Abstract
The properties of the ternary matrix system (EPB), obtained by the reactive blending of epoxy resin - diallyl bisphenol and a bismaleimide, depend on the structure and properties of its components. The influence of the structural variations of bismaleimide on the thermal, physical and mechanical properties of the ternary blend was examined. EPB compositions were prepared using novolac epoxy, diallyl phenol A and three different bismaleimide systems viz. 2, 2-bis 4-(4 maleimidophenoxy) phenyl propane-BMIP, bis (4-maleimidophenyl) methane-BMIM and bis (4-maleimido phenyl) ether-BMIE. The EPB systems with different types of bismaleimides were processed and characterized for their thermal, physical and rheological properties. EPB-glass composites processed using these matrix systems were characterized for their thermo-physical and mechanical properties. High temperature properties of these systems were assessed by their adhesive strength retention at different temperatures. The EPB system formed by the reactive blending of epoxy- phenol system with BMIP was found to yield the blend with improved mechanical performance at ambient conditions, while that with BMIM proved to be the best for high temperature application.