ON HYBRID TOUGHENED DGEBA EPOXY-RESINS

Considerable improvements in the fracture resistance of epoxy resins have recently been achieved by adding either rubbery or rigid second phase dispersions, or both, to an epoxy matrix. These multiphase epoxy systems are particularly useful as high performance adhesives and as matrix materials in advanced composites. This paper describes the development of new toughened epoxy hybrids, which contain both rubbery and rigid dispersions. The latter dispersions were either zirconia particles, short alumina fibres or glassy-metal ribbons. Micromechanisms of toughening and failure processes in these new materials are identified and discussed in the light of microstructures.