Experimental Cold-Cured Nanostructured Epoxy-Based Hybrid Formulations: Properties and Durability Performance

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Epoxy resins are widely used in various industrial applications due to their excellent mechanical and chemical properties.
• Developing epoxy systems that can be cured at low temperatures and maintain performance under harsh environmental conditions is a significant challenge.
• Silane functionalization offers a route to modify epoxy resin properties, potentially enhancing glass transition temperature and durability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel hybrid epoxy formulations capable of cold-curing.
• To investigate the development of properties during low-temperature curing and aging of these hybrid systems.
• To evaluate the durability and thermal degradation resistance of the hybrid epoxies compared to neat epoxy resins.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of silane functionalized bis-phenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resins.
• Formulation of hybrid epoxy systems using two different amine hardeners.
• Low-temperature (ambient) curing of epoxy formulations.
• Monitoring of property development during curing and aging.
• Assessment of glass transition temperature (Tg) and flexural mechanical properties after exposure to humidity and water immersion.
• Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal degradation resistance evaluation.

Main Results:

• The hybrid epoxy formulations were successfully produced and cold-cured.
• Property development during low-temperature curing and aging was monitored.
• The durability of hybrid systems was assessed by changes in Tg and mechanical properties under humid conditions and water immersion.
• Thermal degradation resistance was evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis, providing insights into material stability.

Conclusions:

• The developed hybrid epoxy formulations demonstrate potential for applications requiring low-temperature curing.
• The study provides valuable data on the durability and thermal properties of these novel epoxy systems under simulated environmental stresses.
• These findings contribute to the advancement of epoxy resin technology for demanding applications, particularly in humid climates.