title: Insights into Epoxy Network Nanostructural Heterogeneity Using AFM-IR.
abstract: The first direct observation of a chemically heterogeneous nanostructure within an epoxy resin is reported. Epoxy resins comprise the matrix component of many high performance composites, coatings and adhesives, yet the molecular network structure that underpins the performance of these industrially essential materials is not well understood. Internal nodular morphologies have repeatedly been reported for epoxy resins analyzed using SEM or AFM, yet the origin of these features remains a contentious subject, and epoxies are still commonly assumed to be chemically homogeneous. Uniquely, in this contribution we use the recently developed AFM-IR technique to eliminate previous differences in interpretation, and establish that nodule features correspond to heterogeneous network connectivity within an epoxy phenolic formulation.
authors.affiliation: Corrosion and Protection Centre, School of Materials, The University of Manchester , The Mill, Sackville Street, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morsch
authors.affiliation: Corrosion and Protection Centre, School of Materials, The University of Manchester , The Mill, Sackville Street, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Yanwen
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Corrosion and Protection Centre, School of Materials, The University of Manchester , The Mill, Sackville Street, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Stuart B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Lyon
authors.affiliation: Research & Development, AkzoNobel Supply Chain , Stoneygate Lane, Felling, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE10 0JY, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Simon R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Gibbon
keywords: AFM-IR; epoxy resin; heterogeneity; nanostructure; network formation