Nanostructured Multifunctional Materials by Cure-Driven Phase Separation
Abstract
An investigation was conducted into the development of a self-healing fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite based on a nanostructured epoxy matrix resin, recently developed by EIC Laboratories. This novel material comprises a blend of epoxy and amphiphilic block copolymer, which separates during cure to form three separate phases of high strength epoxy, rubbery polar polymer and rubbery nonpolar polymer. The high strength epoxy and polar rubbery polymer are arranged in cocontinuous networks, while the third nonpolar rubbery polymer is arranged as discrete domains evenly distributed throughout the material. Reactive monomers, added to the uncured mixtures, will segregate into one of the rubbery phases depending on compatibility and will be free to diffuse to and repair, by polymerization, any voids formed in the matrix through microcracking or other accumulated damage. Segregated from the epoxy phase, these monomers do not plasticize or otherwise compromise the thermal mechanical properties of the matrix system. This study verifies the structure of the EIC material and provides evidence for the incorporation of active monomers within this material. The effect of these monomers on the durability and mechanical properties of composites is also assessed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA417668
Entities
People
- Jeremy C. Hines
- Michael D. Gilbert
- Stuart F. Cogan