Abstract
The toughened epoxy resin system modified with synthesized amino-terminated imide oligomer has the micro phase separated morphology which shows the oligomer-rich phase, forming continuous phase via the spinodal decomposition.
Detailed observations with a scanning electron microscopy have found the following two energy absorbing mechanisms, accounting for the high toughness.
1) Ductile tearing of the oligomer-rich continuous phase
2) Plastic deformation of the epoxy-rich dispersed phase
The dependence of curing conditins on resin properties have also been researched.
It has been found that gelation at a lower temperature resulted in a shorter periodic distance (or smaller domain sizes), and the resin had higher fracture toughness.
