The latent catalytic abilities of tertiary amines-intercalated at-zirconium phosphate [(alpha-ZrP center dot amine): 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane (alpha-ZrP center dot DABCO) and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec-7-ene (alpha-ZrP center dot DBU)] were examined by copolymerization of glycidyl phenyl ether (GPE) and hexahydro-4-methylphthalic anhydride (MHHPA) at varying temperatures for 1 h periods. Polymerization was not observed until the reactants were heated to 100 degrees C or above. Upon increasing the temperature, the conversion factors of GPE increased such that, at 140 degrees C, both conversions were over 90% for alpha-ZrP center dot DABCO and alpha-ZrP center dot DBU. The thermal stabilities of GPE and MHHPA with the catalysts at 40 degrees C for 144h were tested: GPE with alpha-ZrP center dot DBU achieved conversions of 9%. The reaction in the presence of alpha-ZrP center dot DABCO did not proceed at 40 degrees C for 144h. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.