Epoxy and epoxy novolac adhesive binders for structural reinforcement systems of building structures

Abstract

Today, along with the conventional materials and technologies for reinforcement of building structures, structural reinforcement systems based on polymer composites are on the rise. A structural reinforcement system consists of reinforcing filler (normally, carbon fiber fabric or cloth) and adhesive binder. This paper investigated the modification of epoxy nobake adhesive binders to provide a higher thermal resistance and mechanical strength. The influence of epoxy novolac resins on the processing and physical mechanical properties of adhesives, thermal resistance is studied. It is found that the substitution of 20-40 % of epoxy resin for epoxy novolac resin in the binder increases tensile strength by 40-50 %, flexural modulus by 20 %, reduces tensile strain, and increases glass transition temperature. From the processing point of view, it is more reasonable to use liquid epoxy novolac resins with a functionality of f=2.5 than semisolid resins with a functionality of f=3.6.