Dicyanate ester-polyetherimide semi-interpenetrating polymer networks. II. Effects of morphology on the fracture toughness and mechanical properties

A high temperature thermosetting bisphenol-A dicyanate (BADCy) was modified with polyetherimide (PEI) at various compositions. The effects of the morphology of the blends on the fracture toughness and mechanical properties were investigated. For this purpose, fracture, flexural, and compression tests were carried out. The fracture surfaces of the broken specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The morphology was controlled by changing the curing conditions and PEI content. A good correlation between fracture properties and microstructural features of the mixtures has been observed. The phase-inverted morphologies showed the highest fracture toughness, which was further increased by increasing the cure temperature. The mechanical properties of the matrix (modulus, yield strength) were not affected by the addition of the thermoplastic. Fracture energy values show similar trends for the different mechanical tests performed.