Jürgen Klotz,¹ Witold Brostow,² Michael Hess,^1,2 and Wiebren S. Veeman¹

¹Department of Physical Chemistry, Gerhard Mercator University, D-47048 Duisburg, Germany
²Department of Materials Science, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203-5308

ABSTRACT

The amount, behavior, and localization of water in epoxy resin composites largely influence the mechanical properties and aging. Gravimetric analysis combined with ²H-NMR of heavy water in epoxy resin glass fabric composites provides direct information about types of water, which can be distinguished by their mobility. Three different epoxy composites were analyzed with this technique. The results are correlated with mechanical properties.

*Polymer Eng. & Sci. 1996, 36, 1129.