Micro-Deformation in the Fracture of a Toughened Epoxy

Published

February 24, 2014

Author(s)

Donald Hunston, Cyril Clerici, Aurélien Blond, Aaron Forster

Abstract

Thermoset resins are used in many composites and structural adhesives because they have excellent proper-ties. Unfortunately, they tend to be quite brittle. Over the last 50 years, there has been a major effort to improve the toughness of thermosets, and one of the most successful approaches is the introduction of a second, elastomeric phase which is present as small micron-size particles. By examining the same section of the fracture surface before and after heating, previous researchers were able to draw conclusions about the plastic deformation. A limitation of that study, however, was the use of scanning electron microscope images which were 2D. Work in the present study combines the heating approach with AFM and LSCM measurements for analysis of fracture surfaces. The results for observations on matrix deformation have been reported previously while this report focuses on the rubber particles.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of the Adhesion Society

Conference Dates

February 24-28, 2014

Conference Location

San Diego, CA, US

Conference Title

2014 Adhesion Society Meeting

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

rubber-toughened epoxy, plastic deformation, toughness

Citation

Hunston, D. , Clerici, C. , Blond, A. and Forster, A. (2014), Micro-Deformation in the Fracture of a Toughened Epoxy, Proceedings of the Adhesion Society, San Diego, CA, US, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=915441 (Accessed November 26, 2025)