Self-constructed nanodomain structure in thermosetting blend based on the dynamic reactions of cyanate ester and epoxy resins and its related property

A new strategy to obtain nanodomain structure in thermoset/thermoset blends was developed via different dynamic reactions of cyanate ester (CE) and epoxy (EP) resins in the presence of zinc (II) acetylacetonate and glutaric anhydride. The resulting polymer systems show high mechanical property mainly attributed to EP nanophase and the excellent interfacial interaction between EP nanophase and CE matrix. Owing to the broad glass transition, the polymer systems display thermally activated triple shape memory effects in the temperature ranges of 150–225 °C. Moreover, the systems exhibit thermal self-healing behavior resulting from the transesterification and possible reactions between the residual cyanate ester and epoxy groups , and a 78–83% recovery of fracture toughness for the resulting polymers can be achieved after the first healing schedule of 200 °C/2 h.