Internal stress of epoxy resin modified with acrylic core-shell particles containing functional groups prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization

Abstract

In order to reduce the internal stress in a cured epoxy resin, submicrometer-sized poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) core-shell particles having cross-links were dispersed in the resin prior to curing. For the introduction of cross-links, monoethylene glycol dimethacrylate or glycidyl methacrylate monomer was copolymerized. Cross-links in the PBA core reduced the shrinkage of the cured epoxy resin, and cross-links at the PMMA shell produced a strong interaction with the epoxy matrix. The internal stress was reduced effectively by the introduction of cross-links.