Phase separation and melting behavior in poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-epoxy blends cured by 3,3'-dimethylmethylene-di(cyclohexylamine)

Abstract

The morphology and the melting behavior of poly(E-caprolactone)/epoxy blends (PCL/epoxy) have been investigated by SEM and DSC. The mechanism of phase separation varies with the curing temperature and PCL content, which can be deduced from the cured morphology of the blend. Higher temperature leads to lower blend viscosity and a higher curing rate, and the final morphology is determined by the competition of these two factors. The PCL melting behavior of the blend is influenced by the extent of phase separation and crystallization during curing. The dual melting behavior of the PCL blend can be ascribed to the interference of the epoxy, which results in the formation of less perfect PCL crystallites melted at lower temperature. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.