A Review of Epoxy-Thermoplastic Systems: A Novel Classification of Morphology and Its Influence on Toughness
Subject Areas :Shahrzad Mehdizadeh Farsangi 1 , Mehrzad Mortezaee 2 , Hassan Fattahi 3
1 - Department of Polymer Engineering, Fatculty of Materials and Manufacturing Technologies, Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
2 - Department of Polymer Engineering, Fatculty of Materials and Manufacturing Technologies, Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
3 - Department of Polymer Engineering, Fatculty of Materials and Manufacturing Technologies, Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Epoxy resin, thermoplastic, toughness, morphology, blend,
Abstract :
Epoxy resins are extensively utilized across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics, owing to their outstanding mechanical properties, appropriate thermal stability, and strong adhesion. Nevertheless, the intrinsic brittleness of these materials poses challenges in certain engineering applications. To enhance the toughness of these resins, numerous studies have explored the use of various additives. The integration of epoxy resin with thermoplastic polymers and the manipulation of morphology at the micro and nano scales have also been identified as effective strategies.
This article first explores various mechanisms of strength and toughness and discusses the impact of incorporating thermoplastics into epoxy resin. It then examines the types of morphologies formed in composite and alloy systems. In this study, three effective morphologies (including single-phase morphology or controlled phase separation in alloys and blends, interface morphology in composites, and co-continuous phase morphology in composites) have been investigated to enhance toughness. Furthermore, the challenges in morphology engineering and their effects on the final properties of the materials have been analyzed.
Finally, future research directions for enhancing the morphology of epoxy-thermoplastic systems with improved toughness are suggested. This research illustrates that the study, design, and precise control of morphology can greatly improve the performance of these materials in advanced engineering applications.