a b s t r a c tBlock copolymer modified epoxy resins have generated significant interest since it was demonstrated that the combination could lead to nanostructured thermosets through self-assembly. Over moderate to high polymer concentration the system behaves as expected for a block copolymer in a solvent selective for one block. Two types of copolymers have been studied: non-reactive and reactive modifiers. Morphologies such as copolymer vesicle and spherical/wormlike micelles can be formed under the appropriate conditions. The enhancement of the modified thermosets' mechanical properties depends on the morphology adopted by the polymers. Besides improving mechanical properties, the morphology was found to also have an effect on the glass transition in the studied systems. In this review we collect the available data on the block copolymers used to fabricate nanostructured epoxy resins and critically appraise the properties reported.

We are developing a measurement platform, based on the edge delamination test geometry, geared towards combinatorial and high-throughput (C&HT) assessment of interfacial adhesion and reliability of epoxy films bonded to a rigid substrate. A critical parameter space to be explored is composition of the epoxy formulation. We have constructed an automated mixing and deposition system for creating discrete and continuous gradients in composition of viscous epoxy formulations. By dicing the combinatorial library into a contiguous discrete sample array, the interfacial adhesion strength can be deduced from the critical stress required to debond each film cell from the substrate. These results can be used to predict the adhesion reliability of epoxy formulations as a function of composition and applied stress.