LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE EPOXY-RESINS - A GLYCIDYL-TERMINATED BENZALDEHYDE AZINE CURED IN THE NEMATIC PHASE

Rigid rod glycidyl-terminated monomers can be crosslinked in a liq. cryst. structure by reaction with diamines. The ordered phase forms in the initial stage of the curing reaction, during the growing of a prepolymer and is stabilized during the network formation. Temp. strongly affects the state of order of the cured thermoset. The isothermal curing of the liq. cryst. material is characterized by a double peak exotherm, whose second max. has been related to the formation of the nematic phase. Phys. characterization of the liq.-cryst. epoxy resin indicates lower residual reactivity and superior fracture toughness.