Molecular architecture and morphology homogenization of polycarbonate-crosslinked epoxy resins

This study demonstrates the formation of a network structure by crosslinking of an epoxy with bisphenol-A polycarbonate (PC) by via hydroxyl and carbonate groups upon heating without any amine or anhydride curing agents. The changes of morphology of the crosslinked network structure during reactions was examined. The observation of intermediate morphology prior to the final network suggests that exchange reactions yield various product species in localized regions that introduced some temporary non-homogeneity; nevertheless, the final stage of reactions led to a homogenized epoxy/PC network. A likely molecular architecture of network building is discussed.