Short silica fiber composites with simultaneous interpenetrating polymer networks constituted by siloxane and phenolic systems

Abstract

Short silica fiber reinforced simultaneous interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composites comprising of siloxane and resole phenolic units were synthesized through curing of polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) and phenolic polymer systems along with short silica fibre. IPNs were formed at various PMSQ/phenolic ratios, while weight percentage of silica short fiber was kept at 60% (by weight). The formation of IPN was confirmed by FTIR, TGA and DMA. The effect of IPN composition on the mechanical, thermal, thermo‐physical and dynamic mechanical properties was investigated. The variation in properties was well correlated with the morphological and phase distribution features of IPN and the interaction of matrix with silica fiber. It was found that phenolic addition improved the properties of PMSQ‐silica composite system substantially and the optimal obtained was with 25% phenolic for most of the properties (compressive and flexural strength, toughness and thermal conductivity) due to the complete miscibility of the resultant IPN and its superior interaction with silica fiber. Tensile strength and impact strength showed increasing trend with phenolic content. However, the char residue got decreased with increase in phenolic content. This study shows that the synergy of PMSQ and PF polymeric systems in the form of IPN is worthwhile to be explored further for various potential applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4010–4019, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

Toughening of Epoxy Systems with Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN): A Review

“…However, the mechanical characteristics of the prepared composites were enhanced as a function of PEN content, which was attributed to the improvement in the interfacial adhesion and also to the formation of semi-IPN structure [ 72 ]. The mechanical characteristics (e.g., compressive strength, flexural strength and fracture toughness) of polymeric composites based on PMSQ resin and short silica fibre has also been investigated in literature as a function of the incorporation of phenolic polymer as a toughener [ 73 ]. The outcome of the study verified that the addition of toughener resulted in enhanced fracture toughness of PMSQ-silica fibre composites, with the optimum properties at 25% of toughener.…”

“…The outcome of the study verified that the addition of toughener resulted in enhanced fracture toughness of PMSQ-silica fibre composites, with the optimum properties at 25% of toughener. This enhancement in the properties was linked to the formation of IPN, complete miscibility of IPN structure and its improved interaction with the silica fibres [ 73 ]. Similar enhancement in damage tolerance of novel aerospace grade thin-ply composite system was observed by toughening the epoxy resin [ 74 ].…”

The synergistic impacts of hybrid nanofillers of graphene nanoplatelets/carbon nanotubes on curing behavior of an epoxy‐vinyl ester interpenetrating polymer network nanocomposite coating

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs), among the different types of polymeric mixtures, are a specific group of hybrid polymer materials comprising two thermosetting resins in which the polymer networks are physically and permanently linked together via chain entanglements, as well as chemically a few bond formations between two resins. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Thermosetting resins similar to vinyl ester, polyester, and especially epoxy are generally applied as coating binders. 13,14 The epoxy-vinyl ester blend can form IPNs consisting of two cured resins, the interlaced networks forming one homogeneous system on a molecular scale.…”

“…The mechanical and chemical combination techniques and features of multiple polymers are of great industrial and academic significance for coating performances because they provide a useful method for modifying properties to achieve the specified application 1–5 . Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs), among the different types of polymeric mixtures, are a specific group of hybrid polymer materials comprising two thermosetting resins in which the polymer networks are physically and permanently linked together via chain entanglements, as well as chemically a few bond formations between two resins 6–12 . Thermosetting resins similar to vinyl ester, polyester, and especially epoxy are generally applied as coating binders 13,14 .…”