Highly enhanced performance of epoxy composites via novel phthalazinone-bearing hybrid system as matrix

A novel phthalazinone-bearing epoxy resin, namely TEPZ, was designed and synthesized as functional modifier and prepreg agent for carbon fiber TGDDM epoxy composites by a “one pot two steps” method. Three-dimensional TEPZ/TGDDM/DDS system was constructed and optimized by modulating curing procedure and concentration of DDS to give thermosets with excellent thermal resistance and mechanical strength. The storage modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) increased significantly with composition of 100 phr TGDDM, 30 phr TEPZ and 40 phr DDS as compared to those of TGDDM/DDS. The tensile strength, impact strength and flexural strength increased simultaneously. Afterwards, continuous unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced laminates were fabricated, followed by systematical investigation of their mechanical and interfacial properties. The interfacial study indicated that the polarity and wettability of TEPZ played an important role during the modification.