The effect of polybenzimidazole (Pill) on a silica-filled epoxy resin matrix has been investigated. Polybenzimidazole (PBI) was incorporated into a difunctional epoxy resin matrix to the extent of 10%, before being cured with an anhydride hardener. The effects of Pill on the curing reaction and glass transition temperature (Tg) and on the toughness of the cured epoxy matrix have been studied using differential scanning calorimetry (OSC), thermogravimetric ctric analysis (TGA) and a universal testing machine (Instron). The results indicate that the PBI modifier enhanced not only the glass transition temperature of the difunctional epoxy m.atrix but also its toughness, by its catalytic action. Further investigations have been carried out on the fractured specimens, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to support the enhanced toughness property of the epoxy matrix.
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