Application of the cluster model to the description of the flowability process in epoxy polymers

Abstract

In the preparation of composite materials as binders, epoxy polymers (EP) are widely used, and this accounts for the active interest in their structure and properties. In view of the complex structural hierarchy of EP, it is necessary to examine the structure-property relationship for each level of structural organization. In the present paper, this is done by using as an example the elastic modulus E and yield point stress {sigma}{sub y} for the topological (segmental) level. The authors used the cluster model of the structure of the amorphous state of polymers, successfully used previously for determining the quantitative relationship between the structure and properties of a number of linear amorphous and amorphous-crystalline polymers and cross-linked polyethylenes. A comparison of the theoretical and experimental results for EP will make it possible to determine the possibility of using this model for describing the behavior of network polymers. The EP studied were based on 4,4{prime}-isopropylidenediphenol resin ED-22. The curing was carried out with 3,3{prime}-dichloro-4,4{prime}-diaminodiphenylmethane (composition EP-1) and iso-methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride in the presence of an accelerator, tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol (composition EP-2). The topological structure of the EP was varied by changing the curing agent oligomer ratio in moles (equivalents) K{sub st} from 0.5 to 1.5. Thismore » made it possible to change the density of the lattice points of the chemical bonds {nu}{sub s}.« less