Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2025-12
Synthesis of polyetherimide with different end groups and their influence mechanism on the toughness of epoxy resin and its composites fabricated by resin transfer molding
Research on resin transfer molding (RTM) resin and its composites that demonstrate both good processability and toughness properties is highlighted. The toughening mechanism of toughening agents on the processability and toughness properties are essential to be revealed. In this work, two types of polyetherimide (PEI) with different end groups were synthesized as toughening agents to modify RTM epoxy resin. The curing behavior, rheology, and heat resistance of the modified resin were characterized by DSC, rheological analysis, and DMA. Moreover, the Charpy impact strength of the modified resin and the fracture toughness of the composites were tested. The results show that both amino-terminated polyetherimide (A-PEI) and phthalic anhydride-terminated polyetherimide (P-PEI) maintain low viscosity and long pot life of the resin to meet the processing requirements for composites. The heat resistance of the modified resin increases with the increase of toughening agent content, due to the high thermal stability of the toughening agent. The optimized Charpy impact strength of A-PEI and P-PEI modified resin increases by 106% and 50%, respectively, compared to unmodified resin. In addition, the mode I and mode II fracture toughness of the composites are enhanced. The toughening mechanism of A-PEI forms a semi-interpenetrating network structure, while that of P-PEI forms a sea-island second phase.
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