Polyethylene amine

Polyethylene amine is a polymer of aziridine with the molecular formula (CH2CH2NH)n. It is a structural analogue of polyethylene glycol with -NH- in place of oxygen atoms. It is produced by the polymerization of aziridine.

Oligomeric polyethylene amines with a small number of units are used as curing agents for epoxy resins. They are water-soluble. The gelling properties of higher polyethylene amines are useful for resin formulas that require high viscosity during application and curing.

Polyethylene amine can form gels. Due to the rich content of easily protonated amine groups, in acidic solutions it behaves as a polycation.

Polyethylene amine may have applications as a component of ion exchange resins.

High selectivity semipermeable membranes, permeable for carbon dioxide and retaining oxygen, can be made from this material as well. These are important for life support systems.