Spectroscopic studies of the gradient in the silane coupling agent/matrix interface in fiberglass‐reinforced epoxy

Abstract

Abstract Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared, and solid‐state carbon 13 nuclear magnetic resonance were used to study the silane coupling agent/epoxy resin interface. Penetration of epoxy into the hydrolyzed silane has been shown. The addition of a solvent can further increase the penetration of epoxy into the hydrolyzed silane by decreasing the viscosity of the epoxy. Bulk models of the gradient in the silane coupling agent/epoxy interface have shown that the concentration of silane and the degree of hydrolysis of the silane can determine the rigidity or mobility of the interphase region. When the silane is hydrolyzed, the possible formation of entanglements may increase the rigidity of the system and decrease the degree of phase separation through the formation of an interpenetrating network.