Ultrasound as a factor initiating changes in the internal structure and properties of a polymer

Abstract

In many areas of technology, ultrasound has found a number of applications. Their specific frequency and the vibrations it causes allow for obtaining a number of beneficial phenomena, e.g. propagation, refraction or diffraction of waves, cavitation, increase in the temperature of the medium exposed to ultrasound. Aphenomenon directly related to the use of ultrasound in technology is sonication. The effects of its action can be considered as physical, chemical and mechanical. The study contains the results of research and observation of changes in the rheological properties of epoxy resins subjected to the action of a stationary sonicator. At a specific frequency of ultrasonic waves (24 kHz) and power (400W) it was possible to destabilize the base structure and form a new structure of resins. Due to this, an influence was obtained on the basic rheological and physicochemical parameters of polymers, which are of particular importance in the gluing process. Structural changes of hardened resins were additionally examined using an SEM microscope. The results prove a significant improvement in the parameters of epoxy adhesives subjected to sonication while maintaining some of the base parameters defining the properties of resins as materials.