Carbon fiber composite materials, while known for high T<sub>g</sub> and modulus, are brittle. Many different methods have been proposed to toughen these materials, generally utilizing particles or separated phases in the matrix. In particle-filled systems there exist both interfacial tension and an interphase between particle and matrix, which have direct implications for the final network properties of composite materials. While the energetic driving forces for the formation of the interphase are well studied, the steric effect of additives has yet to be established. To establish the effect of constrained space, rather than enthalpic forces, on the formation of the interphase unreactive TGDDM/33DDS epoxy-amine “Ghost Particles” have been synthesized by precipitation polymerization. The resulting microspheres have been observed to be spherical and of low size dispersity. Thermal properties of the particles were tested and were comparable to those of the bulk TGDDM/33DDS matrix. Utilizing continuous high-shear reactor technology, multiple loading levels of Ghost Particles have been dispersed in the selfsame TGDDM/33DDS matrix while simultaneously targeting industrially relevant prepolymer conversions. Effect of Ghost Particles on cure was elucidated for all loading levels. Formulations were then cured and their thermal, thermomechanical, and mechanical properties were tested. Fracture surfaces were studies by SEM and AFM to investigate fracture mechanics, particle dispersion and interphase properties.

Ghost particles: Effect of constrained space on glassy polymer network formation and mechanics

255th National Meeting (2018)

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