Toughening of epoxy resin networks with functionalized engineering thermoplastics

Conference · Fri Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:76224

Hedrick, J C; Patel, N M; McGrath, J E ^[1]

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1. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA (United States)

Epoxy resin thermosets are traditionally toughened by the incorporation of an elastomeric component that phase-separates during cure to form a multiphase network. The toughness enhancement in these systems is considerable. However, in most instances, toughness enhancement is achieved at the expense of stiffness and high-temperature performance. An alternative approach to increasing the toughness and impact strength involves the use of functionalized engineering thermoplastics as toughening agents. The improvement in toughness is accomplished in this case without significant sacrifice of properties at elevated temperatures. In this chapter, a brief review of the state of the art of thermoplastic-modified epoxy resin networks is presented. Emphasis is placed on the types of modifiers, morphological character, and the various mechanisms proposed to be responsible for the toughening behavior. 31 refs., 2 figs.

• OSTI ID: 76224
• Report Number(s): CONF-900802--; CNN: Contract DMR-88-09714
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
EPOXIDES
FABRICATION
FRACTURE PROPERTIES
MICROSTRUCTURE
POLYMERS
THERMOPLASTICS