Adhesive and flame resistance behavior of poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide) (PEPO) and PEPO-modified epoxy resins

Poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide) (PEPO) with controlled molecular weights and amine end-groups was synthesized, and used as an adhesive, a coating material for adherend or a modifier for diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DCTEBA)-based epoxy resins. Closely related poly(arylene ether sulfone) and commercial polyethersulfone, Udel(R) P-1700, were also utilized for comparison purposes. Adhesive behavior was measured via single lap shear samples as a function of coated polymer type, test temperature (R.T. and 100 degreesC), and aging condition in boiling distilled water or 5% salt water. Flame resistance of PEPO and PEPO-modified epoxy resin was evaluated by TGA and a flame test. PEPO exhibited better adhesive properties than PES or Udel(R) P-1700. PEPO coating on an Al adherend markedly improved adhesive property of PES and Udel(R) even at 100 degreesC, and after aging study failure mode changed from adhesive to cohesive with the PEPO. Aminophenyl terminated PEPO-modified epoxy resins also exhibited highly improved adhesive behavior and flame resistance, compared to control samples. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.