Effect of Variations of Amine Content and Network Branching on Thermomechanical Properties of Epoxy Systems.

In thermosetting epoxies, thermomechanical properties can be enhanced by conscious selection of curing agents. Full cross-linking leads to a maximum in the glass- transition temperature. However, the relation between the glass transition temperature and the epoxy matrix depends on several factors beyond the cross-linking degree, such as the molecular weight of the polymers, network organization, amount of branching, and the presence of hydrogen bonds.

Theoretical and Experimental Determination of Thermomechanical Properties of Epoxy-SiO Nanocomposites.

Improvements in the thermomechanical properties of epoxy upon inclusion of well-dispersed SiO nanoparticles have been demonstrated both experimentally and through molecular dynamics simulations. The SiO was represented by two different dispersion models: dispersed individual molecules and as spherical nanoparticles. The calculated thermodynamic and thermomechanical properties were consistent with experimental results.