八氨苯基低聚硅倍半氧烷改性环氧树脂的力学和阻燃性能

Octa(aminophenyl) silsesquioxane (OAPS) was applied to epoxy resin to increase the glass transition temperature (T_g), mechanical properties and flame retardancy of the cured resin. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to investigate the curing kinetics, and the results show that the OAPS possesses the similar curing behavior to the hardener isophorondiamine. Furthermore, the results of DSC and FT-IR indicate that OAPS was crosslinked into the network structure via chemical bonds, thereby the properties of epoxy resin composites are improved. Results of a universal testing machine reveal that the tensile strength of the composite is increased by 104%. Dynamic thermomechanical analysis suggests that the T_g is increased; thermogravimetric analysis reveals that OAPS can improve the thermal stability of the composites. Cone calorimetry analysis shows that the peak of the heat release rate is decreased and the time to ignition is obviously prolonged. A vertical burning (UL-94) test shows that the melt dripping phenomenon is significantly improved. Therefore, OAPS can improve the mechanical properties, thermal stability and flame retardancy of epoxy resins.