Toughening of epoxy by nanostructures with ABA triblock copolymers: An influence of organosilicon modification of block copolymer

Abstract

In this work, we investigated the effect of organosilicon modification of an ABA triblock copolymer on the morphologies, thermal properties, and fracture toughness of epoxy thermosets.First, a poly(ε-caprolactone)block-poly(butadiene) -block-poly(ε-caprolactone) triblock copolymer was synthesized through the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone by using an α,ω-dihydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene as the macromolecular initiator.

Designing Schiff-Based Hyperbranched Polysiloxane for Simultaneously Enhancing Epoxy Resin with Mechanical Properties, Thermal Stability, and Recyclability

“…Epoxy resins are widely utilized in various industries due to their excellent processability, high strength, good dielectric properties, and chemical stability. − However, the inherent brittleness of cured epoxy resins, attributed to their highly cross-linked network, has prompted research into effective methods for toughening these resins. − Despite promising results in toughening epoxy resins through the incorporation of second phases such as rubber elastomers, thermoplastic materials, liquid crystal polymers, and block copolymers, the challenge lies in minimizing the reduction in thermal stability and processability as a result of these modifications. − In the context of modifying epoxy resins, researchers have explored the use of hyperbranched polymers as modifiers due to their unique branched topologies, abundant functional terminal groups, and flexible designability. − Various studies have investigated the impact of incorporating hyperbranched polymers into epoxy resins. For instance, Pan et al synthesized an epoxy-terminated hyperbranched polysiloxane (EPTS-12) for toughening epoxy resins through a silylation reaction.…”

High-Impact Epoxy Resins with Superior Hydrophobicity Toughened by Epoxy Functionalized Poly(olefin-alt-maleimide) Derivatives

“…As an effective means to improve the toughness of EPs, various kinds of toughening modifiers were introduced into the EP matrix to form a second phase. For the heterogeneous toughening process, the widely used toughening modifiers include rubbers, , thermoplastics, , core–shell polymers, , liquid crystal polymers, , block polymers (BCPs), , nanomaterials, , and topological structures. , However, the immiscibility between EPs and modifiers will inevitably lead to an opaque curing system with high viscosity, which seriously limited the applications of EPs in the fields of electronic packaging, engineering plastics, coatings, etc. On the other hand, hyperbranched polymers, , biobased materials, , and epoxy prepolymers with flexible segments , are typical modifiers added in homogeneous toughening systems .…”

A New Strategy to Improve the Toughness of Epoxy Thermosets—By Introducing Poly(ether nitrile ketone)s Containing Phthalazinone Structures

“…However, it significantly reduces the strength and modulus of the material [ 8 , 9 ]. Another strategy is incorporating secondary components such as rubbers [ 10 , 11 ], nanoparticles [ 12 , 13 , 14 ], the thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer [ 15 , 16 , 17 ], and thermoplastic resins [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ] into epoxy resins. Unfortunately, adding rubber particles can significantly reduce the system’s modulus and glass transition temperature [ 22 ], and the uneven distribution of nanoparticles can lead to defects in the material [ 23 ].…”