The Study of Epoxy Resins Modified By PPESK
A series of blends have been prepared by adding a novel thermoplastic poly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK) in varying proportions to diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin (DGEBA) cured with p-diaminodiphenylsulfone. The kinetics of curing reaction and glass transition temperature (Tg) of PPESK/DGEBA blends were performed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique. It is proved that the addition of PPESK accelerated curing reaction and resulted in great enhancement of thermal properties of the blends. There was moderate increase in the fracture toughness as estimated by the critical stress intensity factor (KIc). Compared to that of unmodified epoxy, the maximum toughness of the modified blends had increased 32% by addition of 15 phr PPESK. Fracture mechanisms such as crack deflection and branches, ductile microcracks, ductile tearing of the thermoplastic of the matrix were responsible for the increase in the fracture toughness of the blends