Relaxation in networks

DSC was utilized to study both the state of the cure (extent of crosslinking) as well as the kinetics of enthalpy relaxation In network epoxies (5,12,52,53). DSC results confirmed a fully-crossllnked epoxy network having no exotherm at temperatures up to 280°C. 

The reinforcement induces important changes of the elastomer network, due to the formation of strong and weak bonds between the chain segments and reticulation centres located on the surface of active charge particles [1199]. The Mullins effect or the tension relaxation in networks is ascribed to the splitting of weak bonds. 

---