Toughening and strengthening an epoxy by a liquid crystalline epoxy

The effect of molecular reinforcement of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F (DGEBP-F) epoxy by liquid crystalline (LC) diglycidyl ether of 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenol (DGE-DHBP) is investigated. The compositional effect of the LC moiety is related to mechanical properties. Tensile, impact and fracture toughness tests results are evaluated. Dynamic mechanical analysis is conducted to determine the effect of the DGE-DHBP on the glass transition and beta transition temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surface shows changes in failure mechanisms compared to the pure components. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of these blended samples are improved at 10-20% by weight of DGE-DHBP.