Thermomechanical properties and morphology of blends of a hydroxy-functionalized hyperbranched polymer and epoxy resin

Curing as well as the phase separation behavior of blends of a hydroxy-func tionalized hyperbranched polymer (HBP) and epoxy resin have been studied by several techniques. The HBP strongly enhance the curing rate due to the ca talytic effect of hydroxy groups. The phase separation has been investigate d for various HBP contents and as a function of cure conditions used as wel l. The thermal and dynamic viscoelastic behavior of the blends have been ex amined and compared to the unmodified epoxy matrix. Finally, impact propert ies have been discussed in terms of the morphological behavior for an epoxy matrix modified with various amounts of HBP. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevie r Science Ltd.