Noncovalent Interactions in Mechanical Response of Thermoset Epoxy Resin

Free volume in polymers is known to influence the mechanical response of the polymers. Noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds, Coulombic electrostatic interactions, and van der Waals interactions are present within these free volume regions. The manuscript presents a comprehensive identification, characterization, and evolution of noncovalent interactions as a thermoset epoxy resin (typically used as an interfacial adhesive material) is subjected to uniaxial tension, shear, and shock loading. Even though noncovalent interactions dominate uniaxial tension and shear response (up to strain levels of 50% wherein covalent bond dissociation is not observed), both covalent and noncovalent interactions define response for shock loading. Van der Waals interactions dominate the response as the samples are subjected to strain levels of 50% in tension and shear. In contrast, hydrogen bonds influence shock response.