Effect Of Curing Method On Physical And Mechanical Properties Of Araldite DLS 772 4 4 DDS Epoxy System

Abstract - Samples of an epoxy resin system based on Araldite DLS 772 and 4 4 DDS a hardener with an amine epoxy ratio of 0.8 were cured using conventional and microwave heating. The cured samples were cut into the required dimensions using ASTM standards and then subjected to Density Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis and Flexural tests. It was observed that the microwave cured samples had a higher glass transition temperature Tg a higher flexural strength higher cross-link density 26957 and lower molecular weight between cross-links than the conventionally cured samples. The results showed that the microwave cured samples had a more compact network structure and suggest a better stiffness and strength in the microwave cured samples. This improved stiffness is ascribed to a better molecular alignment and a greater homogeneity which is found in the microwave cured samples.