Relatively tough epoxy-blend polymers are now commercially available for use as adhesives and as the matrices for fibre composites. Nevertheless, another failure property which may be of equal, or even of greater, importance in some applications is the resistance of the epoxy polymer to cyclic-fatigue loading. However, the cyclic-fatigue behaviour of epoxy polymers has not been studied in great...

The present paper investigates the effect of adding silica nanoparticles to an anhydride-cured epoxy polymer in bulk and when used as the matrix of carbonand glass-fibre reinforced composites. The formation of ‘hybrid’ epoxy polymers, containing both silica nanoparticles and carboxyl-terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile (CTBN) rubber microparticles, is also discussed. The structure/property relat...

A series of metal-containing epoxy polymers have been synthesized by the condensation of epichlorohydrin (1-chloro-2,3-epoxy propane) with Schiff base metal complexes in alkaline medium. Schiff base was initially prepared by the reaction of 2,6 dihydroxy 1-napthaldehyde and o-phenylenediamine in 1 : 2 molar ratio and then with metal acetate. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by e...

An analytical method, referred to as "derivatization-electron probe X-ray micro-analysis (XMA)", has been developed to determine the distribution of a small amount of the functional groups in a polymer. The suitable conditions for the derivatization reaction with epoxy groups, which contribute to the hardening reactions of polymers, were investigated. It was found that epoxy groups in polymers ...

The toughening of an aromatic amine-cured diglycidyl ether of bisphenoI-A epoxy with particles of crystalline polymers was studied. The crystalline polymers were poly(butylene terephthalate), nylon 6, and poly(vinylidene fluoride). Nylon 6 and poly(vinylidene fluoride) were found to toughen the epoxy about as well as did an equivalent amount of CTBN rubber. Poly(butylene terephthalate) was foun...

This paper presents the synthesis and thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy-titania composites. First, submicron titania particles are prepared via surfactant-free sol-gel method using TiCl₄ as precursor. These particles are subsequently used as inorganic fillers (or reinforcement) for thermally cured epoxy polymers. Epoxy-titania composites are prepared via mechanical mixing of titania pa...

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are reinforcing fillers of emerging interest for polymers due to their high modulus and potential for sustainable production. In this study, CNC-based composites with a waterborne epoxy resin matrix were prepared and characterized to determine morphology, water content, and thermal and mechanical properties. While some CNC aggregation was observed, the glass transi...

Bismaleimide (BMI) resins are developed very rapidly due to the demands of the defense and aerospace industries. They are cross-linked polymers which process like epoxy resins but have an upper use temperature of 230°C, compared to the epoxy upper use temperature of 175°C. Also due to the available intrinsic properties of BMI resins such as higher thermal stability and lower toxicity than those...

We report the fabrication of and investigations into the dielectric and thermal properties of epoxy/boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) composites. It was found that BNNT fillers can effectively adjust the dielectric constant of epoxy. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of epoxy was improved by up to 69 % with 5 wt % BNNTs. Our studies indicate that BNNTs are promising nanofillers for polymers, to ob...

This paper focuses on current trends in the flame retardancy of epoxy-based thermosets. This review examines the incorporation of additives in these polymers, including synergism effects. Reactive flame-retardants-which are incorporated in the polymer backbone-are reported and the use of fire-retardant epoxy coatings for materials protection is also considered.