Toughened polyester matrices for advanced composites

Abstract

An intercrosslinked network of hybrid bismaleimide (BMI) modified vinyl ester oligomer–unsaturated polyester matrix systems have been developed. Vinyl ester oligomer (VEO) was used as a toughening agent for unsaturated polyester resin and was added in 2, 4, and 6% (by wt). Benzoyl peroxide was used as curing agent. The VEO-toughened unsaturated polyester matrix systems were further modified with 5, 10, and 15% (by wt) of bismaleimide. Bismaleimides modified vinyl ester–unsaturated polyester matrices were characterized by mechanical (tensile strength, flexural strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength), thermal [differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetic analysis (TGA), heat deflection temperature analysis (HDT)] and morphological studies [scanning electron microscope (SEM)] and water absorption. Data obtained from mechanical studies indicated that the introduction of VEO into unsaturated polyester resin improves the fracture toughness. The introduction of BMI into VEO incorporated unsaturated polyester resin enhanced both thermal and mechanical behavior. The scanning electron micrographs of fractured surfaces of VEO-modified unsaturated polyester systems and BMI modified vinyl ester–unsaturated polyester matrices illustrate the presence of homogeneous morphology. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 167–177, 2007