Positron age-momentum correlation studies of free volumes in toughened cyanate resin networks

Positron age-momentum correlation (AMOC) spectroscopy is applied to study the associations between the momentum distributions and positron annihilation in the toughened CE networks. The Doppler profile of the positron annihilation process is much broader for the toughened CE than pure CE network. This is due to positron trapping on high polar groups of the added elastomers or nano-CaCO3 and annihilation with the electrons of high momenta. The broadening momentum distribution of ortho-positronium annihilation process indicates that the pick-off annihilation process is strongly influenced by the added high polar elastomers or nano-CaCO3. The potential of AMOC spectroscopy for free volume analysis in polymer blends was demonstrated.

► AMOC can be applied to the analyses of interfacial properties in polymer blends.
► The Doppler profile is much broader for the toughened CE than pure CE network.
► Positron trapping on high polar groups of the modifiers is demonstrated by AMOC.