Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of epoxy/block-copolymer blends

Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) is one of the most powerful techniques to investigate the phase separation dynamics of block-copolymer (BCP)-modified epoxy systems as it provides information such as phase separa- tion, compatibility/miscibility between the BCP blocks and epoxy matrix, spe- cific interactions among various phases, damping characteristics, and stiffness and toughness of the system. In this chapter, we focus on the dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy thermosets modified with diblock and triblock copolymers. The type of block copolymers and the effects of different curing agents, cure temperature, hardeners, etc. on the phase structure and phase separation dynamics of epoxy thermosets are discussed. An extremely fascinating feature of DMTA is that direct information about the phase structure could be derived from the tan d peaks. Shift in the T, broadening of glass transition peaks, superimposition of two or more peaks, height and width of various transition peaks, etc. furnish ample evidence for the type and nature of the phase structure and an intuitive understanding of the related mechanism.