The role of β relaxations in determining the compressive properties of an epoxy amine network modified with POSS and mono-functional epoxy resins

Presented here is an investigation into the glassy state molecular mobility of modified epoxy amine networks using sub-ambient β relaxations measured from dynamic mechanical and their relationship to compressive properties. Two classes additives are used modify network, first bulky inorganic siloxane caged functional polysilsesquioxanes (POSS) second mono-functional diluents. Different pre-reaction methods between POSS were maximise dispersion or improved covalent attachment within network while diluents easily react via simple blending. Despite wide structural variations in modifier result effects upon final structure, microstructure properties, as by correlates strongly with changes modulus yield strain.