Tailoring epoxy resin toughness for cryogenic conditions: An experimental approach

This study explores the synergistic effect of polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) in reducing the inherent brittleness of epoxy resins. A 90/10 (90:10 proportion based on mass) composition of PC/ABS blended with DGEBA at 1.5 wt% modifier concentration demonstrated enhanced mechanical performance at both room and cryogenic temperatures. Comprehensive characterisation using FTIR, DSC, and optical microscopy confirms improvements in thermal stability and fracture resistance behaviour. Wear resistance is attributed to plastic deformation and tearing within the dispersed thermoplastic phase in epoxy matrix. For the case 90/10 blend with DGEBA, the impact strength of the modified DGEBA (m-DGEBA) matrix exhibited a maximum improvement of 20% at both room temperature (RT) and cryogenic temperature (CT). Rheology characteristics reveal an optimum viscosity rise of 0.2 Pa.s to 0.5 Pa.s, ensuring the optimal viscosity range of for infusion applications. This work presents a cost-effective and practical method for fabricating high-performance polymer composites suitable for advanced aerospace applications.