Predicting the thermomechanical properties of an epoxy resin blend as a function of temperature and strain rate

Group Interaction Modelling is used to predict the properties of a popular aerospace epoxy resin matrix. The thermomechanical and engineering properties of a blend of multifunctional epoxy resins cured with a typical amine hardener are predicted. The properties are predicted as a function of temperature, strain rate and blend ratio and compare very well to experimental values. The properties are rationalised in terms of the chemical and physical nature of the highly crosslinked 3D network nature of the cured polymer.