Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol.41, No.10, 1815-1822, 2001
Thermal and mechanical properties of a hydroxyl-functional dendritic hyperbranched polymer and trifunctional epoxy resin blends
Curing characteristics of blends of a hydroxyl-functionalized dendritic hyperbranched polymer (HBP) and a triglycidyl p-amino phenol (TGAP) epoxy resin have been studied. The HBP strongly enhances the curing rate owing to the catalytic effect of the hydroxyl groups. The thermal and dynamic viscoelastic behavior of the blends of various compositions (HBP content 0-20%) have been examined and compared to the neat TGAP matrix. The glass transition temperature (Tg) gradually decreases with increase in HBP concentration. The blends show a higher impact strength compared to neat TGAP. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicates a single-phase morphology.