Surface chemistry of carbon black through curing process of epoxy resin Original Research Article

The effects of oxidized carbon black surfaces on the epoxy resin curing process were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The addition of oxidized carbon black accelerated the initial cure reaction of the epoxy-amine system. Peak temperature in DSC exotherm of the resin system falls in proportion to the ratio of surface ester groups on carbon black added. Results obtained from model compounds confirmed that COOH groups on the carbon black surface play an important role in promoting the initial cure reaction of the system. The degree of enthalpy change associated with the cure reaction was found to be almost independent of the chemical structure of the carbon black surface.