Publications

Abstract not provided.

Epoxy thermoset resins are ubiquitous materials with extensive applications where they are used as encapsulants, composites, and adhesives/staking compounds used to secure sensitive components. Epoxy resins are inherently sensitive to thermo-oxidative aging, especially at elevated temperatures, which changes the bulk properties of the material and can lead to component failure for example by cracking due to embrittlement or by adhesion failure between the epoxy and filler material in a composite. This project investigated the effects of three commercial antioxidants (Irganox^® 1010 (I-102), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), or Chisorb^® 770 (HALS)) at two different loadings (2.5 and 5 wt%) on the mechanical and chemical aging of a model epoxy system (EPON^TM 828 / Jeffamine^® T-403) under ambient conditions, 65, 95, and 110 °C. Additionally, synthetic routes towards an antioxidant capable of being covalently bound to the resin so as to prevent leaching were explored with one such molecule being successfully synthesized and purified. One commercial antioxidant (Irganox^® 1010) was found to reduce the degree of thermo-oxidatively induced damage in the system.

Abstract not provided.

Abstract not provided.