Phenomenological characterization of sequential dual-curing of off-stoichiometric "thiol-epoxy" systems: Towards applicability

An extensive characterization of a sequential dual-curing system based on off-stoichiometric “thiol-epoxy” mixtures was carried out using thiol compounds of different functionality. The intermediate and final materials obtained after each curing stages at different thiol-epoxy ratios were studied by...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Belmonte, Alberto, Fernández Francos, Xavier|||0000-0002-3492-2922, Serra Albet, Maria Àngels|||0000-0003-1387-0358, Flor López, Sílvia de la|||0000-0002-6851-1371
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2017
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/99829
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/99829
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2016.10.009
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Composite materials
Dual-curing
Thiol-epoxy
Functional materials
Rheological analysis
Thermo-mechanical analysis
Materials compostos
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria dels materials
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria dels materials::Materials funcionals
Descripción
Sumario:An extensive characterization of a sequential dual-curing system based on off-stoichiometric “thiol-epoxy” mixtures was carried out using thiol compounds of different functionality. The intermediate and final materials obtained after each curing stages at different thiol-epoxy ratios were studied by means of thermomechanical and rheological experiments. The storage and loss modulus and the loss factor tan d were monitored during the curing process to analyse gelation and network structure build-up. The critical ratio for gelation was determined making use of the ideal Flory-Stockmayer theory and compared with experimental results. Intermediate materials obtained in the vicinity of the theoretical critical ratio did not have the mechanical consistency expected for partially crosslinked materials, did not retain their shape and even experienced undesired flow upon heating to activate the second curing reaction. The rheological results showed that the critical ratio is higher than the predicted value and that a softening during the second curing stage affects the shape-retention at this ratio. From the thermomechanical results, a wide range of intermediate and final materials with different properties and applicability can be obtained by properly choosing the thiol-epoxy ratio: from liquid-like to highly deformable intermediate materials and from moderately crosslinked (deformable) to highly crosslinked (brittle) final materials.