Mechanical properties of E-glass fiber reinforced siliconized epoxy polymer composites

Siliconized epoxy-matrix systems have been developed by an interpenetrating mechanism using epoxy resins GY 250 and LY 556 (Ciba-Geigy) and hydroxyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane with gamma -aminopropyltriethoxysilane as crosslinker in the presence of dibutyltindilaurate catalyst. Aliphatic amine (HY 951, Ciba-Geigy), aromatic amine (HT 972, Ciba-Geigy) and polyamidoamine (HY 840, Ciba-Geigy) are used as curing agents for epoxy resins. The tentative level of 10% siloxane introduction into epoxy resin has been ascertained from experimental studies to obtain reasonable improvements in the impact behavior without compromising other mechanical properties. The impact behavior of E-glass reinforced composites made from the siliconized epoxy resin is enhanced to 2-4 times over that measured on the composites made from a pure epoxy resin. Composites cured with aromatic amine impart better mechanical properties than those cured with aliphatic amine and polyamidoamine.