NETWORK DEVELOPMENT AND DEGRADATION DURING CURE AND UTILIZATION: 2K EPOXY MODEL SYSTEM

摘要

The network development during cure and network degradation for two-component epoxy-polyamine/amide polymeric materials were investigated. Results showed that bulk performance properties are directly related to network architecture. Previous attempts to quantify network architecture development and degradation with good performance have had limited success. By a combination of analytical techniques, primarily dynamic mechanical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and basic coatings testing, our research provides a foundation for better understanding of the molecular level initiation events. Various curing profiles were measured before and after cure and simulated "environmental exposures" were conducted to encourage chain scission and embrittlement. The fundamental analysis and quantification of degradation kinetics and mechanisms were determined to establish the basis for primary chemical healing in polymeric networks.