| Abstract: | Epoxy–imide resins were obtained by curing Araldite GY 250 (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A and epichlorohydrin; difunctional) and Araldite EPN 1138 (Novolac–epoxy resin; polyfunctional) with N‐(4‐ and 3‐carboxyphenyl)trimellitimides derived from 4‐ and 3‐aminobenzoic acids and trimellitic anhydride. The adhesive lap shear strength of epoxy–imide systems at room temperature and at 100, 125, and 150°C was determined on stainless‐steel substrates. Araldite GY 250‐based systems give a room‐temperature adhesive lap shear strength of about 23 MPa and 49–56% of the room‐temperature adhesive strength is retained at 150°C. Araldite EPN 1138‐based systems give a room‐temperature adhesive lap shear strength of 16–19 MPa and 100% retention of room‐temperature adhesive strength is observed at 150°C. Glass transition temperatures of the Araldite GY 250‐based systems are in the range of 132–139°C and those of the Araldite EPN 1138‐based systems are in the range of 158–170°C. All these systems are thermally stable up to 360°C. The char residues of Araldite GY 250‐ and Araldite EPN 1138‐based systems are in the range of 22–26% and 41–42% at 900°C, respectively. Araldite EPN 1138‐based systems show a higher retention of adhesive strength at 150°C and have higher thermal stability and Tg when compared to Araldite GY 250‐based systems. This has been attributed to the high crosslinking possible with Araldite EPN 1138‐based systems arising due to the polyfunctional nature of Araldite EPN 1138. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 78: 1729–1736, 2000 |
