Acrylate copolymers as impact modifier for epoxy resin

Abstract

P(BA-GMA) (PBG), having various molecular weights, was synthesized by in situ polymerization of butyl acrylate (BA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), and further used as a modifier to improve the comprehensive properties of the epoxy curing system. The copolymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The effects of various molecular weights of copolymers on the mechanical properties, thermal performance, and phase behavior of the curing system were carefully evaluated. The experimental results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that glass transition temperature decreased and the tan δ peak shifted to a lower temperature with decreasing molecular weight of copolymer. Mechanical properties analysis of curing films showed that the impact strength and fracture toughness increased significantly upon the addition of PBG, indicating good toughness of the modified epoxy resins. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies of the fracture surfaces of ER/PBG systems, the fracture behavior of epoxy matrix was changed from brittleness to toughness.