Abstract:
The study described in this thesis examines how the
toughenability of a difunctional epoxy resin cured with a
diamine hardener is affected by the presence of a dissolved
polycarbonate in the epoxy matrix, when that matrix is
modified by CTBN rubber particles.
The compatibility between the epoxy resin and four
different polycarbonate types is investigated.
Influence of polycarbonate content and of the type of
polycarbonate upon the mechanical properties and morphology
of polycarbonate or rubber-polycarbonate modified epoxy
systems is considered.
Toughenability of the epoxy matrix is found not to be
improved by the presence of dissolved polycarbonate.
Study of chemical interactions between polycarbonate and
epoxy resin and polycarbonate and hardener shows a
degradation of the polycarbonate by the epoxy resin and also
by the diamine hardener.
Failure of the polycarbonate to increase the
toughenability of the epoxy matrix is considered to be
related to this degradation.
Toughness properties of polyethersulfone modified epoxy
systems are also considered.
