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Micro-Deformation in the Fracture of a Toughened Epoxy

Published

Author(s)

Donald Hunston, Cyril Clerici, Aurélien Blond, Aaron M. 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

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 (Accessed December 3, 2024)

Issues

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Created February 24, 2014, Updated June 27, 2024