Thermal modification of amine cured epoxy resins ‐ thermal and mechanical studies

Abstract

Abstract Mechanical test data are reported on lap joints and tensile test specimens which have been subjected to a defined post cure cycle. The mechanical properties exhibited an apparently systematic variation with temperature. Inspection of the resins indicated that chemical modification does not appear to occur to a significant extent below 433K. The change in the strength of the joints tensile test samples are discussed in terms of the relative importance of physical and chemical changes on the mechanical properties. It is evident that in the presence of oxygen considerable chemical modification can occur and this is observed both in terms of a change in colour of the resin and the appearance of voids.