The Effect of Solvent Additions on theMechanical Properties of Epoxy

Abstract

The effect of the TolueneC6H5CH3 and Acetone (CH3)2CO additions on themechanical properties of cured Epoxy is studied. Different weight percentages ofToluene (0, 4, 8, 10 & 14 wt%) and Acetone (0, 3, 5, 8 & 10 wt%) were usedunder curing temperatures (40°C and 60°C) for Toluene and 40°C for Acetonewith curing time of 24hrs. The results show improved mechanical properties(Young modulus and Fracture stress) for Epoxy samples cured at 40°C with theincrease of Toluene to a maximum of 8wt%, then these properties are degraded asthe Toluene percentage increase. In the contrary, the Epoxy samples cured at 60 °Cshows poorer properties with increased weight percentages of the Toluene.Epoxy samples thinned with different amount of Acetone solvent isprepared and cured. These samples show best mechanical properties at Acetoneaddition of 5wt%. Extra amounts of Acetone addition degrade the results. Themechanical properties, fracture morphology and FTIR spectra shows moreaggressive effect of the Acetone compared with Toluene as solven

Keywords

• polymer
• solvent
• mechanical properties
• fracture morphology
• ftir spectra