Antiplasticization-driven stiffening in epoxy-amine networks: Effects of the resin formulation

In this work several epoxies with various and structurally related network architectures were prepared using mixtures of a diepoxide resin, a monoepoxide resin, and an aromatic diamine hardener. The effects of the systems formulation on their mechanical and thermal properties were investigated through dynamic-mechanical tests and room temperature tensile testing. The change in glass transition temperature and the stiffening effects measured at room temperature were interpreted at the light of the macromolecular architecture and the chain mobility hindrance connected to the antiplasticization phenomenology.