Effect of mixing sequences on the properties of porous epoxy using toluenea as a soaking medium

Abstract

The effect of mixing sequences on the properties of the porous epoxy was investigated. Mechanical stirring technique was used to produce porous epoxy. The latex content was evaluated from 0.5 to 2 phr. The first series was followed the sequence of a mixture of an epoxy, hardener then latex. The second series was followed the sequence of mixture of epoxy, latex then hardener. The immiscible system of epoxy-latex having latex particles dispersed in epoxy matrix. After latex particles were removed by immersed into toluene for 6 hours, respectively, a porous structure was obtained. Two series of porous epoxy with different mixing sequences were tested in mechanical, dielectric constant properties, density, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In general, it was found that the increasing of latex content decreased the density, flexural strength, flexural modulus and dielectric constant value.