Thermoset-thermoplastic-ionic liquid ternary hybrids as novel functional polymer materials

In this paper, the synergistic use of polyetherimide (PEI) and a phosphonium-based ionic liquid (IL) as multifunctional agents in epoxy networks is evidenced. Indeed, such a combination leads to tailor both morphology and interphase and acts as polymerization initiator. The influence of the PEI content (5, 10, 15, and 20 phr) on the morphology and final properties has been investigated and compared with the ones of the conventional epoxy/amine-thermoplastic networks. According to the complex interphase generated from the thermoplasticILcombination, a more pronounced hydrophobic behavior combined with an improved thermal stability were obtained for the epoxy-PEI-IL hybrid networks without degradation of the initial thermoset fracture toughness. Besides, due to the presence of such IL-rich interphase between thermoplastic phase and the epoxy, a shape memory behavior was highlighted for the first time for such polymer blends which can make them very promising materials for applications requiring multifunctionality.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the synergistic use of PEI and IL in epoxy networks, improving hydrophobic behavior and thermal stability while introducing shape memory behavior. The complex interphase generated by the thermoplastic-IL combination enhances the multifunctionality of the polymer blends.