Three-component interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN's) from polyurethanes,epoxies, and poly(methacrylates)

Three-component IPN systems made from polyurethanes, epoxies, and poly(methacrylates) containing charge groups in the backbones of the constituent networks have been prepared. Specific attractive forces that occurred among the various networks helped to compatibilize them and aided in the formation of true homogeneous topologically interpenetrating polymer networks. These three-component polymer alloys, including full-IPN's, pseudo-IPN's, and graft-IPN's, were characterized by means of mechanical spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and stress–strain properties. In addition, some adhesion studies were carried out (lap shear strength and peel strength). A comparison of the different types of three-component polymer alloys showed that better properties were generally exhibited by the graft-IPN's and full-IPN's containing opposite charge groups.