Epoxy mechanical properties: Function of crosslink architecture

Abstract

Abstract A thermoset resin's molecular architecture is characterised by extent of reaction, crosslink average molecular weight and the average size of constituent macromolecules. Molecular analyses of extracts from cured resins via gel permeation chromatography yield microscopic estimates of this infrastructure. The number‐average molecular weight within the soluble oligomeric fraction correlates with crosslink average molecular weight: the extent of monomer conversion assists in developing a description of the molecular weight of constituent marcomolecules within the network structure. Macroscopic conformation couples observations by dynamic mechanical spectroscopy, compressive stress‐strain phenomena and impact resistance.