Effect of Thermoplastic Incorporation on the Performance of Thermosetting Matrix

Abstract

In this work, the morphology, thermal and viscoelastic properties, deformation and fracture behaviour of a commercial vinylester resin modified with a biodegradable polymer was investigated. Flexural, impact and fracture tests were per-formed on the blends with different polycaprolactone (PCL) contents. They exhibited improved stiffness and fracture properties in comparison to the neat resin. From SEM analysis of fracture surfaces, stress whitening and branced frac-ture paths toughening mechanisms were identified. The dependence of the glass transition temperature with PCL con-tent was adequately fitted by simple models available in the literature. From the results of these models along with the results of calorimetric studies and SEM analysis, it can be concluded that the interaction between vinylester and PCL is strong enough to avoid phase separation.