Accelerated ageing behavior of compatible IPNs based on epoxy and methacrylated epoxy resins

Abstract

Methacrylated diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (MADGEBA) was synthesized from the reaction of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and methacrylic acid. The MADGEBA was blended with DGEBA in weight ratios of 100/0, 50/50 and 0/100, and cured simultaneously with dicumyl peroxide (DICUP) and hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) to obtain interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). The three samples were irradiated with ultraviolet in a Q-UVA weatherometer for various periods to study their ageing behavior. Experimental results indicate that the methacryloyl moiety thus incorporated confers significant stabilization against photodegradation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.