Simultaneous and gradient IPN of polyurethane/vinyl ester resin: Morphology and mechanical properties

A series of polyurethane (PU) and vinyl ester resin (VER) simultaneous and gradient interpenetrating polymer networks (represented as s-IPN and g-IPN, resp.) curing at room temperature were prepared by changing the component ratios of PU or VER in s-IPN, time intervals, and component ratio sequences of s-IPN in g-IPN. The microstructures of s-IPN and g-IPN were detected by atomic force microscope (AFM), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), and surface constitution scanning of nitrogen element of energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDX), respectively. The mechanical properties of s-IPN and g-IPN were studied by values in strain-stress curves detected by electronic multipurpose tester. The results indicated that the morphology and mechanical properties are both affected by PU/VER component ratios in s-IPN, gradient time intervals, and gradient component ratio sequences. Furthermore, the morphology detection by EDX and mechanical properties study both proved the formation of gradient structures in transition regions of g-IPN.