<br/>Epoxy thermosets are highly cross-linked polymer networks are commonly used for high performance load bearing applications within the automotive and aerospace industries to name a few. This is due to their high strength, stiffness and, glass transition temperature, as well as their chemical and moisture resistance. However, wider usage is often inhibited by their intrinsic brittleness directly arising from their crosslinked structure. A range of experimental techniques have been employed to improve toughness through the use of additives and modifiers with varying levels of success. A major challenge however, would be created intrinsically toughen crosslinked networks which do not require the use of any modifiers. This would then provide an opportunity for new composite applications and further drive down the cost of composites particularly for out of autoclave fabrication technologies.<br/>The strategy employed here has been to explore novel epoxy resins containing multi-aromatic structures of varying substitutions, linkages and crosslink densities with a view to promote molecular mobility and the ability to deform under load, with a rigid network structure. Synthesis of multi-aromatic, multi-functional epoxy monomers cured with a variety of different hardeners will be discussed. Structure property and processing relationship will be discussed in terms of the substitution patterns, epoxy functionality and curative. Emphasis will be on the effect of processability, mechanical and thermal properties.

Multi-aromatic epoxy-amine thermosets with high performance properties

2019 Spring National Meeting

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