Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The mechanical behaviors of epoxy-terminated hyperbranched polyester (E-HBP) as toughener in different epoxy resins

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Using epoxy-terminated hyperbranched polymer (E-HBP) to modify epoxy resin (EP) is an effective way to improve the toughness of EP. In the present study, two different epoxy resin systems with E-HBP are researched: a commercial diglycidyl ether bisphenol A (DGEBA) resin with anhydride as curing agent and a tetraglycidyl diaminodiphenyl methane (TGDDM) resin with diamine as curing agent. Characterization results show that the addition of E-HBP could improve the mechanical properties of the two epoxy resin systems, such as tensile strength, elongation, and modulus of elasticity. Meanwhile, the glass transition temperature (T g ) of the two systems does not decrease. However, the morphology of the tensile fracture surfaces of the two modified systems shows different behaviors. Significant plastic deformation could be observed in the fracture surfaces of the modified DGEBA/anhydride system, and particle cavitations are clearly shown in the fracture surfaces of the modified TGDDM/diamine systems. The analysis of the tensile fracture surfaces suggests that firstly E-HBP participates in the curing process of the modified resin systems, followed by the chemical-induced phase separation; finally, a gradient transition interface layer (GTIL) is formed. Apart from these, during the external loading process, the mechanical behaviors (deformation or cavitation) of the separated E-HBP particles in the modified epoxy resins are affected by the properties of the epoxy matrix itself.

A gradient transition interface layer (GTIL) between E-HBP and the epoxy matrix can significantly enhance their interfacial interactions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Marouf BT, Mai YW, Bagheri R, Pearson RA (2016) Toughening of epoxy nanocomposites: nano and hybrid effects[J]. Polym Rev 56(1):70–112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Gu H, Ma C, Gu J et al (2016) An overview of multifunctional epoxy nanocomposites[J]. J Mater Chem C 4(25):5890–5906

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Gu J, Liang C, Zhao X et al (2017) Highly thermally conductive epoxy nanocomposites with superior outstanding flame retardances and excellent electrical conductivities[J]. Compos Sci Technol 139:83–89

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Zhang DH, Liang EB, Li TC et al (2013) The effect of molecular weight of hyperbranched epoxy resins with silicone skeleton on performance[J]. RSC Adv 3(24):9522–9529

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Boogh L, Pettersson B, Månson JAE (1999) Dendritic hyperbranched polymers as tougheners for epoxy resins. Polymer 40:2249–2261

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Jian YL, Yan M, Li FH et al (2013) Novel epoxidized hyperbranched poly(phenylene oxide): synthesis and application as a modifier for diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A. J Appl Polym Sci 128:907–914

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Ratna D, Simon GP (2010) Epoxy and hyperbranched polymer blends: morphology and free volume. J Appl Polym Sci 117:557–564

    Google Scholar 

  8. Mezzenga R, Luciani A, Månson JAE (2002) Phase separation and gelation of epoxy resins-hyperbanched polymer blends. Polym Eng Sci 42:249–257

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Li J, Xiang Y, Zheng S (2016) Hyperbranched block copolymer from AB2 macromonomer: synthesis and its reaction-induced microphase separation in epoxy thermosets. J Polym Sci A Polym Chem 54:368–380

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Liu YH (2012) Polymerization-induced phase separation and resulting thermomechanical properties of thermosetting/reactive nonlinear polymer blends: a review. J Appl Polym Sci 127:3279–3292

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Varley RJ, Tian W (2004) Toughening of an epoxy anhydride resin system using an epoxidized hyperbranched polymer. Polym Int 53:69–77

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Zhang J, Guo QP, Fox B (2010) Thermal and mechanical properties of a dendritic hydroxyl-functional hyperbranched polymer and tetrafunctional epoxy resin blends. J Polym Sci POLY PHYS 48:417–424

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Petterson B (1994) A thermosetting materials, U.S. Patent, SE 94/04440

  14. Plastic-Epoxy compound-Determination of epoxy equivalent. National standard of China GB/T 4612–2008

  15. Xia M, Luo YJ, Wang XY (2006) Study on curing behaviors and mechanical performances of hyperbranched polymers/epoxy curing systems[C]// Proceeding of 4th Annual Conference for Ph. D. Students of China Association for Science and Technology. 3(1):12–16

  16. Van Velthem P, Ballout W, Horion J et al (2016) Morphology and fracture properties of toughened highly crosslinked epoxy composites: a comparative study between high and low T-g tougheners. Compos Part B Eng 101:14–20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Liu WS, Wang J, Miao RZ (2016) Molecular dynamics simulations of the cross-linked epoxy resin TGDDM/DDS[J]. Polym Mater Sci Eng 32:109–114

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Mezzenga R, Boogh L, Pettersson B et al (2000) Chemically induced phase separated morphologies in epoxy resin-hyperbranched polymer blends. Macromol Symp 149:17–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Cicala G, Recca A, Restuccia C (2005) Influence of hydroxyl functionalized hyperbranched polymers on the thermomechanical and morphological properties of epoxy resins. Polym Eng Sci 45:225–237

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Hansen C (1967) M. The three dimensional solubility parameter—key to paint component affinities I.—solvents, plasticizers, polymers, and resins. J Pain Tecnol 39:104–117

    Google Scholar 

  21. Nagendiran S, Alagar M, Hamerton I (2010) Octasilsesquioxane-reinforced DGEBA and TGDDM epoxy nanocomposites: characterization of thermal, dielectric and morphological properties. Acta Material 58:3345–3356

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. van Krevelen DW (2010) Properties of polymers. Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, No.5 South Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People’s Republic of China

    Min Xia, Huilian Yang, Jian Ling, Qifa Yao, Guoping Li & Yunjun Luo

Authors
  1. Min Xia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Huilian Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jian Ling
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Qifa Yao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Guoping Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Yunjun Luo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Guoping Li or Yunjun Luo.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Xia, M., Yang, H., Ling, J. et al. The mechanical behaviors of epoxy-terminated hyperbranched polyester (E-HBP) as toughener in different epoxy resins. Adv Compos Hybrid Mater 1, 310–319 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-018-0027-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-018-0027-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation