Microwave curing of modified benzoxazine resin/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber/Kevlar composite

AbstractThe purpose of this paper was to show how modified benzoxazine resin/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber/Kevlar composites are prepared. The compatibilization of polar benzoxazine resin and non‐polar EPDM was carried out by EPDM‐g‐MAH copolymer synthesized as a compatibilizer, and then, the microwave (MW) irradiation method and conventional thermal cure (CV) were used to cure this composite. The samples cured by both methods were evaluated and compared by differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA). Microwave curing significantly reduced the curing time, and the composites cured with MW irradiation had higher glass transition temperature (Tg), more uniform curing, higher cross‐link density, and more thermal stability than CV‐cured composites.Highlights Constructing BZ/EPDM/Kevlar thermal composite for use at high temperatures. Using modified resin to reduce curing temperature and improve final properties. Creating compatibility between non‐polar EPDM rubber and polar BZ resin. Investigating and comparing between thermal and MW curing of the composites.