A mathematical model that simulates the curing process of benzoxazine (Bz) systems is presented. The model predicts the conversion, gel point and Tg along the curing process, and considers the diffusional limitations to mass transfer due to the increase in the system viscosity along the process. This model can be used to select an appropriate combination of time and temperature in order to obtain a material with pre-specified properties. The theoretical parameters were adjusted with experi-mental data: conversion, weight-average molecular weight, weight fraction of solubles and Tg. The Bz based on bisphenol A and aniline (BzBA) was used to adjust the model. The curing kinetic of this Bz was followed by FTIR, SEC and DSC, considering five different curing conditions. A very good agreement between experimental and simulated values was ob-served, even when curing is carried out under differ-ent temperatures profiles.

A novel benzoxazine (BzPFA) with carboxylic acid groups in its structure was synthesized in a two-step process. First, BzPOH monomer was obtained from bisphenol A, paraformaldehyde, and ethanolamine with an initial molar ratio 1:4:2. Then, BzPOH was reacted with maleic anhydride using a stoichiometric 1:1 ratio of oxazine ring:maleic anhydride to produce a mixture of oligomeric species named BzPFA. The products were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, size-exclusion chromatography, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. BzPFA presented a weight-average molecular weight of 50,000 g mol 21 . Mixtures of the novel precursor and the conventional benzoxazine based on bisphenol A (BzBA) (60:40 and 40:60 weight ratios) were prepared and three different curing conditions were considered in order to study the effect of BzPFA on curing and final properties. Blends exhibited improved properties respect to BzBA even at relatively low curing temperatures. These results can be associated to the network crosslinked by ester bonds that promotes a high rigidity.

A novel series of cleavable alkyltrimethylammonium surfactants with different hydrocarbon chain lengths (C8-16) were synthesized. A carbonate break site inserted between the polar head and the hydrocarbon chain makes these compounds hydrolyzable. The reagents used are renewable, (bio)degradable, or reusable. The hydrolysis of these cleavable surfactants will lead to the generation of fatty alcohols and choline, which is an essential biological nutrient. The surface activities in aqueous solution of the synthesized carbonates fulfill the requirement of being good surfactants. In addition, the cleavable compounds containing n-decyl and n-dodecyl chains showed similar or higher antimicrobial activities when compared to a non-cleavable analog.