| This research was focused on study of environmental effects on epoxy based adhesives, including the mechanical properties, chemical resistance and its influence on the adhesion properties of the adhesive. The epoxy resin, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A was selected for this research due to its unique combination of properties. The curing agents, cycloaliphatic amine, modified polyamide, and imidazole were selected for this research. The cured specimens were immersed in five environments, which included buffer solutions of pH 4, 7, and 10, ink at 80°C and Fuel C at room temperature. Water absorption, hardness reduction, and dynamic mechanical properties were measured.; The experimental results showed that the physical properties of epoxy-cured specimens could be affected by water and ink. The absorbed water and ink plasticized the materials, decreased their mechanical properties, reduced the glass transition temperature and reduced storage modulus. The physical and chemical properties were not greatly influenced by immersion of the samples in Fuel C at room temperature. |
