Characterization Studies of Fluorinated Epoxy Resins: Naval Experimental Resin C8/1SA as a Structural Material and for Use in Blends and Composites

Epoxy thermosets are currently the material of choice for high performance composite materials. They have high modulus, low weight, excellent adhesion to the filler component, and high dimensional and thermal stability as well as processing characteristics much more tractable than thermoplastics. Unfortunately, epoxies are often attacked by environmental elements, especially water, resulting in a degradation of properties. As such, modification of epoxies to improve their environmental resistance is valuable consideration. Epoxy resins incorporating large fluorine contents have met this challenge, showing low contact angle, low measure uptake and improved flame resistance. What remains is the need to investigate the suitability of such resins for use in structural materials.