A series of microcapsules were prepared by interfacial polymerization

epoxy resin E-51 as core materials and the condensation of triethylenetetramine and epoxy resin E-51 to wall materials. The kind of epoxy microcapsules provide an investigation model for scientific research and engineering applications of the epoxy resin self-healing composites with no different interfaces. The microcapsule formation process

particle size and size distribution

morphology and chemical structure were analyzed by optical microscopy (OM)

scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)

etc. Optimum synthetic conditions are obtained as the following:emulsifier (Tween 80) dosage is 1%

dosage of triethylenetetramine is 2.5%

reaction temperature is 90℃

and agitation rate is 600-1000 r·min-1. The reaction kinetic parameters such as reaction rate constant and activation energy of primary and secondary amines in triethylenetetramine curing agent were studied in details. Quantitative analysis was conducted for the reactive difference of primary and secondary amine groups between these amines in the chemical condesation of epoxy resin and triethylene tetramine.