Curing and toughening of a styrene‐modified epoxy resin

A commercially available epoxy resin (E907) formulated with a viscosity‐reducing styrene monomer and several additives was subjected to thermal cure studies and mechanical property measurements. Thermoplastic poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PES) and poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide) (PEPO) with reactive amine or hydroxyl end groups were utilized to toughen and co‐cure with the system. The cure cycle was optimized and the networks were analyzed via differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analyzer, scanning electron microscopy, sol–gel extractions, and fracture toughness. A model epoxy resin was prepared from a tetrafunctional epoxy, e.g., MY722, difunctional EPON828, styrene monomer, and benzoyl peroxide initiator (BPO), and was evaluated as a control to assess the possible role of the styrene monomer. The optimized cure cycle for E907 was 6 h at 93°C, followed by a postcure of 2 h at 204°C. The fracture toughness of E907 was increased only marginally with PES and PEPO. In contrast, the model epoxy resin demonstrated a positive effect due to the styrene monomer and BPO and exhibited significantly increased fracture toughness with PES modification. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1504–1513, 2001     

Surface morphology,thermomechanical and barrier properties of poly(ether sulfone)‐toughened epoxy clay ternary nanocomposites

Poly(ether sulfone) (PES)‐toughened epoxy clay ternary nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending of PES with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin along with Cloisite 30B followed by curing with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone. The effect of organoclay and thermoplastic on the fracture toughness, permeability, viscoelasticity and thermomechanical properties of the epoxy system was investigated. A significant improvement in fracture toughness and modulus with reduced coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and gas permeability were observed with the addition of thermoplastic and clay to the epoxy system. Scanning electron microscopy of fracture‐failed specimens revealed crack path deflection and ductile fracture without phase separation. Oxygen gas permeability was reduced by 57% and fracture toughness was increased by 66% with the incorporation of 5 phr clay and 5 phr thermoplastic into the epoxy system. Optical transparency was retained even with high clay content. The addition of thermoplastic and organoclay to the epoxy system had a synergic effect on fracture toughness, modulus, CTE and barrier properties. Planetary ball‐milled samples gave exfoliated morphology with better thermomechanical properties compared to ultrasonicated samples with intercalated morphology. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Mode II interlaminar fracture behavior of carbon bead‐filled epoxy/glass fiber hybrid composite

To investigate the effect of including carbon beads on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin, the fracture toughness of carbon bead‐filled epoxy was earlier evaluated using a CT (compact tension) specimens and Mode I fracture toughness was observed. Based on those results, in this study, the Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon bead filled epoxy/glass fiber hybrid composites was evaluated using end notch flexure (ENF) specimens. The hybrid composites showed increased Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness. The optimal bead volume fraction was around 15%.     

Epoxy resins toughened with in situ azide–alkyne polymerized polysulfones

To simultaneously improve the fracture toughness and heat resistance of a cured toughened epoxy resin along with a reduction in its viscosity during the mixing process, two novel polysulfone‐type polymers are synthesized via azide–alkyne polymerization for use as toughening agents. The epoxy resin toughened with these polymers by in situ azide–alkyne polymerization during the cure process, which shows excellent processibility and based on the significantly lower viscosity (61 and 62 cP) during epoxy mixing process than that of commonly commercial polyethersulfone (PES, 127,612 cP). The novel polysulfone‐type polymer toughened epoxy resin showed the advantage in excellent fracture toughness than the PES toughened epoxy. In addition, the glass transition temperature of the novel polysulfone‐type polymer toughened epoxy resin is similar to that of the neat one (～230 °C) and does not decrease, which implies excellent heat resistance of the toughened epoxy. These phenomena can be attributed to the formation of semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks comprising the epoxy network and the linear polysulfone‐type polymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45790.     

Preparation and cured properties of diallyl phthalate resin modified with epoxy resin and allyl ester compound having carboxylic acid

An epoxy resin was blended with a diallyl phthalate resin to improve the adhesive properties and the fracture toughness. A compatibilizer was used to reduce the decrease in heat resistance. An allyl ester compound [1,4‐diallyloxycarbonyl‐2,5‐benzenedicarboxylic acid (DAPY)], which reacted with the diallyl phthalate resin and epoxy resin to have allyl groups and carboxylic acids on the end of the molecular chain, was synthesized as a compatibilizer by the reaction of pyromellitic dianhydride with allyl alcohol. These blends were cured with dicumyl peroxide and triethylamine. By modification with the epoxy resin and DAPY, the lap shear adhesive strength to steel increased up to about 3 times that of the diallyl phthalate resin. These results suggest that the secondary hydroxyl group generated by the addition reaction of the epoxy resin and DAPY and the secondary hydroxyl group existing in the molecular chain of the epoxy resin formed hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl group of water existing on a metal surface, and as a result, the adhesive strength to metal such as steel increased. The fracture toughness of the diallyl phthalate resin was increased by modification with the epoxy resin. The reason for this result was that the flexibility increased because the crosslinking density became small by modification with the epoxy resin. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

The effect of hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene‐grafted carbon fiber on the impact performance of carbon fiber–epoxy resin composites

Carbon fiber (CF) containing 1.4 and 2.1 mmol/g of —COOH and —OH groups, respectively, was functionalized by using an excess of tolylene‐2,4‐diisocyanate. The NCO‐modified CF was submitted to a graft reaction with hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). The HTPB‐grafted carbon fiber was employed as reinforcing agent for epoxy resin‐based composites. The presence of the flexible HTPB at the interface between the fiber and the matrix resulted in a substantial improvement on impact strength. Additional improvement on toughness was achieved by using epoxy matrix containing dispersed phase of HTPB. The composite morphology was also studied by scanning electron microscopy. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 1424–1431, 1999     

聚醚砜/环氧树脂共混体系流变特性与固化性能的研究

环氧树脂是一种性能优良的热固性树脂,但是存在抗冲击性能差的缺点。聚醚砜(PES)是一种高性能热塑性树脂,与环氧树脂共混能够改善环氧树脂的韧性。系统研究了不同PES含量的PES/环氧树脂共混体系的流变特性和固化性能。通过对等温粘度曲线的数据拟合分析,建立了粘度模型,分析了PES对PES/环氧树脂共混体系粘度的影响机理,并通过DSC测试研究了PES对共混体系固化性能的影响。结果表明,PES在环氧树脂中的溶解过程可以引起共混体系粘度的波动,PES的引入缩短了PES/环氧树脂共混体系的凝胶时间,而且PES中的羟基对环氧树脂的固化具有促进作用。     

Enhanced fracture toughness of epoxy resins with novel amine‐terminated poly(arylene ether sulfone)–carboxylic‐terminated butadiene‐acrylonitrile–poly(arylene ether sulfone) triblock copolymers

Amine‐terminated poly(arylene ether sulfone)–carboxylic‐terminated butadiene‐acrylonitrile–poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PES‐CTBN‐PES) triblock copolymers with controlled molecular weights of 15,000 (15K) or 20,000 (20K) g/mol were synthesized from amine‐terminated PES oligomer and commercial CTBN rubber (CTBN 1300x13). The copolymers were utilized to modify a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin by varying the loading from 5 to 40 wt %. The epoxy resins were cured with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone and subjected to tests for thermal properties, plane strain fracture toughness (K_IC), flexural properties, and solvent resistance measurements. The fracture surfaces were analyzed with SEM to elucidate the toughening mechanism. The properties of copolymer‐toughened epoxy resins were compared to those of samples modified by PES/CTBN blends, PES oligomer, or CTBN. The PES‐CTBN‐PES copolymer (20K) showed a K_IC of 2.33 MPa m^0.5 at 40 wt % loading while maintaining good flexural properties and chemical resistance. However, the epoxy resin modified with a CTBN/8K PES blend (2:1) exhibited lower K_IC (1.82 MPa m^0.5), lower flexural properties, and poorer thermal properties and solvent resistance compared to the 20K PES‐CTBN‐PES copolymer‐toughened samples. The high fracture toughness with the PES‐CTBN‐PES copolymer is believed to be due to the ductile fracture of the continuous PES‐rich phases, as well as the cavitation of the rubber‐rich phases. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 1556–1565, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10390     

Interlaminar fracture toughness behavior of electron‐beam cured carbon‐fiber reinforced epoxy–resin composites

The work describes the preparation and physical‐mechanical characterization of unidirectional CFRP panels manufactured by an electron beam curing technique. Delamination fracture toughness in Mode I and II is investigated in order to evaluate the influence of fiber–matrix adhesion strength, matrix toughness and matrix crosslinking density as determined by the radiation curing process. A matrix system comprising a DGEBA epoxy monomer and an initiator of cationic polymerization have been used, with one batch of resin mixed with a PES monomer in order to enhance matrix toughness. Curing was achieved with a pulsed 10 MeV Electron Beam accelerator. Thermally cured composite systems have also been manufactured and tested for comparison. Results from double cantilever beam and end notched flexure delamination tests have been analyzed and correlated with results from short beam shear, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis tests and SEM micrographs of delaminated surfaces. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1529–1542, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Development of an epoxy system characterized by low water absorption and high thermomechanical performances

Water absorption and thermomechanical properties of epoxy systems based on multifunctional dicyclopentadiene epoxy novolac resin Tactix556 cured with 4,4′ diaminodiphenilsulfone (4,4′DDS) as curing agent has been studied. The base system was modified by the addition of a novel 40 : 60 PES : PEES (Polyethersulphone : Polyetheretheresulphone) amine‐ended copolymer to improve toughness properties. The effect of thermoplastic addition on water adsorption was studied by gravimetric experiments. The viscoelastic properties of the resulting blend were analyzed by means of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The formulated systems were compared with a system based on tetraglycidyl‐4,4′diaminodiphenylmethane resin (MY721) cured with 4,4′ diaminodiphenilsulfone. The use of Tactix556 resin showed that water uptake values were minimized while retaining high glass transition temperatures, and toughness values were found in the same range of standard toughened matrices used for aerospace composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4880–4887, 2006     

Nanoinduced morphology and enhanced properties of epoxy containing tungsten disulfide nanoparticles

Closed‐cage (fullerene‐like) nanoparticles (NPs) of WS₂ are currently produced in large amounts and were investigated as additives to thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers. The nanoinduced morphology and the resulting enhanced fracture toughness of epoxy/WS₂ nanocomposites were studied. The morphology of the epoxy nanocomposites was induced by controlled WS₂ surface chemistry. The WS₂ NPs used were either untreated or chemically treated with acryloxy, which is compatible, and alkyl silane, which is incompatible, respectively, with the epoxy matrix. In the case where the acryloxy silane was used to treat the WS₂ particles, good dispersion and compatibility were obtained in the epoxy resin_. Moreover, a distinct nodular morphology was induced on fracture as a result of nucleation by the compatible NPs. In the case where the alkyl silane treatment was used cavitation morphology was induced, following mechanical loading, which is the result of incompatibility with the epoxy resin. The fracture toughness results showed an increase of 70% for nanocomposites contains alkyl‐treated WS₂ compared with the neat epoxy. Modeling of the nodular morphology enabled the determination of optimal concentration of the WS₂ in epoxy (0.3% by weight). Two main fracture mechanisms were observed, crack bowing around the nodular boundaries in the case of compatibility between the nanoparticle and the epoxy and particle‐induced cavitation in the case of incompatibility, respectively. These results are of significant importance both for epoxy‐based adhesives and fiber composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2624–2632, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation of nano‐Ag particles and their modification on the mechanical and dielectric properties of epoxy resin

Nano‐Ag particles stabilized by a hyperbranched polymer (HBP) template were prepared for modifying the epoxy resin. The effects of preparation condition on the size and size distribution of Ag colloidal particles were studied. The Ag@HBP particles were then compounded with the epoxy resin to obtain the Ag@HBP/epoxy composites and the mechanical and dielectric properties of these composites were investigated. Dynamic mechanical analysis results show that the composites have higher loss factors than does the unmodified epoxy resin, which indicate better dissipation of mechanical energy and hence better shock or impact resistance. Fracture morphology of the composite shows a toughness feature. From the dielectric test results, the breakdown strength and dielectric constant of the composites at room temperature are increased, which can be explained by the Coulomb block effect. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Microstructural,mechanical, and thermal characteristics of recycled cellulose fiber‐halloysite‐epoxy hybrid nanocomposites

Epoxy hybrid‐nanocomposites reinforced with recycled cellulose fibers (RCF) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have been fabricated and investigated. The dispersion of HNTs was studied by synchrotron radiation diffraction (SRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influences of RCF/HNTs dispersion on the mechanical properties and thermal properties of these composites have been characterized in terms of flexural strength, flexural modulus, fracture toughness, impact toughness, impact strength, and thermogravimetric analysis. The fracture surface morphology and toughness mechanisms were investigated by SEM. Results indicated that mechanical properties increased because of the addition of HNTs into the epoxy matrix. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, fracture toughness, and impact toughness increased by 20.8, 72.8, 56.5, and 25.0%, respectively, at 1 wt% HNTs load. The presence of RCF dramatically enhanced flexural strength, fracture toughness, impact strength, and impact toughness of the composites by 160%, 350%, 444%, and 263%, respectively. However, adding HNTs to RCF/epoxy showed only slight enhancements in flexural strength and fracture toughness. The inclusion of 5 wt% HNTs into RCF/epoxy ecocomposites increased the impact toughness by 27.6%. The presence of either HNTs or RCF accelerated the thermal degradation of neat epoxy. However, at high temperature, samples reinforced with RCF and HNTs displayed better thermal stability with increased char residue than neat resin. POLYM. COMPOS. 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

High‐performance epoxy hybrid nanocomposites containing organophilic layered silicates and compatibilized liquid rubber

A mixture of two epoxy resins, tetraglycidyl 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane and bisphenol‐A diglycidylether, cured with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone, was used as matrix material for high‐performance epoxy hybrid nanocomposites containing organophilicly modified synthetic fluorohectorite and compatibilized liquid six‐arm star poly(propylene oxide‐block‐ethylene oxide) (abbreviated as PPO). The hydroxy end groups of the poly(propylene oxide‐block‐ethylene oxide) were modified, yielding a six‐arm star PPO with an average of two pendant stearate chains, two phenol groups, and two hydroxy end groups. The alkyl chains of the stearate end groups played an important role in tailoring the polarity of the polymer. Its phenol end groups ensured covalent bonding between liquid polymer and epoxy resin. Two different organophilic fluorohectorites were used in combination with the functionalized PPO. The morphology of the materials was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The hybrid nanocomposites were composed of intercalated clay particles as well as separated PPO spheres in the epoxy matrix. As determined by dynamic mechanical analysis, the prepared composites possessed glass‐transition temperatures around 220°C. Although the tensile moduli remain unaltered, the tensile strengths of the hybrid materials were significantly improved. The relatively high fracture toughness of the neat resin, though, was not preserved for the hybrid resins. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces revealed extensive matrix shear yielding for the neat resin, whereas the predominant fracture mode of the hybrid nanocomposites was crack bifurcation and branching. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3088–3096, 2004     

Mechanical characterization of woven carbon fiber composites with poly(methyl methacrylate)–modified epoxy matrices

The influence of the modification of epoxy matrices with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on the fracture behavior of composite laminates based on woven carbon fibers has been investigated. Three‐point flexural, short beam shear (SBS) and end‐notched flexural tests (ENF) have been carried out. Microstructural features have been investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of the different epoxy matrices and their corresponding composites shows the power of this technique for microstructural studies. Fracture behavior is compared with that shown by similar bifunctional (DGEBA) epoxy matrix composites. In spite of the two‐phase structure obtained in tetrafunctional (TGDDM) epoxy matrix‐based systems for all PMMA contents, only a small improvement in fracture toughness and interlaminar shear strength properties was obtained. In contrast, for DGEBA bulk matrices and composites, a higher enhancement of fracture toughness was obtained, as a consequence of the lower crosslink densities of bifunctional matrices.     

Fabrication and evaluation of structural film adhesive using oxazolidinone modified novolac epoxy resin

Epoxy film adhesives are of prime importance for the fabrication of lightweight honeycomb structures for aerospace industries. This work involves the synthesis of oxazolidinone modified epoxy novolac resin (EPN-OXA) via the reaction of EPN and toluene diisocyanate. EPN-OXA was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and epoxy equivalent weight. EPN-OXA was blended with solid epoxy resin, polyethersulfone (PES) toughened liquid epoxy resin, dicyandiamide, and aluminum powder to fabricate a film adhesive curing at 170–180 °C. Effect of additives and curative on the adhesive property was studied to optimize the composition. Effect of PES on the optimized composition was studied in detail. The best composition exhibited lap shear strength of 370 ± 10 kgf cm⁻² at 25 °C and the strength was retained to 75% at −196 °C and 52% at 120 °C. PES significantly enhanced the interfacial strength at different temperatures (~1.6-fold at −196 and 25 °C and ~1.8-fold at 120 °C). It also improved tensile strength and fracture toughness by 1.4- and 2-fold, respectively. The toughening effect of PES was further confirmed by scanning electron microscopy images. PES marginally reduced the glass-transition temperature and it exhibited no effect on thermal stability. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47520.     

Hydroxyl terminated poly(ether ether ketone) with pendent methyl group toughened epoxy resin: miscibility, morphology and mechanical properties

The synthesis, processing, thermal and mechanical properties and fracture toughness of epoxy resin formulated with hydroxyl terminated poly(ether ether ketone) with pendent methyl group are reported. Hydroxyl terminated poly(ether ether ketone) oligomers based on methyl hydroquinone (PEEKMOH) were synthesised from methylhydroquinone and 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. PEEKMOH oligomers with different molecular weights were synthesised and characterised. Blends of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A epoxy resin with PEEKMOH were prepared by melt mixing. The uncured blends were homogeneous and the T_g-composition behaviour was predicted using Fox, Gordon–Taylor and Kelley–Bueche equations. Reaction induced phase separation occurred in the blends on curing with 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed the two-phase morphology of the blends. Domain size of the blends increased with increase in PEEKMOH8 in the blends. Phase separation in the blends occurred by nucleation and growth mechanism. Infrared spectroscopic studies revealed that some of the epoxy groups were opened up by hydroxyl group of PEEKMOH. The tensile and flexural properties of the blends were comparable to that of neat epoxy resin and the properties were dependent on the composition of the blend and molecular weight of PEEKMOH used. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed two glass transition temperatures corresponding to epoxy rich and thermoplastic rich phases. The crosslink density of epoxy resin decreased with the addition of PEEKMOH to epoxy resin. The blends exhibited superior fracture toughness compared to unmodified epoxy resin. The increase in fracture toughness was due to local plastic deformation of the matrix, crack path deflection and crack pinning. The thermal stability of amine cured epoxy resin was not affected by the incorporation of PEEKMOH into the epoxy resin.     

Toughening of an epoxy resin with hydroxy‐terminated poly(arylene ether nitrile) with pendent tertiary butyl groups

Hydroxy‐terminated poly(arylene ether nitrile) oligomers with pendent tert‐butyl groups (PENTOH) were synthesized by the nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction of 2,6‐dichlorobenzonitrile with tert‐butyl hydroquinone in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone medium with anhydrous potassium carbonate as a catalyst at 200°C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The PENTOH oligomers were blended with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin and cured with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone. The curing reaction was monitored with infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The morphology, fracture toughness, and thermomechanical properties of the blends were investigated. The scanning electron micrographs revealed a two‐phase morphology with a particulate structure of the PENTOH phase dispersed in the epoxy matrix, except for the epoxy resin modified with PENTOH with a number‐average molecular weight of approximately 4000. The storage modulus of the blends was higher than that of the neat epoxy resin. The crosslink density calculated from the storage modulus in the rubbery plateau region decreased with an increase in PENTOH in the blends. The fracture toughness increased more than twofold with the addition of PENTOH oligomers. The tensile strength of the blends increased marginally, whereas the flexural strength decreased marginally. The dispersed PENTOH initiated several toughening mechanisms, which improved the fracture toughness of the blends. The thermal stability of the epoxy resin was not affected by the addition of PENTOH to the epoxy resin. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

新型环氧大豆油增韧酚醛树脂的合成与性质

A novel epoxidized soybean oil-toughened-phenolic resin（ESO-T-PR）has been synthesized by etheri- fication graft and multi-amine curing ESO.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy（FTIR）was adopted to investi- gate its molecular structure and scan electron microscope（SEM）was used to observe the micro morphology of its impact fracture surface.This ESO-T-PR was adopted as the matrix resin to prepare paper copper clad laminate （P-CCL）and the properties of resulting P-CCL are found superior to the related Chinese National Standard.The toughing mechanism was investigated by comparing the impact strength,solderleaching resistance,flexural strength, peeling strength and morphology of this ESO-T-PR with those of other two ESO modified phenolic resins.It is demonstrated that during the synthesizing process of ESO-T-PR,the phenol hydroxyl is etherified by ESO or ESO epoxy resin prepolymer（ESO chain extension polymer）and the long ESO epoxy resin chain segments enhance the crosslink density of ESO-T-PR and consequently improve the impact toughness and solderleaching resistance of P-CCL made of ESO-T-PR.The ESO-T-PR is a cheap matrix resin with excellent properties to make P-CCL（elec- tric guide board）.     

Adhesive properties of epoxy resin modified by end‐functionalized liquid polybutadiene

Adhesive properties of epoxy resin networks modified with different functionalized liquid polybutadiene were evaluated by using aluminum adherent. The end‐functionalized polybutadiene rubbers were hydroxyl‐ (HTPB), carboxyl‐ (CTPB), and isocyanate‐terminated polybutadiene (NCOTPB). The adhesive properties depend upon the morphology and the degree of interaction between the rubber–epoxy system. The most effective adhesive for Al–Al joint in both butt and single‐lap shear testing was epoxy resin–NCOTPB system. This system presents stronger rubber–epoxy interactions and a higher degree of rubber particle dispersion with particle size diameter in the nanoscale range. These characteristics were not important for improving the toughness of the bulk network but are fundamental for the improvement of adhesive strength. The effect of the pretreatment of the aluminum surface on the roughness was also evaluated by using profilometry analysis. The type of failure was also investigated by analyzing the adhered surfaces after fracture by scanning electron microscopy and profilometry. A proportion of cohesion failure higher than 90% was observed in all systems. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2370–2378, 2004