The properties of an industry-unique core-shell rubber modified vinyl ester resin (CSRVE) are compared to traditional thermosets and other toughened resin types used in composite applications. The addition of core-shell rubber (CSR) particles dispersed in a standard vinyl ester resin (VE) enables this resin to absorb and distribute relatively large amounts of energy (both stresses and strains) of repeated impacts, and to undergo considerable deformation before fracturing. CSRVE toughness is shown to be superior with respect to critical stress intensity factor (K_(1C)), critical energy release rate (G_(1C)), fatigue cycling, and impact resistance. The beneficial effect of CSR particle additions is particularly evident in CSRVE, whose neat resin toughness is significantly greater than that of standard VE and conventional epoxy resin systems used in the wind industry. This paper will explore the various toughened resin systems and compare their strengths and weaknesses. Testing will incorporate unreinforced neat casting mechanical and reinforced laminates data using glass, carbon fiber, and other types of reinforcements. Case studies using CSRVE will be presented on fatigue testing and other tests demonstrating damage tolerance properties. In addition, this paper will explore the shape-memory properties of damaged or fatigued CSVRE. When heated above the glass transition, CSVRE tends to return to its original molded shape and retain a high percentage of the original strength after heat treatment. Finally, further research on the limitations and benefits of CSRVE property recovery will be discussed.
展开▼
