Room Temperature Curing Epoxy Adhesives for Elevated Temperature Service. Part III. The Effect of Silane Coupling Agents

Abstract

The effect of silane coupling agents incorporated into the bulk of previously-developed room-temperature-curing epoxy adhesives^8,9,10 was studied. The physical and mechanical properties of corresponding aluminum bonded joints were characterized in ambient and humid-hot environments. Experimental results have demonstrated significant advantages of silane addition to the performance of these epoxy adhesives, especially under exposure to humid atmosphere. Thermal analysis of the polymerization processes, taking place during curing of the various low-temperature-curing formulations containing silane coupling agents, indicates that curing is not complete after seven days at room temperature, showing an exotherm at 80-100°C and a residual small one at 120°C. The basic formulation, comprising a tetra- and trifunctional epoxy resin blend and a multifunctional amine and ATBN cross-linking mixture, developed a three-phase matrix-rubber microstructure when the silane was added to the system.

Key Words:

• elevated temperature service
• room temperature curing epoxy adhesives
• silane coupling agents
• thermal analysis
• rubber toughening
• three-phase morphology
• durability
• hot/wet exposure
• bonded joints