THERMOSTIMULATED CREEP ANALYSIS ON THE EFFECT OF WATER IN GLASS BEAD-REINFORCED COMPOSITES

Thermo-stimulated creep analysis is performed to characterize the effe ct of water on the anelastic properties of the model system: epoxy res in-glass beads. The changeable parameter is the nature of the interfac ial region. The behaviour of filled composites after water exposure is compared for composites filled with raw beads, beads treated with sil ane coupling agent, and beads coated with elastomeric adduct (tailorin g interphase). Both the glassy region and the glass transition region are investigated. Specific behaviours are reported in the case of epox y reinforced with silane-treated beads and coated beads.