AUTHOR
Torneus, Henrik

DATE
2003-02-10

DEPARTMENT
Applied Physics and Mechanical Engineering / Polymer Engineering

SUMMARY
The processing of thermoset polymers is very important for the properties. The use of a tool to estimate the degree of cure is a very useful way of prediction. Cure kinetic models are mathematical tools for describing the cure reaction. The most commonly used cure kinetic models have been evaluated for different thermoset polymers. Three thermosets have been tested, polyester, vinyl ester and epoxy. These thermosets are the most commonly used today.

Thermal characterisation has been done on the resins with the use of DSC, solid fixture in a rheometer and Raman spectroscopy. Especially the glass transition temperature Tg has been investigated in DSC and solid fixture for comparison of the methods. The complex modulus G* and logarithmic decrement Ë has been studied in the solid fixture. The Raman and DSC have been used for determination of the degree of cure. The specific heat capacity Cp has been studied during the measurements in the DSC.

Methods for the use of the solid fixture at SICOMP for testing on thermosets have been developed with the help of existing standards for measurements on viscoelastic materials. The aim of this development is to get a simple and rapid method for determination of the glass transition temperature Tg. Comparison between solid fixture and a DMTA have also been done, to see if the method can work as an alternative test method.

ISSN 1402-1617 / ISRN LTU-EX--03/052--SE / NR 2003:052