Synthetic epoxy-based composites

Other synthetic fibers, as well as natural fibers, were employed in epoxy-based multicomponent systems. Thus, a comparative study between polymeric fibers reinforced epoxy resins and natural fibers reinforced ones, all obtained by UV curing, was performed [186]. Isotactic PP (iPP) fibers modified with 20 wt% EVA and hemp fibers were employed, while the matrices used were epoxy acrylate and epoxy methacrylate. Data indicated that relatively regular distribution of fibers was achieved the addition of fibers caused an increase in Shore hardness of the epoxy methacrylate based composites the epoxy acrylated composites showed a decrease in hardness when EVA-modified iPP fibers were used, whereas hemp fibers caused an opposite effect. Even more, the iPP fibers reinforced photocurable composites displayed a brittle to ductile fracture transition. 

Fiber-reinforced composites contain strong fibers embedded in a continuous phase. They form the basis of many of the advanced and space-age products. They are important because they offer strength without weight and good resistance to weathering. Typical fibers are fiberous glass, carbon-based, aromatic nylons, and polyolefins. Typical resins are polyimides, polyesters, epoxys, PF, and many synthetic polymers. Applications include biomedical, boating, aerospace and outer space, sports, automotive, and industry. 

Biodegradable pigments already exist, but they do not provide better properties than synthetic pigments. Conventional flexographic ink compositions are normally made of acrylic, methacryHc, epoxy or styrene-based polymer resins. Actually, acrylic and epoxy resins are present in 90% of the flexographic ink compositions. 

All composites G-D based on epoxy resin ED-22 modified by synthetic tetraepoxypolyphenylsilsesquioxanes and hardened by amine type hardeners are divided on two stages. On the first stage composites destmction is followed by high loss of the mass. This process proceeds at temperatures from 180° up to 420°C. Probably on this stage the compoimds organic groups burn out (Fig. 12). 

It is of note that the respective amounts of char and flammable volatiles produced by the thermal decomposition of the composite are highly dependent on the chemical nature of the organic phases, i.e., the polymer matrix and synthetic fibres, if present (Levchnick and Wilkie, 2000 Mouritz, 2007). As regards the main thermosetting polymers used in construction (i.e., polyesters, vinylesters and epoxies), pyrolysis yields a large amount of volatiles but retains a small amount of char (10-20% of the initial mass). FRP composites based on these thermoset matrices are thus highly flammable materials. 

Although natural adhesives (animal glue, casein, starch, and rosin) are still used for many applications, a host of new adhesive materials based on synthetic polymers have been developed these include polyurethanes, polysiloxanes (silicones), epoxies, polyimides, acrylics, and rubber materials. Adhesives may be used to join a large variety of materials—metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, skin, and so on—and the choice of which adhesive to use will depend on such factors as (1) the materials to be bonded and their porosities (2) the required adhesive properties (i.e., whether the bond is to be temporary or permanent) (3) maximum/minimum exposme temperatmes and (4) processing conditions. 

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