Fabrication and Characterization of Novel Liquid Rubber Modified Epoxies

Abstract In the present investigation, a DGEBA based epoxy has been modified by a novel liquid rubber (LR) (0-25 wt. %) obtained from the pyrolysis of scrap rubber. Mechanical characterizations viz. tensile, impact and fracture toughness were conducted on the prepared LR modified epoxies (LREs). A reduction in the Young’s modulus and tensile strength was observed with LR concentration. Highest increase in impact strength (∼ 73 %) and K IC (∼79 %) at 15 wt. % LR concentrations was observed in the LREs. FESEM revealed the formation of biphasic morphology and cavitation followed by shear yielding to be the prevalent toughening mechanism. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that LR addition has negligible effect on the thermal stabilities of epoxy.