Influence of microstructure on the dynamic mechanical behavior of polymeric composites containing structured latexes

The dynamic mechanical behavior and mechanical behavior of polymeric compos ites containing three different kinds of dispersed phase are discussed. The first system has a structure of island-in-island type of morphology which is formed by phase separation inside of the crosslinked latex particles. Th e second system has a dispersed phase with a core-shell type of morphology which is prepared by heterocoagulation of large amphoteric latex and small anionic latex. The last one makes use of hollow particles containing a cent ral void of 0.4 mu m. The surface of the hollow particle has been modified to provide chemical bonds with a matrix phase composed of epoxy resins. The effect of morphology, the characteristics of the shell and the extent of i nterfacial bonding on the dynamic mechanical behavior or fracture behavior are discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.