Effects of various polyurethanes on the mechanical and structural properties of an epoxy resin

Polyurethanes (PURs) obtained from poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) and polyoxypropylene diols (POPDs) of different molecular weights were used as modifiers of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A. The impact strength, critical stress intensity factor, stress, and strain during three‐point bending were measured as functions of the PUR type and content. Scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy were employed for the structure and morphology analysis. The addition of 10 or 15% PUR to the epoxy resin resulted in the most enhanced mechanical properties. However, a modifier loading higher than 15% led to decreases in the impact strength, critical stress intensity factor, and flexural strength. Moreover, shorter flexible segments in PUR obtained from lower molecular weight PEG led to stronger composites, whereas composites containing PUR based on lower molecular weight POPD with long flexible segments exhibited higher toughness and strain at break and lower impact strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010