Thermal and mechanical properties of a hydroxyl-functional dendritic hyperbranched polymer and trifunctional epoxy resin blends

Curing characteristics of blends of a hydroxyl-functionalized dendritic hyp erbranched polymer (HBP) and a triglycidyl p-amino phenol (TGAP) epoxy resi n have been studied. The HBP strongly enhances the curing rate owing to the catalytic effect of the hydroxyl groups. The thermal and dynamic viscoelas tic behavior of the blends of various compositions (HBP content 0-20%) have been examined and compared to the neat TGAP matrix. The glass transition t emperature (Tg) gradually decreases with increase in HBP concentration. The blends show a higher impact strength compared to neat TGAP. Scanning elect ron microscopy analysis indicates a single-phase morphology.