Abstract
A new synthetic method for an epoxy/silicon hybrid polymer was investigated. The pre-reaction of network formation of alkoxysilane in either an epoxy compound or phenol gave a tack-free product free from byproducts. The molecular weight distribution and flowability of the obtained product depended on synthetic methods. The “reflux” method gave a desirable tack-free product under a controllable reaction condition, such as the amount of catalyst. The resin product obtained by the “reflux” method had a good flowability in a molding process. The elastic modulus and thermal expansion were measured after cured. Results showed a high modulus and a low expansion coefficient, both of which remained even in a high temperature region. This “Tg-less” behavior is called hybrid effect, resulting from the restricted motion of polymer chain by in-situ synthesized single nano-scaled silica particles. These fine particles were observed by a transmission electron microscope-electron energy loss spectroscopy.
