It can be seen that the fracture toughness significantly increases for the TEPs-modified DCB specimens. From data point the Graph in Fig. 9, for 5 wt% TEPs-modified specimens, GIc , increased by approximately 152%. For 10 wt%, GIc , increased by approximately 57%, while for 15 wt%, GIc increased by approximately 37%.

3. Thermal analysis tests results

A thermal analysis was performed in order to investigate the behaviour of the particles while encapsulated in this particular adhesive system.