Designable phase structure in semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) materials: an idea to alter interfacial adhesion along the fibre in polymer composites

Magyar, Balázs and Czigány, Tibor and Marton, Gergő Zsolt and Balogh, Fanni and Szebényi, Gábor (2025) Designable phase structure in semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) materials: an idea to alter interfacial adhesion along the fibre in polymer composites. POLYMER, 337. No.-128998. ISSN 0032-3861

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Abstract

The pseudo-ductile behaviour of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer composites can be enhanced through the integration of thermoplastic phases into the thermoset matrix. This study investigates the formation and control of phase morphology in epoxy resin modified with poly( ε-caprolactone) (PCL), targeting the development of a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) structure. Phase morphology and thermal transitions were analysed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The interfacial shear strength between the matrix and reinforcing fibres was evaluated through microdroplet testing. Furthermore, a novel strategy was introduced using 3D printing to locally modulate phase structure along the fibre length, offering spatial control over fibre–matrix interactions. The results demonstrate the feasibility of tuning composite interphases to improve toughness and interfacial behaviour in advanced structural materials.

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