Epoxy polymer toughening using dendritic spherulites microstructure formed by the self-assembly of alkyl branched tri-carbamates with a spacer of isocyanurate ring

Currently, it remains a challenge to effectively improve the toughness of epoxy polymer without impairing the processability and other properties. Herein, a novel strategy was proposed for toughening epoxy polymer using the ordered microstructure formed by the self-assembly of C 8 H 17 -alkyl branched tri-carbamates with a spacer of isocyanurate ring at relatively low concentrations in the epoxy/amine system. The employed tri-carbamates slightly affects the viscosity of the modified epoxy due to its low molecular weight and melting behavior. The dendritic spherulites microstructures self-assembled in epoxy matrix through the desired molecular interactions between branched alkyl chains, –NHCOO– and C O act as the toughening materials that absorb fracture energy and subsequently improve the impact resistance of cured epoxy without significantly sacrificing Tg and mechanic strength . Moreover, due to the good plasticization of branched C 8 H 17 - chains and excellent mechanic strength of isocyanurate ring, in-situ dispersing tri-carbamates endows the modified epoxy the balanced cured properties.