Highly branched polyamidoamines and their preparation

0001The present invention relates to highly branched polyamidoamines, and to the preparation of highly branched polyamidoamines.

0002Polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin resins have been used extensively as wet strength agents for paper, and for other applications. These resins are typically prepared in a two step process.

0003In the first step, a polyamidoamine prepolymer is prepared from a diacid (e.g. adipic acid) and a polyamine (e.g., diethylenetriamine). Then in the second step, the prepolymer is reacted with epichlorohydrin in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of secondary amine groups in the prepolymer.

0004In the latter step, a small amount of the epichlorohydrin reacts to effect branching of the polymer, accompanied by an increase in molecular weight. However, the majority of the epichlorohydrin reacts with the prepolymer to give reactive functional groups, specifically, either aminochlorohydrin or azetidinium.

0005These wet strength resins can also be used as creping adhesives. Creping adhesives can also be prepared using lower levels of epichlorohydrin, resulting in lower levels of reactive functionality.

0006The intralinked polyamidoamine of the present invention is preferably characterized by a highly branched structure that lacks the reactive intralinker functionality of the wet strength and creping adhesive resins in the prior art. This highly branched structure results from reacting a prepolymer of controlled molecular weight, especially, a prepolymer of predetermined low molecular weight with the requisite amount of epichlorohydrin or other intralinking agent.

0007Further, the intralinked polyamidoamine of the present invention is a nonthermosetting and endcapped intralinked polyamidoamine. Also as a matter of preference, the intralinked polyamidoamine of the invention is free or substantially free of reactive intralinker functionality.

0008The intralinked polyamidoamine of the invention preferably comprises the reaction product of reactants which include at least one dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid derivative, at least one polyamine, at least one endcapping agent, and at least one intralinker. At least one endcapping agent preferably comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of monofunctional amines, monofunctional carboxylic acids, and monofunctional carboxylic acid esters.

0009Further, the intralinked polyamidoamine of the invention preferably comprises the reaction product of an endcapped polyamidoamine prepolymer and the at least one intralinker. The endcapped polyamidoamine prepolymer itself preferably comprises the reaction product of the at least one dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid derivative, the at least one polyamine, and the at least one endcapping agent.

0010Also as a matter of preference, the endcapped polyamidoamine prepolymer is free or substantially free of amine and carboxyl end groups. Additionally, the endcapped polyamidoamine prepolymer preferably comprises alternating dicarboxylic acid and polyamine residues, and endcaps lacking carboxyl and amine functionality; yet further, the endcaps are preferably amide endcaps.

0011The endcapped polyamidoamine prepolymer preferably has a DP_n of 2 to 50, more preferably 3 to 25, and still more preferably 3 to 10. Also as a matter of preference, the mole ratio of the at least one intralinker, to intralinker reactive amine groups in the endcapped polyamidoamine prepolymer, is between ½[1/(DP_n - 1)] and 1/(DP_n - 1).

0012The invention also pertains to a process for preparing an intralinked polyamidoamine polymer which is nonthermosetting and endcapped. This process comprises reacting at least one dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid derivative, at least one polyamine, at least one endcapping agent, and at least one intralinker.

0013Fig. 1 is an idealized representation of the structure characterizing the intralinked polyamidoamine of the invention prepared from dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid derivative, polyalkylene polyamine, monoalkanol amine, and epihalohydrin.

0014Fig. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between actual reduced specific viscosity, for prepolymer of the invention, and the prepolymer theoretical DP_n.

0015Fig. 3 is a graph plotting maximum amount of intralinker against prepolymer reduced specific viscosity.

0016Fig. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between maximum amount of intralinker and 1/(DP_n - 1) for resins of the invention.

0017The dicarboxylic acids and dicarboxylic acid derivatives of the invention comprise two amidization reactive carboxyl (i.e., -COOH) groups.

0018Suitable dicarboxylic acids for the invention include the C₂-C₁₂ dicarboxylic acids. Particular dicarboxylic acids which are suitable include oxalic, malonic, succinic, glutaric, adipic, pilemic, suberic, azelaic, sebacic, maleic, fumaric, itaconic, phthalic, isophthalic, and terephthalic acids.

0019Suitable dicarboxylic acid derivatives for the invention include dicarboxylic acid esters and dicarboxylic acid halides. Preferred derivatives are the esters.

0020Dicarboxylic acid esters which may be used include esters of the C₂-C₁₂ dicarboxylic acids, and especially the C₁-C₃ diesters of these acids. Particular diesters which are suitable include dimethyl adipate, dimethyl malonate, diethyl malonate, dimethyl succinate, and dimethyl glutarate.

0021Appropriate dicarboxylic acid halides include adipoyl chloride, glutaryl chloride, and sebacoyl chloride.

0022The polyamines of the invention comprise at least two amidization reactive amine groups. Preferably the amidization reactive amine groups are primary amine groups.

0023Also as a matter of preference, the polyamines of the invention further comprise at least one intralinker reactive amine group. The intralinker reactive amine groups are preferably secondary and/or tertiary amine groups.

0024Suitable polyamines include the polyalkylene polyamines, including those having at least two primary amine groups and also at least one secondary and/or at least one tertiary amine group. Especially preferred polyamines, including the polyalkylene polyamines, are those having two primary amine groups and also at least one secondary and/or at least one tertiary amine group. Particular suitable polyamines include diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), iminobispropylamine (IBPA), N-methyl-bis-(aminopropyl)amine (MBAPA), and bis-hexamethylenetriamine.

0025Endcapping agents are understood as including whatever attaches to or reacts with the dicarboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid derivative, or polyamine, or attaches to or reacts with dicarboxylic acid or polyamine residues, and thereby prevents the further reaction of these reactants and residues. Particularly, it is further amidization reactions of these reactants and residues which are thusly prevented.

0026Suitable endcapping agents for the invention include the monofunctional amines, the monofunctional carboxylic acids, and the monofunctional carboxylic acid esters. It is understood that the monofunctional amines are those amines having only one amidization reactive amine group, that the monofunctional carboxylic acids are those carboxylic acids having only one amidization reactive carboxyl group, and that the monofunctional carboxylic acid esters are those carboxylic acid esters having only one amidization reactive ester group.

0027Suitable monofunctional amines include monofunctional primary amines, including monoalkyl amines and monoalkanol amines, and monofunctional secondary amines, including dialkyl amines and dialkanol amines.

0028Among the monofunctional primary amines which are suitable are butylamine, ethanolamine (i.e., monoethanolamine, or MEA), cyclohexylamine, 2-methylcyclohexylamine, 3-methylcyclohexylamine, 4-methylcyclohexylamine, benzylamine, isopropanolamine (i.e., monoisopropanolamine), mono-<i>sec</i>-butanolamine, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, tris(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane, tetrahydrofurfurylamine, furfurylamine, 3-amino-1,2-propanediol, 1-amino-1-deoxy-D-sorbitol, and 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol. Among the monofunctional secondary amines which are suitable are diethylamine, dibutylamine, diethanolamine (i.e., DEA), di-<i>n</i>-propylamine, diisopropanolamine, di-<i>sec</i>-butanolamine, and N-methylbenzylamine.

0029Monofunctional carboxylic acids which are suitable for the present invention include benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (i.e., salicylic acid), 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, acetic acid, phenylacetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, oleic acid, ortho-toluic acid, meta-toluic acid, and para-toluic acid, ortho-methoxybenzoic acid, meta-methoxybenzoic acid, and para-methoxybenzoic acid.

0030Monofunctional carboxylic acid esters which are suitable for the present invention include methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl benzoate, ethyl benzoate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, methyl phenyl acetate, and ethyl phenyl acetate.

0031Intralinkers appropriate for the present invention include compounds having two, or at least two sites which are reactive with intralinker reactive amine groups in the prepolymer of the invention, and which thereby connect prepolymer chains to provide the desired branching. In this context, the intralinker reactive amine groups are understood as including the prepolymer secondary and tertiary amine groups which thusly react with the intralinkers.

0032These intralinkers accordingly link the prepolymer to provide the high molecular weight, highly branched, intralinked polymers or resins, preferably the high molecular weight, highly branched, intralinked polyamidoamine polymers or resins of the invention. In this regard, the intralinking which characterizes the intralinked polymers of the invention is the intramolecular connection of prepolymer chains by intralinker; this intralinking does not encompass intermolecular connections between discrete polymer molecules.

0033The intralinking of the present invention is accordingly distinguished from crosslinking, which is understood as referring to the indicated intermolecular connections. In resins of the prior art, compounds which serve as intralinkers for the present invention can serve to crosslink polymer molecules; this crosslinking is absent, or substantially or essentially absent, from the intralinked polyamidoamines of the invention.

0034Suitable intralinkers include haloalklyene oxides. These include epihalohydrins, i.e., epichlorohydrin, epibromohydrin, epiiodohydrin, and epifluorohydrin, and alkyl substituted epihalohydrins. Also included are 1-bromo-3,4-epoxybutane, chloroepoxyhexane, and iodoepoxyisobutane. Diepoxides, including ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (i.e., EGDGE) and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (i.e., BDDGE), are also suitable. 1,2,7,8-diepoxyoctane, 3-(bis(glycidoxymethyl)-methoxy)-1,2-propanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol diglycidyl ether, 4-vinyl-1-cyclohexene diepoxide, 1,2,5,6-diepoxycyclooctane, and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether may also be used.

0035Yet additional suitable intralinkers are diacrylates dimethacrylates, diacrylamides, and dimethacrylamides which are reactive, with the intralinker reactive amine groups of the prepolymer, by a Michael reaction. Examples are ethylene glycol diacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1,4-butanediol diacrylate, 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate, tripropylene glycol dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate, N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide, N,N'-methylenebismethacrylamide, N,N'-(1,2-dihydroxyethylene)bisacrylamide, and N,N'-(1,2-dihydroxyethylene)bismethacrylamide.

0036The prepolymer of the invention is a preferably a controlled, low molecular weight prepolymer. The prepolymer of the invention is also preferably an endcapped prepolymer. Yet further as a matter of preference, the prepolymer of the invention is a polyamidoamine. The polyamidoamine prepolymer of the invention is preferably obtained by a polycondensation reaction of the dicarboxylic acid, polyamine, and endcapping agent.

0037The diacid, polyamine, and endcapping agent undergo amidization, i.e., carboxyl groups and amine groups of these reactants react to form amide functionalities. In this context, amidization reactions are understood as including condensation reactions of the diacid and polyamine, particularly, reaction of diacid carboxyl groups with polyamine primary amine groups in formation of prepolymer chains. Amidization reactions are also understood as including reactions of endcapping agents with prepolymer chain end groups, particularly reaction of monofunctional carboxylic acid carboxyl groups with prepolymer primary amine groups, and reaction of the amine groups of monofunctional amines with prepolymer carboxyl groups to form endcapped prepolymer.

0038Further in this context, amidization reactive groups are understood as including the carboxyl and amine groups of the diacids, polyamines, and endcapping agents which undergo the amidization reactions. Particularly as to the polyamines, the amidization reactive groups are understood as including the primary amine groups of the polyamines.

0039One or more of each of the acid, polyamine, and endcapping agent may be employed in the polycondensation; further, one or more dicarboxylic acid derivatives may be used in place of, or in addition to, the dicarboxylic acid. Particularly as to endcapping agent, one or more monofunctional amines and/or one or more monofunctional carboxylic acids may be used.

0040The volatility of the endcapping agent should be low enough so that this agent remains in the prepolymerization reaction at the temperature at which the reaction is being conducted. Particularly, when the prepolymer is prepared by thermally driven polycondensation, volatility is a significant feature of the endcapping agent; in this instance, an endcapping agent of lesser volatility is preferred. The boiling point of the endcapping agent should be high enough so that, at the temperature being employed to drive off the condensation product, i.e., water where a diacid reactant is used, and alcohol in the case of diester, the agent is not also removed.

0041Considering the foregoing, for diacids, particularly where the diacid and polyamine are adipic acid and DETA, prepolymerization will customarily be conducted at 150-180°C, more preferably 160-170°C. In this instance the endcapping agent should therefore have a boiling point above 180°C or above 170°C in the case of the indicated 160-170°C range, so that it is not driven off with the water.

0042Where diester is used instead of diacid, and the resulting alcohol condensation product is more volatile than water, an endcapping agent of greater volatility may be used. Because not as high a temperature is required for removing the alcohol, the endcapping agent can correspondingly have a lower boiling point without being taken off.

0043The polycondensation reaction of dicarboxylic acid and/or derivative, polyamine, and endcapping agent thusly provides a prepolymer comprising polymer chains which include alternating dicarboxylic and polyamine residues, and which are terminated by endcaps. It is understood that the dicarboxylic and polyamine residues are the units remaining after the amidization reactions of dicarboxylic acid and/or derivative with polyamine to form the prepolymer chains, and that the endcaps also are residues - i.e., the units remaining after reaction of endcapping agent with prepolymer chain end groups.

0044By virtue of the presence of the endcapping agent in the prepolymerization polycondensation reaction of the invention, the prepolymer is thusly endcapped. Amine and carboxyl functionality are therefore preferably absent, or at least essentially absent or at least substantially absent, from the chain ends of the endcapped prepolymer, i.e., the endcapped prepolymer is free, or at least essentially or at least substantially free, of amine and carboxyl end groups.

0045Accordingly, the prepolymer of the invention is preferably characterized by endcaps lacking both carboxylic and amine functionality. The monofunctional amine endcapping agents react with carboxyl groups of the forming prepolymer, while monofunctional carboxylic acid endcapping agents react with prepolymer amidization reactive amine groups; in both instances, the result is an amide endcap. The endcaps of the prepolymer are therefore preferably amide endcaps.

0046It is understood that the polyamidoamine prepolymers or intralinked polyamidoamines are "endcapped" when they comprise an endcap, as discussed herein. Particularly, they are endcapped when they comprise a residue (reaction product) of an endcapping agent.

0047The molecular weight of the prepolymer of the invention can be controlled by the relative amounts of the dicarboxylic acid, polyamine, and endcapping agent employed in the polycondensation reaction. Particularly, it is the use of endcapping agent which allows for control of the prepolymer molecular weight.

0048In this regard, where the endcapping agent is a monofunctional carboxylic acid, during prepolymerization it is competing with the dicarboxylic acid to react with the polyamine, and with amine end groups in the growing prepolymer chain. If it is the diacid which reacts, polymerization continues; however, amidization with the endcapping agent forms an endcap, thusly stopping the chain growth. Conversely, if a monofunctional amine is the endcapping agent, competition is with the polyamine reactant.

0049The more endcapping agent which is employed relative to its competing reactant, the lower will be the molecular weight of the resulting prepolymer. Particularly, the more one of the diacid and polyamine reactants is replaced by its competing endcapping agent, the lower the prepolymer molecular weight will be. In this manner, a prepolymer of predetermined molecular weight can be provided.

0050The relative proportions of diacid, polyamine, and endcapping agent employed in the prepolymerization reaction are preferably such that the total number of amidization reactive carboxyl groups contributed by these reactants is equal, or at least substantially equal or essentially equal, to the total number of amidization reactive amine groups which are contributed; accordingly, the ratio of the total number of these amidization reactive carboxyl groups to the total number of amidization reactive amine groups is preferably 1:1, or 1:1. This correspondence between amidization reactive carboxyl and amine groups is necessary so that endcapping of the prepolymer will likewise be complete, or at least substantially complete or essentially complete.

0051Therefore, where the endcapping agent is a monofunctional carboxylic acid, the relative proportions of diacid, polyamine, and endcapping agent will be such that the total number of amidization reactive carboxyl groups contributed by the diacid and the endcapping agent together will be equal, or at least substantially equal or essentially equal, to the number of amidization reactive amine groups contributed by the polyamine. And where the endcapping agent is a monofunctional amine, the relative proportions of diacid, polyamine, and endcapping agent will be such that the total number of amidization reactive amine groups contributed by the polyamine and the endcapping agent together will be equal, or at least substantially equal or essentially equal, to the number of amidization reactive carboxyl groups contributed by the diacid.

0052Specifically, taking a 1:1 molar ratio of diacid and polyamine as the starting point, preferably two moles, or two moles, of the endcapping agent are employed in place of one mole of whichever of the diacid and polyamine is its competing reactant. Accordingly, if the endcapping agent is a monofunctional carboxylic acid, it should be considered that two moles, or two moles, of this acid is replacing each mole of the diacid in a 1:1 molar ratio of diacid and polyamine. Conversely, if the endcapping agent is a monofunctional amine, it should be considered that two moles, or two moles, of this amine is replacing each mole of the polyamine in the indicated 1:1 diacid/polyamine molar ratio.

0053The molecular weight of the prepolymer of the invention can be measured by the reduced specific viscosity (RSV). Prepolymer molecular weight can also be expressed in terms of DP_n, which is the number-average degree of polymerization, or the average number of subunits in a polymer chain. Particularly for the endcapped prepolymer of the present invention, the subunits include the following: the amidoamine subunits, each of these units being a single diacid residue linked to a single polyamine residue; and taken as one subunit, the two endcaps and the single excess residue which remains after apportioning the other diacid and polyamine residues into amidoamine subunits.

0054The DP_n of the prepolymer of the invention is additionally defined by the formula<maths id="math0001" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><msub><mrow><mtext>DP</mtext></mrow><mrow><mtext>n</mtext></mrow></msub><mtext> = (1+r)/(1-r)</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP0802215A1_D0001.tif" /></maths> where r is defined as the ratio of the monomer units, and is itself calculated as follows:    where A>B,<maths id="math0002" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>r=A/(B+2C)</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP0802215A1_D0002.tif" /></maths>    where B>A,<maths id="math0003" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>r=B/(A+2C)</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP0802215A1_D0003.tif" /></maths>

0055The quantity r is always less than 1.

0056A, B, and C represent the molar proportions of diacid, polyamine, and endcapping agent, respectively. These quantities are further defined by the following relationships:    where A>B,<maths id="math0004" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>C=2(A-B)</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP0802215A1_D0004.tif" /></maths>    where B>A,<maths id="math0005" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>C=2(B-A)</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP0802215A1_D0005.tif" /></maths>

0057Where A is greater than B, C is monofunctional amine; where B is greater than A, C is monofunctional carboxylic acid. A and B are never equal.

0058The prepolymer of the invention has a DP_n preferably of 2 to 50, more preferably of 3 to 25. As a matter of particular preference, the DP_n of the prepolymer of the invention is 3 to 10.

0059Where DP_n=2, r=1/3 (0.333). Where DP_n=50, r=49/51 (0.961). Table 1 below shows the different values of r, A, B, and C for DP_n equal to 2 and DP_n equal to 50, depending upon whether there is a molar excess of diacid to polyamine (i.e., A>B), with the endcapping agent therefore being monofunctional amine, or a molar excess of polyamine to diacid (i.e., B>A), with the endcapping agent therefore being monofunctional acid. <tables id="tabl0001" num="0001"><table frame="all"><title>Table 1</title><tgroup cols="6" colsep="1" rowsep="1"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="26.25mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="26.25mm" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="26.25mm" /><colspec colnum="4" colname="col4" colwidth="26.25mm" /><colspec colnum="5" colname="col5" colwidth="26.25mm" /><colspec colnum="6" colname="col6" colwidth="26.25mm" /><thead valign="top"><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" /><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">DP_n</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="center">r</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="center">A</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="center">B</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="center">C</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="left">Monofunctional amine; A>B</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="right">50</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">0.961</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">1.000</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">0.986</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.028</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="left">Monofunctional amine; A>B</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="right">2</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">0.333</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">1.000</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">0.333</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">1.334</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="left">Monofunctional acid; B>A</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="right">50</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">0.961</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">0.986</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">1.000</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.028</entry></row><row rowsep="1"><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="left">Monofunctional acid; B>A</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="right">2</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">0.333</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">0.333</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">1.000</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">1.334</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0060The amine functionality-free and carboxyl functionality-free endcaps for the prepolymer are preferred to provide the desired high molecular weight, highly branched (i.e., hyperbranched) polymers, preferably, high molecular weight, highly branched (i.e., hyperbranched) polyamidoamines, of the invention. Amine functionality in the chain end groups of the completed prepolymer is disadvantageous because amine end groups will react with the intralinker to give chain extension, rather than the desired branching. This chain extension would thusly cause the resin final product to be excessively linear.

0061Further, carboxyl functionality in the chain end groups of the completed prepolymer also is disadvantageous because carboxyl end groups will react with polymer chain secondary amines. The likely result will be gelling; in any case, the final product would be unsuitable.

0062It is thusly preferred that control of prepolymer molecular weight be accomplished by endcapping, as discussed herein. If instead of including endcapping agent in the polycondensation reaction, the molecular weight of the prepolymer is controlled by limiting the amount of diacid reactant relative to polyamine (i.e., employing an excess of polyamine in the prepolymerization), then the resulting prepolymer will be characterized by a preponderance of primary amine end groups. Conversely, if prepolymer molecular weight is controlled by limiting the amount of polyamine reactant relative to diacid (i.e., employing an excess of diacid in the prepolymerization), then the resulting prepolymer will be characterized by a preponderance of carboxyl end groups. The disadvantages of amine and carboxyl end groups in the prepolymer are as has been discussed.

0063Further, where a low molecular weight prepolymer is provided, it is possible to obtain a more highly branched, intralinked final resin product, particularly a more highly branched, intralinked polyamidoamine resin. Specifically, the lower the molecular weight of the prepolymer, the greater the amount of branching can be provided in the final product.

0064The amount of intralinker used for preparing the intralinked polyamidoamine of the invention is that which is sufficient to provide a high molecular weight, highly branched resin, but which is also low enough so that all, or essentially all or substantially all, of the intralinker is serving to intralink prepolymer, or is fully reacted, i.e., leaving the intralinked resin free, or essentially free or substantially free, of reactive intralinker functionality. Expressed in terms of prepolymer molecular weight, the intralinker is preferably present, in the intralinked polyamidoamine of the invention, in an amount wherein the mole ratio of intralinker, to intralinker reactive amine groups in the endcapped prepolymer, is between ½[1/(DP_n - 1)] and 1/(DP_n - 1)]. More preferably, the intralinker is present in an amount wherein the mole ratio of intralinker, to intralinker reactive amine groups in the endcapped prepolymer, is equal to 1/(DP_n - 1) or 1/(DP_n -1).

0065In this regard, the 1/(DP_n - 1) value, at the upper end of the indicated ½[1/(DP_n - 1)] to 1/(DP_n - 1)] range, is optimal because it represents the highest proportion of intralinker employed with a given prepolymer molecular weight. At a particular prepolymer molecular weight, the more intralinker which may be employed, the greater the degree of the desired branching is achieved.

0066Also as a matter of preference, the intralinker is preferably present, in the intralinked polyamidoamine of the invention, in an amount wherein the mole ratio of intralinker, to intralinker reactive amine groups in the endcapped prepolymer, is between 0.02 and 0.5. Expressed in terms of mole percent, the intralinker is preferably present, in the intralinked polyamidoamine of the invention, in an amount wherein the mole percent of intralinker, based on moles of intralinker reactive amine groups in the endcapped prepolymer, is between 2 percent and 50 percent.

0067More preferably, the intralinker is present in an amount wherein the mole ratio of intralinker, to intralinker reactive amine groups in the endcapped prepolymer, is between 0.04 and 0.5, i.e., 4 to 50 mole percent intralinker. As a matter of particular preference, the intralinker is present in an amount wherein the mole ratio of intralinker, to intralinker reactive amine groups in the endcapped prepolymer, is between 0.1 and 0.5, i.e., 10 to 50 mole percent.

0068It is understood that by moles of intralinker reactive amine groups, it is meant the total number of amine groups in the prepolymer that are reactive with the intralinker.

0069Reactive intralinker functionality is understood as referring to intralinker which is appended to but is not linking prepolymer, because not all of the intralinker reactive sites have reacted with intralinker reactive amine groups of the prepolymer. For instance, where epichlorohydrin is the intralinker, two possible types of reactive intralinker functionality are azetidinium and aminochlorohydrin groups.

0070The lower the molecular weight of the prepolymer, the more intralinker is required to achieve the requisite high molecular weight through branching. However, the maximum amount of intralinker which can be employed is that which can be reacted with the prepolymer and still leave the intralinked resin free, or essentially free or substantially free, of reactive intralinker functionality. This maximum amount of intralinker is also that amount which can be reacted with the prepolymer without causing the resin to gel, or without resulting in a thermosetting resin.

0071In this regard, gelling and thermosetting of polyamidoamine resins result from the presence of reactive intralinker functionality. Both gelling and thermosetting entail the formation of intermolecular connections between discrete resin molecules. Gelling and thermosetting are caused by reaction between reactive intralinker functionality and intralinker reactive amine groups of different resin molecules; the reactive intralinker functionality thusly crosslinks the different molecules, and these molecules accordingly form an interconnected structure which is insoluble.

0072Particularly in the case of a thermosetting resin, the act of heating and/or drying the resin hardens it, as well as rendering it insoluble. In the prior art, resin solutions are acid stabilized, so that heating will not gel or thermoset the resin.

0073In contrast, the intralinked polyamidoamines of the present invention are nongelling and nonthermosetting. With all, or essentially all or substantially all, of the intralinker already reacted to link prepolymer, the dearth of reactive intralinker functionality precludes, or at least greatly limits, reaction between the discrete resin molecules. The intralinked polyamidoamines of the invention can accordingly be redissolved after drying and/or heating.

0074Reactive intralinker functionality can be ascertained by NMR. Particularly, this analytical technique is suitable for confirming the absence, or substantial or essential absence, of this functionality from resins of the invention.

0075An idealized representation of the structure which characterizes the resin of the invention, where the resin has been prepared from dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid derivative, polyalkylene polyamine, monoalkanol amine, and epihalohydrin, is shown in Fig. 1. The indicated high branching and lack of reactive intralinker functionality are displayed in this structure; it is understood that Fig. 1 is not intended to be an accurate representation of the complete molecular structure of the resin.

0076To prepare the prepolymer from diacid, polyamine, and endcapping agent, a mixture of these three reactants is heated at a temperature of 160-170°C for 1/2-4 hours at atmospheric pressure; where a reduced pressure is employed, lower temperatures may be utilized. This polycondensation reaction produces water as a byproduct, which is removed by distillation. At the end of this reaction the resulting product is dissolved in water at a concentration of 50% by weight total polymer solids.

0077Where diester is used instead of diacid, the prepolymerization can be conducted at a lower temperature, specifically 110°C at atmospheric pressure. In this case the byproduct will be an alcohol, the type of alcohol depending upon the identity of the diester. For instance, where a dimethyl ester is employed the alcohol byproduct will be methanol, while ethanol will be the byproduct obtained from a diethyl ester.

0078An aqueous solution of the prepolymer is reacted with intralinker to obtain the intralinked polyamidoamine. The prepolymer and intralinker are mixed with an appropriate amount of dilution water to provide a reaction solution having a concentration of 30% by weight total solids (prepolymer + intralinker). This mixture is then maintained at a temperature of 25-80°C, still more preferably 50-70°C, and most preferably 60°C.

0079The viscosity of the mixture is monitored using Gardner-Holdt viscosity tubes. The reaction is continued until viscosity reaches a particular value, preferably "L" on the Gardner-Holdt scale at which point cold dilution water is added to end the reaction. Alternatively, the reaction may be diluted with warm water with the heating being continued until the viscosity again builds to the "L" level; several such iterations can be performed before the reaction is ended.

0080The intralinked polyamidoamines of the invention are suitable for treatment of, addition to, and incorporation with cellulosic and fibrous materials, especially cellulosic and fibrous webs, and most especially paper. The intralinked polyamidoamines of the invention have particular utility as creping adhesives, wet strength agents, and dry strength agents for cellulosic and fibrous materials, especially cellulosic and fibrous webs, and most especially paper. They are also useful as retention and drainage aids in papermaking, and can be employed as size promoters, emulsion stabilizers, paper coatings, adhesive formulations, flocculants, demulsifiers, and corrosion inhibitors.

0081The invention further pertains to compositions, including aqueous compositions comprising the intralinked polyamidoamines of the invention. Particularly, compositions comprising the intralinked polyamidoamines of the invention are suitable for treatment of, addition to, and incorporation with cellulosic and fibrous materials, especially cellulosic and fibrous webs, and most especially paper. Compositions of the invention, e.g., aqueous solutions of the intralinked polyamidoamines of the invention, preferably comprise amounts of the resin which are effective for the intended use.

0082Particularly, compositions of the invention, and most particularly aqueous solutions of the intralinked polyamidoamines of the invention, are suitable as creping adhesive, wet strength, and dry strength compositions, e.g., for cellulosic and fibrous materials, especially cellulosic and fibrous webs, and most especially paper. These compositions comprise amounts of the resin effective for the intended (e.g., creping adhesive or wet strength) function.

0083Suitable aqueous solutions of the invention include those having concentrations of 1-60% by weight resin. For creping adhesive, wet strength, and dry strength applications, solution concentrations of 1-40% by weight resin are preferred; concentrations of 5-35% are more preferred, while the most preferred concentrations are 10-30%.

0084With regard to creping adhesive applications, the presence of chloride ion can lead to corrosion of the Yankee dryer. Accordingly, resins of the invention which are free of chloride ion, e.g., where the intralinker which is employed is a nonchloride, such as in the case of ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether are especially advantageous as creping adhesives.

0085Further, the resins of the invention are particularly advantageous for wet strength applications where repulpability is desired. The cellulosic material with which these resins are thusly used, particularly paper, is easily repulped due to the lack of intralinker reactive functionality which would create covalent bonds.

0086The invention also pertains to cellulosic and fibrous materials, especially cellulosic and fibrous webs, and most especially paper comprising the intralinked polyamidoamines of the invention. These materials preferably incorporate amounts of the resin effective for the intended function.

0087When employed as wet and dry strength agents, the resins of the invention are preferably present in amounts of 0.1-5% by weight resin, based on the dry weight of the cellulosic material. The quantity of resin present depends upon the degree of wet and/or dry strength desired in the finished product and on the amount of resin retained by the cellulosic fibers.

0088Compositions and resins of the invention can be employed as wet strength agents and creping adhesives according to the standard methods as these are known in the art. Particularly for wet strength applications the agents are typically added to the pulp furnish any time before the sheet is formed. In the case of creping applications, the compositions and resins of the invention can be employed as creping adhesives in accordance with the procedures set forth in Canadian Patent No. 979,579 and in U.S. Application Serial No.08/428,287, filed April 25, 1995.

0089In this regard, fibrous webs, particularly paper webs, are conventionally subjected to the creping process in order to give them desirable textural characteristics, such as softness and bulk. The creping process typically involves applying creping adhesive, generally in the form of an aqueous solution or dispersion, to a drying surface for the web; preferably, this surface is the surface of a rotating creping cylinder, such as the apparatus known as a Yankee dryer. The web is then adhered to the indicated surface. It is subsequently dislodged from the surface with a creping device, preferably a doctor blade. The impact of the web against the creping device ruptures some of the fiber-to-fiber bonds within the web causing the web to wrinkle or pucker.

0090The invention accordingly pertains to a process of creping paper. The creping process of the invention can comprise the steps of providing a fibrous web, and creping this web by applying the intralinked polyamidoamine to the web and/or by applying the resin to a means for creping the web and employing this means to crepe the web. Further in this regard, the creping process of the invention can include the steps of applying the intralinked polyamidoamine to a drying surface for fibrous web providing a fibrous web, pressing the fibrous web against the drying surface to adhere this web to the surface, and dislodging the fibrous web from the drying surface with a creping device to crepe the fibrous web.

0091The invention additionally pertains to the making of paper by a process which includes addition of the intralinked polyamidoamine to provide wet strength to the paper. This process can include the steps of providing a paper pulp, adding the resin of the invention to the pulp, forming a sheet from the paper pulp after addition of the intralinked polyamidoamine, and drying the sheet to form paper.

0092Further, the invention pertains to a process of repulping paper. This process can include the steps of providing paper which comprises the intralinked polyamidoamine of the invention and forming a slurry comprising water and pulp prepared from the indicated paper. The invention further pertains to the process of making paper from pulp prepared according to the foregoing repulping process, and to paper made from this pulp.

0093The invention is illustrated by the following Procedures and Examples. These are provided for the purpose of representation and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Unless stated otherwise, all percentages, parts, etc. are by weight.

SYNTHESIS OF THE PREPOLYMERS

0094Example 1 is a polyamidoamine prepared from adipic acid and diethylenetriamine without the endcapping agent of the present invention; this prepolymer is included for the purpose of comparison with the prepolymers of the invention.

0095For the prepolymers of Examples 2-15, which are prepolymers of the invention, the polyamine and the monoethanolamine endcapping agent were added to a 2,000 ml. resin kettle fitted with a condenser, Dean-Stark trap, thermocouple, addition funnel, and mechanical stirrer. Stirring of this mixture was then initiated, and the adipic acid was cautiously added during the stirring; the temperature of the reaction mixture was maintained below 125°C by controlling the rate at which the adipic acid was added.

0096After the addition of the adipic acid was completed, the temperature was raised to 169-171°C and maintained in this range for 4 hours. During this period water of distillation was removed through the Dean-Stark trap.

0097Hot water (∼70°C) was cautiously added to the product which was stirred until the prepolymer was dissolved.

0098Table 2 below sets forth the amounts of reactants employed in preparing the prepolymers of Examples 1-15, as well as the actual and theoretical water of distillation, the amount of hot water added during the synthesis, and the solids content of the product. Table 2 also lists theoretical and actual molecular weight values (provided as DP_n and RSV, respectively) for the resulting prepolymers. <tables id="tabl0002" num="0002"><table frame="all"><title>Table 2</title><tgroup cols="10" colsep="1" rowsep="1"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="4" colname="col4" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="5" colname="col5" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="6" colname="col6" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="7" colname="col7" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="8" colname="col8" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="9" colname="col9" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="10" colname="col10" colwidth="15.75mm" /><thead valign="top"><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col10" align="center">Synthesis of Prepolymers</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">Ex. No.</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">Theoretical DP_n</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="center">Moles Adipic</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="center">Moles Polyamine</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="center">Moles MEA</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="center">RSV (dL/g)¹</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">Theo. W.of Dist.</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">Actual W.of Dist.</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="center">Added Hot Water</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="center">solids</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">1</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">100</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">3.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">3.00 DETA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">0.00</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.1436</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">108 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">97 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">676 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">50.0%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">2</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">5.00</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">2.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">1.77 DETA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">0.46</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0841</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">72 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">59.5 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">450 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">50.3%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">3</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">9.00</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">3.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">2.75 DETA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">0.50</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0932</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">108 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">101 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">450 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">59.7%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">4</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">3.67</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">3.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">2.25 DETA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">1.50</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0685</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">108 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">91 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">650 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">49.7%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">5</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">3.67</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">3.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">2.25 DETA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">1.50</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0698</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">108 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">99 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">650 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">51.6%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">6</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">3.34</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">3.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">2.14 DETA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">1.71</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0664</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">108 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">96 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">650 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">50.9%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">7</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">4.33</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">3.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">2.40 DETA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">1.20</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0745</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">108 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">96.5 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">650 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">51.8%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">8</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">4.33</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">3.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">2.40 DETA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">1.20</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0751</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">108 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">100 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">650 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">50.7%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">9</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">4.33</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">3.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">2.40 DETA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">1.20</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0747</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">108 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">105 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">650 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">52.5%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">10</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">4.33</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">3.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">2.40 DETA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">1.20</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0756</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">108 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">100 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">650 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">50.5%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">11</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">6.80</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">3.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">2.66 DETA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">0.69</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0865</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">108 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">102 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">450 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">60.4%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">12</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">6.00</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">2.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">1.60 TEPA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">0.80</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.1207</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">72 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">54.5 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">570 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">50.8%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">13</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">6.00</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">2.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">1.60 TETA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">0.80</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0959</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">72 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">61 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">570 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">48.1%</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">14</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">6.80</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">2.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">1.77MBAPA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">0.46</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0914</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">72 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">63 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">500 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">51.9%</entry></row><row rowsep="1"><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">15</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">3.67</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">2.00</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="char" char=".">1.50MBAPA</entry><entry namest="col5" nameend="col5" align="char" char=".">1.00</entry><entry namest="col6" nameend="col6" align="char" char=".">0.0698</entry><entry namest="col7" nameend="col7" align="center">72 mL</entry><entry namest="col8" nameend="col8" align="center">61 mL</entry><entry namest="col9" nameend="col9" align="right">500 mL</entry><entry namest="col10" nameend="col10" align="char" char=".">51.6%</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup cols="10" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="4" colname="col4" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="5" colname="col5" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="6" colname="col6" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="7" colname="col7" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="8" colname="col8" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="9" colname="col9" colwidth="15.75mm" /><colspec colnum="10" colname="col10" colwidth="15.75mm" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col10" align="justify">¹ Measured at 25°C in 1.0M NH⁴Cl at a concentration of 2.00 g/dL.</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0099Fig. 2 shows the variation between theoretical and actual molecular weight for prepolymers of the invention. The theoretical molecular weight is set forth as DP_n; the actual molecular weight is stated as reduced specific viscosity, measured as deciliters per gram (dL/g) at 25°C in 1.0 M NH₄ at a concentration of 2.00 g/dL.

0100The points plotted in the graph are based on the data from Examples 2-11, and the curve is created from these points. As this curve demonstrates, there is a good correlation between actual molecular weight measured as reduced specific viscosity, and theoretical molecular weight measured as DP_n.

0101Particularly, this correlation can be expressed by the following formula:<maths id="math0006" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><msub><mrow><mtext>RSV = a[DP</mtext></mrow><mrow><mtext>n</mtext></mrow></msub><msup><mrow><mtext>]</mtext></mrow><mrow><mtext>b</mtext></mrow></msup></mrow></math><img file="EP0802215A1_D0006.tif" /></maths>

0102The values of a and b depend upon the identity of the diacid or diacid derivative, polyamine, and endcapping agent. For a prepolymer prepared from adipic acid, diethylenetriamine, and monoethanolamine, a = 0.0459 and b = 0.325.

SYNTHESIS OF THE RESINS

0103The prepolymers of Examples 1-15 were used to prepare the resins of Examples 2-16, respectively. The prepolymers of Examples 2 and 9 were used to prepare the resins of Examples 31 and 34, while the Example 10 prepolymer was employed in preparing the resins of both Example 32 and Example 33.

0104Prepolymer, intralinker, and water were added to a 500 ml. 4-necked flask fitted with a condenser, addition funnel, thermocouple, and mechanical stirrer. The temperature of the mixture was raised to 60°C and viscosity was monitored using Gardner-Holdt tubes while the temperature was held at this point.

0105For Examples 16-21, 26-31, and 33, the reaction was conducted as a single step. Specifically, cold dilution water was added to cool the reaction to room temperature when the terminal viscosity was reached.

0106In the case of Examples 22-25, 32, and 34, the resin was prepared by a multistep dilution procedure. After an initial Gardner-Holdt viscosity of "L" was reached, warm water (60°C) was added, and the reaction was continued until a Gardner-Holdt viscosity of "L" was reached a second time. Warm water was added once more, with the reaction again being continued until a third predetermined viscosity value was reached; for Examples 22-25 and 32, this was the terminal viscosity.

0107In the case of Example 34, warm water was added yet again, and the reaction was continued until a Gardner-Holdt viscosity of "L" was reached. This fourth viscosity value was the terminal viscosity for Example 34.

0108At the point of terminal viscosity the reaction was diluted with cold water and cooled to room temperature. A light gold product was thusly provided.

0109Table 3 below sets forth the amounts of prepolymer (g/g solids/eq) and intralinker (g/moles) employed in preparing the intralinked polyamidoamines of Examples 16-34. Table 3 also sets forth the solids content, pH, and Brookfield viscosity (in centipoises) of the product, as well as the above-noted Gardner-Holdt reaction points and reduced specific viscosity of the resin.

0110Further in Table 3, the max.% intralinker value also denotes the amount of intralinker used in the foregoing Examples; yet additionally, it is the maximum amount of the intralinker which can be reacted with the indicated prepolymer, without causing the resin to gel or resulting in a resin with reactive intralinker functionality. This measurement is accordingly provided as a mole percent of the intralinker, based on the intralinker reactive amine groups in the prepolymer, i.e., it is calculated as the molar percent of the indicated intralinker reactive amine functionality. The resulting value thusly expresses, as a percentage, the relationship of moles of intralinker per mole of intralinker reactive amine groups in the prepolymer. <tables id="tabl0003" num="0003"><img file="EP0802215A1_D0007.tif" /></tables><tables id="tabl0004" num="0004"><img file="EP0802215A1_D0008.tif" /></tables><tables id="tabl0005" num="0005"><img file="EP0802215A1_D0009.tif" /></tables>

0111As evidenced in Table 3, the maximum amount of intralinker which can be employed, without causing gelling or resulting in reactive intralinker functionality, increases as the prepolymer molecular weight decreases. In Fig. 3, maximum percent intralinker is plotted as a function of prepolymer molecular weight for Examples 17-26. The resulting plot gives good correlation with the following formula:<maths id="math0007" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><msup><mrow><mtext>Max.% Intralinker = a [RSV]</mtext></mrow><mrow><mtext>b</mtext></mrow></msup></mrow></math><img file="EP0802215A1_D0010.tif" /></maths>

0112This formula accordingly expresses the relationship between maximum amount of intralinker and prepolymer molecular weight. The values for a and b depend upon the identity of the diacid or diacid derivative, polyamine, endcapping agent, and intralinker. For an intralinked polyamidoamine prepared from adipic acid, diethylenetriamine, monoethanolamine, and epichlorohydrin, a = 0.0135 and b = -2.97.

0113Fig. 4 shows the relationship between maximum amount of intralinker and 1/(DP_n - 1) for Examples 17-26; the points plotted on the graph are from these Examples, with the Max. % intralinker values having been converted to moles of intralinker per mole of intralinker reactive amine groups in the prepolymer. The resulting curve demonstrates the correspondence between maximum intralinker and 1/(DP_n - 1).

DETERMINATION OF THERMOSETTABILITY

0114The relative degree of thermosettability of different dried resin samples was determined by swelling in water; in this context, thermosettability refers to the interconnections between discrete resin molecules, as discussed herein, which characterize gelling and thermosetting. As noted in P. J. Flory, <u>Principles of Polymer Chemistry</u>, pp. 576-589, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York (1953). The degree of thermosettability of a material is inversely proportional to its degree of swelling in a good solvent, e.g., water. A nonthermosetting resin will be free, or at least substantially or essentially free, of intermolecular connections between discrete resin molecules, and will dissolve completely in a good solvent.

0115For instance, in the following procedure the period of time for allowing dissolution of the resins being tested was 24 hours. However, it is understood that the nonthermosetting resins of the invention are not limited to those which dissolve thusly within 24 hours, and therefore include nonthermosetting resins which dissolve completely within time periods greater than 24 hours.

0116Films were prepared from aqueous solutions of different prior art polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrins, and from an aqueous solution of a resin of the present invention. The films were prepared by drying these solutions in aluminum pans 3" in diameter.

0117In each instance, an amount of the resin solution having a total solids content of 11.00 g was placed in the pan, which was heated in a Blue M Stabil-Therm forced air oven (Blue M Electrical Company, Blue Island, IL) according to the following procedure: <dl id="dl0001" compact="compact"><dt>First Day</dt><dd>4 hours at 35°C; 4 hours at 40°C; 16 hours at 45°C;</dd><dt>Second Day</dt><dd>4 hours at 50°C; 4 hours at 60°C; 16 hours at 80°C</dd></dl>

0118At this point the film sample was cooled to room temperature in a desiccator. The resulting film was 2.4 mm thick.

0119A sample of the film weighing between 0.4 and 0.6 g was weighed to 0.0001 g and was added to 100 mL of deionized water in a bottle. After 24 hours, the contents of the bottle were poured through a tared steel mesh funnel (^∼50 mm diameter x 50 mm high, 100 mesh monel steel); to ensure that all of the sample had been removed, the bottle was then rinsed with deionized water, which was also poured through the funnel. Excess water was removed from the funnel by patting the underside of the funnel with tissue paper. If a swollen (i.e, with water) sample was thusly obtained, this sample was accordingly collected in the funnel.

0120The mass of collected material was then measured to 0.0001 g by weighing the funnel, and comparing this result to the mass of the funnel before the bottle contents were poured therethrough. The swelling ratio of collected sample was calculated as the mass of water held by the sample per unit mass of dry sample, according to the following equation:<maths id="math0008" num=""><math display="block"><mrow><mtext>Q = [M-M(O)]/M(O)</mtext></mrow></math><img file="EP0802215A1_D0011.tif" /></maths> wherein Q is the swelling ratio, M(O) is the mass of the sample as measured after drying, and M is the mass of the sample as measured after 24 hours in deionized water.

0121The results of the foregoing testing are listed in Table 4 below. As evidenced in this Table, the prior art resins all became insolubilized upon drying, and exhibited a measurable swelling ratio. The resin of Example 22 herein was completely dissolved in water in 24 hours, and thus did not thermoset upon drying. <tables id="tabl0006" num="0006"><table frame="all"><title>Table 4</title><tgroup cols="4" colsep="1" rowsep="1"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="39.37mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="39.37mm" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="39.37mm" /><colspec colnum="4" colname="col4" colwidth="39.37mm" /><thead valign="top"><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col4" align="center">Water Swelling of Polyamidoamine-Epichlorohydrin Resins</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">Resin</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="center">Weight of Resin Solution</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="center">Solids Content of Resin Solution</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="center">Swelling Ratio (Q)</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">Example 22</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="char" char=".">75.34 g</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">14.6%</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="center">Infinite</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">U.S. Patent 2,926,154; Example 1</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="char" char=".">88.00 g</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">12.5%</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="center">5.92</entry></row><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">Canadian Patent 979,579; Example 1</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="char" char=".">88.71 g</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">12.4%</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="center">13.9</entry></row><row rowsep="1"><entry namest="col1" nameend="col1" align="center">U.S. Patent 5,338,807; Example 1</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col2" align="char" char=".">45.27 g</entry><entry namest="col3" nameend="col3" align="char" char=".">24.3%</entry><entry namest="col4" nameend="col4" align="center">23.1</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0122Finally, although the invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the particulars disclosed, and extends to all equivalents within the scope of the claims.