Optimization of mode-I fracture toughness of high-performance epoxies by using designed core-shell rubber particles
- Texas Polymer Center, Freeport, TX (United States)
- Dow Chemical Co., Midland, MI (United States)
The fracture behavior of high-performance epoxies modified with seven types of designed core-shell rubber particles is examined by using various microscopic techniques. The mode-I plane-strain fracture-toughness values (K{sub Ic}) of the designed rubber-modified epoxy systems that have highly cross-linked epoxy vary with the architecture of the interface between the matrix and the rubber particles. Accordingly, the toughening mechanisms observed among these systems are very different: rubber-particle cavitation and matrix shear yielding are found in systems that exhibit higher K{sub Ic} values; only crack deflection is found in systems that possess lower K{sub Ic} values. Synergistic toughening can be obtained if both the matrix shear-yielding and the crack-deflection mechanisms are operative upon fracture. An approach for toughening highly cross-linked epoxies is addressed. 67 refs., 18 figs., 2 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 76237
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-900802--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Epoxy-rubber interactions
Fracture toughness studies of rubber-toughened polycarbonate