Self-assembled nanostructured viscoelastic and thermally stable high performance epoxy based nanomaterial for aircraft and automobile applications: An experimental and theoretical modeling approach

Abstract

Nanostructured self-assembled and high-performance epoxy/epoxidized poly(styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene) block copolymer blends with 55 mol% epoxidation degree [eSBS 55 ]- 0,5,10 and 20 phr- 4, 4′diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM) material were successfully synthesized by using solvent casting method. The role of the highest epoxidized SBS (eSBS 55 ) as a modifier and its concentration on the effect of nanostructured morphology, viscoelastic properties, reaction induced phase separation and thermal degradation kinetics of epoxy/eSBS 55 system were investigated in detail. Various theoretical models such as Coats-Redfern method, Broido method and Horowitz- Metzger method were applied for the first time on epoxy/eSBS systems to calculate the thermodynamic parameters and correlate experimental results. These highly enhanced viscoelastic & thermal properties and nanoscale morphology of as synthesized novel epoxy/eSBS 55 material have proved that ‘eSBS 55 ’is an outstanding modifier to epoxy resin for creating superior high-performance properties required for various coating and structural applications such as in aircrafts, floorings, automobiles and constructions. Viscoelastic and thermal properties of nanostructured epoxy/eSBS 55 systems • Nanostructured and high performance epoxy-amphiphilic blends were synthesized. • eSBS 55 wt% act as an excellent modifier and produced good compatibility with epoxy. • Excellent viscoelastic properties and thermal properties of blends were achieved. • Correlation of TGA experimental results with theoretical models for the first time. • eSBS 55 wt% produced superior performance properties for various coating applications.