Abstract
Imidazolium ionic liquid (IIL) was prepared from aminolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste with pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA) to apply as hardener of epoxy resin. Its purified chemical structures, thermal stability, and thermal characteristics were identified as well as amino phthalamide aminolyzed products. The thermal, thermomechanical, and mechanical properties of the cured epoxy resins with different weight percentages of IIL were investigated to optimize the best weight ratio to obtain homogeneous networks. The adhesion, durability, and corrosion resistance of the cured epoxy resins on the steel surfaces were tested to confirm that the best weight ratio of epoxy: IL was 2:1. This ratio achieved higher adhesion strength and salt spray resistance to seawater extended to 1500 h.