Mechanical properties of magnetically oriented epoxy

The microstructure of an epoxy system oriented in high magnetic fields (15-25 T) has been observed to consist of highly oriented domains at the molecular level along the direction of the applied field. The changes in the microstructure have been characterized as a function of the magnetic-field strength and have been investigated microscopically and with wide-angle X-ray diffraction. The mechanical properties of the epoxy have been examined in light of nanoindentation experiments at different load levels. The basic results of the experimental investigations for the effect of high magnetic fields on the structure and property of the epoxy are presented. Nanoindentation testing has revealed large differences in the nanomechanical behavior for thermomagnetically processed epoxy specimens. The differences can be ascribed to the microstructural changes (reorientation) of the polymer at the molecular level. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.