Authors
Abstract
The effect of the TolueneC6H5CH3 and Acetone (CH3)2CO additions on the
mechanical properties of cured Epoxy is studied. Different weight percentages of
Toluene (0, 4, 8, 10 & 14 wt%) and Acetone (0, 3, 5, 8 & 10 wt%) were used
under curing temperatures (40°C and 60°C) for Toluene and 40°C for Acetone
with curing time of 24hrs. The results show improved mechanical properties
(Young modulus and Fracture stress) for Epoxy samples cured at 40°C with the
increase of Toluene to a maximum of 8wt%, then these properties are degraded as
the Toluene percentage increase. In the contrary, the Epoxy samples cured at 60 °C
shows poorer properties with increased weight percentages of the Toluene.
Epoxy samples thinned with different amount of Acetone solvent is
prepared and cured. These samples show best mechanical properties at Acetone
addition of 5wt%. Extra amounts of Acetone addition degrade the results. The
mechanical properties, fracture morphology and FTIR spectra shows more
aggressive effect of the Acetone compared with Toluene as solven
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