Isothermal decomposition behaviors which take place in the polymer matrix are of paramount importance in the understanding of polymer flame retardancy and processing property. In the present study, the thermal decomposition of polyepoxyphenylsilsesquioxane/epoxy resin (PEPSQ/EP) systems was investigated by the means of isothermal thermogravimetry at temperatures of 300-330 degrees C in nitrogen. The isoconversional method was used to calculate the activation energy of PEPSQ/EP systems in the case of isothermal decomposition. The results showed that the activation energy was first raised and then with the increasing of degree of conversion quickly decreased. Furthermore, the activation energy of PEPSQ/EP system is less than that of pure EP in any degree of conversion, which is attributed to the addition of the PEPSQ.

Epoxy resin; polyepoxyphenylsilsesquioxane; isothermal decomposition; kinetic; activation energy

宁波工程学院