Toughening of epoxy using PEP-PEO block copolymer nanoparticles
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abstract
A block copolymer (BCP) toughening agent, which forms self-assembled spherical micelle particles (15 nm), was utilized to toughen epoxy. The nano-sized BCP at 5 wt% concentration can significantly improve the fracture toughness of epoxy without deterioration in modulus and with only a slight reduction in glass transition temperature (Tg). The major toughening mechanisms are found to be BCP nanoparticle cavitation-induced matrix shear banding. Possible reasons responsible for the remarkable mechanical property improvements due to the BCP modification are discussed.