Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.78, No.4, 716-723, 2000
Toughening of epoxy resin using acrylate-based liquid rubbers
Carboxyl-terminated poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate) (CTPEHA) liquid rubbers of different molecular weights and functionalities (LR-1 to LR-6) were synthesized by bulk and solution polymerization techniques. The liquid rubbers were characterized by nonaqueous titration, vapor pressure osmometry, and gel permeation chromatography. The CTPEHA oligomers were prereacted with the epoxy resin, and the modified epoxy networks were made by curing with an ambient-temperature curing agent. The impact properties of the modified epoxy networks were evaluated, and the effects of molecular weight, functionality of the liquid rubber, and ductility of the matrix on the impact strength of the modified networks were investigated. The morphology of the toughening behavior was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope.