Mechanical performance of vinyl ester—polyurethane interpenetrating polymer network composites

Abstract

In this study, a carbon fiber/vinyl ester‐polyurethane interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) laminate composite was fabricated and characterized for the first time. The IPN matrix, consisting of a commercially available vinyl ester and polyurethane, was synthesized via a sequential method with vinyl ester as the rigid phase and polyurethane as the flexible phase. Good compatibility between the two phases in the matrix was achieved and confirmed via differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. The thermomechanical response of the IPN matrix was compared with that of an unmodified vinyl ester resin. The presence of the more ductile polyurethane in the IPN matrix depressed the glass transition temperature (from 94 to 84°C), but also served to improve damping response at all frequencies studied. Tensile and flexural tests were performed on the carbon fiber/IPN and carbon fiber/vinyl ester composites to determine their mechanical response. The IPN composite exhibited lower tensile properties than the vinyl ester composite. However, its flexural properties were on par with those of the vinyl ester composite.

Synthesis of acid anhydride‐modified flexible epoxy resins and enhancement of impact resistance in the epoxy composites

“…The tan δ and storage modulus results for the cured epoxy compositions as a function of temperature are shown in Figure 4. As AMER is added to the epoxy matrix, the damping properties can be confirmed using tan δ 25 . In general, by adding flexible segments of toughness compositions to the cured net epoxy matrix, the glass temperature and mechanical strength significantly decrease with unstable thermal properties, which limits the range of applications of epoxy resin 26,27 .…”

Synthesis and molecular dynamics study of high-damping polyurethane elastomers based on the synergistic effect of dangling chains and dynamic bonds

“…To broaden the effective damping temperature range and improve the damping properties of damping materials, there are various used methods, such as copolymerization, blending, inorganic filler modification, interpenetrating networks and the introduction of functional groups. [4][5][6][7][8][9] Especially, the damping properties of PU are obviously improved by introducing dangling chains. [10][11][12][13] However, the introduction of a large number of dangling chains will seriously deteriorate the mechanical properties of materials, 10,12,14 and the effect of dangling chains on multi-scale molecule structures and the relationship between the multi-scale chain structure and damping properties in PU are still urgent problems to be studied.…”

Isocyanate‐free urethane modified vinyl ester resin: synthesis, characterization and mechanical properties

“…elongation and toughness. 22,23 For these reasons we decided to synthesize a mixture of cyclic carbonate of 3-(((oxirane-2-yl)methoxy)butoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate with its non-methacrylated and dimethacrylated analogues (OMBM) in the presence an ambient atmospheric pressure of carbon dioxide and with tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) as the catalyst. Since the isocyanate used in PU production is obtained from phosgene, a poisonous material that might cause environmental hazards, non-isocyanate PU can be prepared without using isocyanate.…”

“…In addition, importing urethane groups into the VER structure for producing UVER improves their chemical resistance and mechanical properties, e.g. elongation and toughness 22,23 . For these reasons we decided to synthesize a mixture of cyclic carbonate of 3‐(((oxirane‐2‐yl)methoxy)butoxy)‐2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate with its non‐methacrylated and dimethacrylated analogues (OMBM) in the presence an ambient atmospheric pressure of carbon dioxide and with tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) as the catalyst.…”