Abstract
A relatively new way to improve processibility thermoplastics is via the use of crosslinkable monomers which can act as reactive plasticizers and reduce the viscosity in the early stage of processing. The monomers can polymerize and phase separate during final stage of processing thus recovering the original thermoplastics properties. In this work, the applicability of epoxy as reactive plasticizer for polyetherimide (PEI) was investigated. The properties of PEI/epoxy blends without and with curative were studied in order to determine the effect of the monomer on the processibility of the PEI and the thermo-mechanical properties of cured blends. Differential Scanning Calorimetry on blends without curative indicated single glass transition temperature (Tg) at high PEI content suggesting miscibility of the system and plasticization of PEI in the presence of epoxy while cured blends indicated two Tg due to phase separation. Scanning electron microscopy of the cured blends indicated two phase morphology with PEI dispersed particles size increased in continuous epoxy matrix with increasing PEI (up to 30wt% PEI). In blends with 40wt% PEI and more, phase inverted morphology was observed where increasing PEI content caused reduction of epoxy particle size in continuous PEI matrix.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
