain-killer releasing ferules (Figure 8). The secondary ionic liquid thus produced would be lidocainium ibuprofenate.

Figures 9A-9F show various examples of anionic portions and cationic portions - e.g., each to variously function as a respective one of anionic potion A ^" or cationic portion B ⁺ of scheme 1 , respectively - each of an epoxy system according to an embodiment. Some embodiments variously blend epoxy polymer technology with the emerging field of

pharmaceutical active ionic liquids. Figures 9A-9F show some examples of useful therapeutic materials that can be adapted for use according to various embodiment.

Figures 1 OA- 101 show various examples of hardener compounds, epoxy compounds and modifiers each of an epoxy system according to a respective embodiment. Some or all of the compounds shown in Figures 1 OA- 101 can each be a component of a respective system having, for example, some of all of the features of the system shown in scheme 1.

It is important to remark that the existence of a large number of possible counter-ions permits the design of a final polymer that is to meet any of a wide variety of specifications required by the end user of a solvent-less ionic liquid epoxy system. Combination of the proper ions could tune polymer properties such as flexibility, hardness, hydrophobicitv, curing time, curing temperature, set up secondary reactions, ionic conductivity, etc. Also, the design of ionic liquid crossiinking agents, accelerators, and catalysts (examples shown in Figures 1 OA- 101) would guaranty that the whole epoxy system, is composed of zero vapor pressure components.

Due at least in part to some or all such characteristics, it can be possible, as an example, to produce thermoset solid state electrolytes, important in the development of batteries for the storage of electrical energy. A solvent-less ionic liquid epoxy system according to some embodiments allows the injection of an electrolyte into the battery structure, setting up a polymerization reaction to provide a fully polymerized, ionic liquid filled, solid state electrolyte.

Figure 11 shows various examples of an anionic portion - e.g., the anionic portion A shown in scheme 1 - each of a respective epoxy system, according to an embodiment. Figure 12 shows various examples of cationic portions - e.g., the cationic portions B ^" shown in scheme 1 - each of a respective epoxy system according to an embodiment.

As mentioned above, hydrophobic materials could be produced from ionic liquids epoxies with selection of the corresponding counter ions to the hardener and epoxy ionic liquids. A wide variety of hydrophobic anions (Figure 11) and hydrophobic cations (Figure 12) are available to facilitate selection of a combination that, according to different embodiments, precisely accommodates a particular desired level of hydropliobicity for a final material.

Figure 13 shows various examples of an anionic portion - e.g., the anionic portion A ^" shown in scheme 1 - each of a respective epoxy system according to an embodiment. As illustrated by the examples shown in Figure 11, it can be possible to synthesized epoxides ionic liquids where the secondary ionic liquid has a prominent hydrophilic character. Many inorganic anions are highly hydrophilic (Figure 13) and require bulky anions to produce ionic liquids. Figure 14 shows various examples of a cationic portions - e.g., the cationic portion B ⁺ shown in scheme 1 - each of a respective epoxy system, according to an embodiment. Figure 14 illustrates inorganic cations and organic cations with hydrogen bond donor moieties that are also highly hydrophilic.

Figures 15A-15F show various examples of an ionic liquid epoxy compound - e.g., such as that shown in scheme 1 - each of a respective epoxy system according to an embodiment. There is a wide range of biologically active ionic liquids (BAILs), from ionic liquids with herbicidal properties to ionic liquids with antitumor activity. Some examples are shown in Figures 15A-15F, New BAILs are being introduced regularly, and many of these BAILs can be used as a secondary ionic liquid in the ionic liquid epoxy systems providing a drug-eluding material after the proper curing process. Other examples are the ionic liquids derived from flufenamic acid (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and ampicillin (anti-tumor activity).

Figures 16A-16F show various examples byproduct compounds each to be formed by a reaction of a respective epoxy system according to an embodiment. The compounds shown in Figures 16A-16F can each be formed, for example, by the reaction of the anion A with the cation B ^* shown in scheme 1.

Plasticizers are used to modify the mechanical properties of different polymers - e.g., changing the rigidity, deformability, elongation; toughness, process viscosity, sen-ice temperature and/or the like. Traditionally, there are two types of plasticizers: inner and external plasticizers. Inner plasticizers are stractural modifications to the polymers that affect its mechanical properties, i.e. copolymerization moieties, addition of substituent groups, etc. External plasticizers are additives incorporated during the polymers processing, that have effect on the crystallinity of the polymers. Organic solvents are usually utilized as plasticizers but their efficiency is typically related to the permanence of the solvent in the polymer structure. Many common plasticizers dissipate over time - e.g., at a rate depending on parameters such as volatility, boiling point, osmotic pressure and solvent power. Due to such problems, ionic liquids - which have relatively very low vapor pressure - can be used as a new class of plasticizers, in some embodiments. Such use can take advantage of better solvent powers, osmotic pressures and low volatility. Some of the ionic liquids used as plasticizers are shown in Figures 16A-16F and all of them can be used as the secondary ionic liquid in the ionic liquid epoxides systems.

Figures 17A-17D show various examples of an epoxy compound - e.g., such as that shown in scheme 1 - each of a respective epoxy system according to an embodiment. In recent years it has been discovered that the presence of Bis Phenol A (BP A) in various polymer formulations presents a health hazard concern. BP As have been associated/correlated to problems in the reproduction systems of women and men, birth defects in children, metabolic diseases and immune system affectation. For these and/or other reasons, it is important for manufacturers to have BPA-free options in polymer production. Since solvent-less ionic liquid epoxide system according to various embodiments have low intrinsic vapor pressure and the risk of volatile BPAs is relatively low, they can be important in mitigating the possibility of BPA contamination in polymer-based products intended for human use. Aliphatic systems are one example of an implementation that can mitigate BPA problems. Some proposed structures to mitigate the possibility of BPA byproducts are show in Figures 17A-17D.

Figures 18A-18B show an example of devices each including a respective epoxy material according to an embodiment. For example, the dev ices of Figures 18A and 18B can each include a respective epoxy material such as one formed by a reaction such at that shown in scheme 1.

Solid electrolytes and electrochemical actuators are closely related - e.g., both systems are generally compromised of a polymeric matrix containing an electrolyte (organic or inorganic salt) between two electronic conductors (electrodes). The main difference is that in solid electrolytes the corresponding chemistries are typically designed to minimize a volume change in the electrodes, the volume change provoked by ion migration due to an applied potential (Figure 18A), where the electrolyte concentration is to be constant during the charge and discharge cycles. On the other hand, in an electrochemical actuator, a different effect is desired - e.g., wherein electrode volume and electrolyte concentration are to change. Accordingly, a different chemistr can be needed in order to provoke a differential volume change in the electrodes (Figure 18B), resulting in compression in one side of the cell and expansion in the opposite side, this phenomena is used to produce a movement proportional to the potential difference applied to the cell.

Ionic liquid epoxide systems according to different embodiments can be variously adapted for the production of respective ones of solid electrolytes and electrochemical actuators. Such an epoxide system can facilitate synthesis of a polymeric matrix (epoxide polymer) with the production of a secondary ionic liquid as a byproduct of the polymerization reaction. A transition between an electrochemical cell with a solid state electrolyte and an electrochemical actuator can be based on design-time selection of the secondary ionic liquid ions and the composition of the electrodes. Also, the presence of these electromechanical properties can allow an ionic liquid epoxide system to provide improved design and development of piezoelectric materials - e.g., due to a strong correspondence between the mechanical stress in a polymer and an applied electrochemical potential. One possible use for this technology is the construction of a wide variety of sensors. Self-healing Polymer

Figure 1 shows an example of a self-healing polymer including an epoxy material according to a disclosed embodiment, for example, the epoxy material formed by a reaction such at that shown in scheme 1. Self-healing polymers are materials capable of repair themselves from mechanical damage, as scratches, punctures, or cracking. There are several mechanisms that provide the polymers with the self-healing properties being the most used the formation of micro-capsules filled with the monomeric material and catalysts that react after the formation of the mechanical damage . However, there are also polymeric materials that consist of ionomeric chains, where the healing process is drive for the electrostatic attraction of the charges present in the polymers structure. Figure 19, shows a cross-sectional illustration of a healing process for this kind of system.

The nature of ionic liquid epoxide systems according to some embodiments can variously enable polymeric chains with fixed charges that are suited to promote self-healing properties of a material, for example, wherein a secondary ionic liquid produced during the polymerization reaction is to act as a plasticizer improving the mechanical behavior of the final product.

Polymer Films

Figure 20 shows an example of a film including an epoxy material according to disclosed embodiments, for example, the epoxy material formed by a reaction such at that is shown in scheme 1.

Modification of epoxide polymers using an ionic liquid can be performed to change curing reaction conditions, such as temperature, time, hardener/resin ratio and/or the like. For example, ionic liquid content in an epoxy system can be in a range of 2 to 5 pasts per hundred rubber (phr) when utilized as a modifier. Ionic liquids can be used in a range of 5 to 10 phr to modify the viscosity of some epoxide components during a curing process. However, with higher ionic liquids contents (around 30 to 70% w/w of the total mass), the ionic liquid tends to produce void space in the final material. After washing out this ionic liquid, the resulting material is a highly porous solid with porous size in the order of 10-20 μιη (See Figure 20 SEM image of a Jeffamine-BPA system with 50% tetrabutyl phosphonium TFSI ionic liquid).

An ionic liquid epoxide system according to some embodiments can produce similar results, with a final product that could be used as a filter structure with a highly regular porous size. By modifying the ionic liquid content, it can be possible to selectively design ("tune") the resulting porous size and selectivity of the filter system.

Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achie ve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate thai embodiments may be implemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intended to co ver any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. ^' Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.