Reactive microspheres as active fillers for epoxy resins

Physical properties of epoxy resins filled with microparticles are presented and discussed. Microparticles were synthesized in the form of micron-sized, crosslinked spherical particles, with an excess of reactive amino groups on their outer surface, and subsequently blended with EPON828-3,3'DDS in different weight percents (10 and 20 wt %). Differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electronic microscopy were applied to investigate microsphere properties such as morphology, shape, size, and size distribution. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis was applied on particles to relate surface composition and reactivity of microspheres. Rheological, dynamic-mechanical, and mechanical properties of the cured blends were analyzed and related to the pure resin and to the same resin modified with PES180. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.