NEW PATHWAYS TO TOUGHENED HIGHPERFORMANCE EPOXY RESINS WITH SULFONE POLYMERS

摘要

Sulfone-based thermoplastics have been the toughening additive of choice in highperformanceepoxy resins for many years. From its rich heritage with sulfone polymers,Solvay Advanced Polymers has developed a series of functionalized and nonfunctionalizedsulfone polymers that have been specifically targeted to enhance out-ofautoclaveprocessing, and can be used to reduce the inherent brittleness of highperformanceepoxy formulations with minimal sacrifice of desired mechanical propertiesor compromise of environmental performance.This paper describes the property profiles and fracture toughness performance (KIC) ofseveral sulfone polymer systems as additives to two commercially-significant, highperformanceepoxy resins (MY-721 and MY-510) cured with 4,4'diaminodiphenylsulfone. Data are reported for both industry-standard sulfone polymers and for newsulfone polymer versions that are particularly well-suited for out-of-autoclave (OOA)formulations where improved processability due to lower viscosity or enhanced solubilityis needed.In addition to providing these toughening polymers in powder form, alternate, usefulforms of these polymers including fibers and textiles are discussed.